George Michael Bnaity born 1935 in Antioch, Turkey and raised in Lattakia, Syria, was a son to Selma Mnayer and Michael Bnaity (siblings: Mary, John, and Jameele). He was a husband to Josephine Ibrahim; a father to Mike, Vivian, Sanna, and Johnny; a grandfather to Rona, Chantal, Andre, Joelle, Larsa, and George Jr.; and a great-grandfather to Cairo and Caliana.

Anyone who knew my dad described him as a man of great intellect, generous, calm, and honest, a silent giver with a great sense of humour. He always taught by example and never lectured or preached. He always saw the good in people. He worked at Lattakia Port, was a distributor of “Bubble Up”, a store owner and an employee of Sears, where he received a plaque for exemplary service and attendance.

Our fondest memories with Baba is when he would wake up very early and he would make us breakfast (za’atar, labneh, olives, fried eggs, and definitely tea). Whenever our friends came over and we’d be watching a movie, he would go to the kitchen and make us popcorn. He owned a Vespa in the 70’s and a pickup truck in the 80’s. He would take us on picnics or to the beach, and would always pack us some snacks. The most memorable time is when our family and our cousins (Rami, George, Nicolas) would ride in the back of the pickup for an outing in the countryside of Lattakia, and we would sing and clap and laugh the whole way.

My dad may have never said these words to us “I love you”, but he said it to us in so many different ways. People told us how proud he was of all of us. If we showed disrespect or did anything wrong, all he had to do was give us “the look”. George loved his wife Josephine with all his heart and never let her down once. He was her right hand and did everything to keep her comfortable and happy.

We love you Baba, and will miss you every day and every moment of our lives. You have been an amazing “Baba”. We look forward to seeing you again in heaven with all our loved ones who have passed.

Allah ma’ak ya ghali!