Dr. Samy Ayad Saleh-Hanna

Dr. Samy Ayad Saleh-Hanna was the beloved husband to Janet George Nassar and loving father to Marianne Trubiani (Christopher), Dr. Viviane Saleh-Hanna (Michael Alston) and Sherine Kharooba (Nabil). He was the proud grandfather of Leila and Nicole Trubiani; Biko and Yasmeen Alston-Hanna; Kayla, Gabriel and Nicholas Kharooba.  

Dr. Samy was born in Kafr El-Zayat in Egypt on October 20, 1930. He was the second of five children born to the late Ayad Saleh Hanna and the late Fayza Youssef Hanna, and devoted brother to the late Alice Ayad, Atiyat Ayad (the late Helmi Iskander), the late Layla Ayad (the late Francis Sobhy), and the late Magdy Ayad (Samira Ibrahim).  He was a cherished uncle to Dr. Emad, Wafik and Jihan Iskander; Fayez and Mariam Sobhy; Magda, Medhat, Dr. Mamdouh, and Maged Ayad; and loving cousin to the late Dr. Hani, Dr. Magdy, and Dr. Eman Gamil Youssef.  

Dr. Samy received his medical degree from the College of Medicine at the University of Alexandria in Egypt, and his PhD from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in England. Early in his career he was a general practitioner in villages throughout Egypt in the 1950s. He was cherished during these years, and many named their sons “Samy” after he attended to their births. He also worked in the dessert villages of Upper Egypt with lasting commemorations to his contributions in Sohag. Dr. Samy practiced medicine in Cairo and throughout the United Kingdom in the 1960s and 70’s. He went on to become the first psychiatrist in Dubai and established mental health care services in Rashid Hospital in the 1970s. He joined a team of psychiatrists at Souris Valley Regional Care Center in Weyburn, Saskatchewan in the 1980s, and returned to Dubai to open his own private practice “Dr. Samy Ayad Clinic” in the 1990s where he would stay until he retired.  

Over the years, he was invited to lecture and consult on psychiatric research and practice all over the world in academic conferences and community forums. He authored a weekly column for Zahrat Al Khaleej magazine, wrote articles in local newspapers, gave televised lectures, and was often asked to serve as an expert witness on mental health in courtrooms. Dr. Samy had a special dedication to working with the elderly and disabled. He led a long and impactful career that spanned the globe and increased the quality of life of thousands of people. His passions in life included deep sea fishing and gardening. Above all else, Dr. Samy was deeply committed to his immediate and extended family, the Coptic Church, and his community. He will be cherished in our hearts forever.  

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, a private family Funeral will be held on Saturday, April 24th, at 1:00 PM EST at St. George and St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Church in Ottawa.

Everyone else is welcome to participate virtually through the following live stream link: https://youtu.be/FIfIANpEQOA   

In remembrance of his life, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Coptic Orphans at https://copticorphans.org/programs/donate-now/

May the Lord repose his soul in the Paradise of Joy and grant peace and comfort to all who love him.