Sabah Yousif Youash was born on April 18, 1938 in the city of Kirkuk, Iraq. He passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 86.

Sabah is survived by his wife, Wardia Youash; their children, Michael Youash and wife Lundi, Michelle Gouveia and husband Kevin, and Marsha Merza and husband Martin; and eleven grandchildren, Micaela, Ashley, Marian, Chloe, Gabriel, Justin, Lucian, Ilona, Clarisse, Antoine and Evan. Sabah is also survived by his brother Sargon Youash.

Sabah is preceded in death by his father Youash and mother, Catrina; and siblings David Youash, Younathan Youash, and Doris Ganja.

Sabah (aka ‘Sam,’ aka ‘Brother,’ aka ‘Uncle Sabah’) grew up in Kirkuk and Baghdad, Iraq. He then moved to the U.S. to study at the University of Texas in Austin, proudly graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 1972, he moved again, to Canada, where he met and married Wardia on July 21, 1974, with whom he enjoyed his life’s joys and overcame its many challenges to provide for and build a close and loving family.

Sabah began his career in the corporate sector, working in financial management and accounting, eventually becoming an accounting manager. With some help from family, he went into business for himself, running two convenience stores consecutively and helping other family members enter the business. Sabah then decided to ‘take it slow’ by opening a successful, independent pet supply and grooming shop until he retired to enjoy the fruits of his hard work.

His happiness was always grounded in being with family and sharing what he could with others. Sabah cherished his trailer (pronounced ‘tray-lah’) in Bobcaygeon as a getaway spot, but his absolute joy came from seeing others enjoy it. His passion for football, especially the Dallas Cowboys, led to annual Superbowl parties beginning in 1993 where he spent as much time reminding guests to get more food or drink as he did watching the game. Sabah’s love of travel was always as much about the family members with him as the places he visited.

Sabah’s legacy is not just in the family he leaves behind but in his efforts to always keep the bonds of family close and strong.