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.
Digital Guestbook
Rev. Wayne L. Alston
Rahwa H.
Condolences to Janet, Marianne, Viv, Sherine and all of Dr. Saleh-Hanna's loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace.
Rene and Aline Bendali
Our deepest condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you as you are going through this difficult time.
Sonya Nassar Hanhan
Deepest condolences to Mrs. Janet Nassar Hanna, Marianne, Viviane, Sherine, Chris, Nabil, Michael, Kayla, Gabriel, Nicholas, Leila, Nicole, Biko and Yasmeen. Dr. Samy was a wonderful gentleman that we are going to miss. Always hospitable and the foundation of his beautiful Family. We cherish our times together and he will never be forgotten. May God Bless his Soul and May HIs Memory be Eternal. Love and Prayers: Sonya Nassar Hanhan, Mariam, Abraham, Charles, Aftim, Souraya, Abraham Jr. Jennifer and Sarah. The Nassar-Hanhan Families.
Talaat Matar
Dr Samy was the first one to meet when I arrived to work in UAE . He was a friend of my elder brother who was living in Shargha . Dr Samy introduced me to the psychiatrists inUAE and was my mentor and supervisor and used to call me his favourite son and I considered him my father . I can’t express my feeling to know he has travelled forever . My heartfelt condolence to the family
Soha ,Tony ,Christopher and Nicholas Awad
✝️ Our deepest condolence for our great loss . We are sure that Uncle Dr. Samy is in a better, peaceful place . He will be greatly missed.
Mounir and Susie Massoud
We pray that God May Rest his soul, and Grant the whole family His Perfect Peace.
Samy will be greatly missed.
Michael Goodman
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
Charles and Tara Nassar
Dear Janet, Sherine, Marianne and Vianne and family. We are saddened by the passing of your beloved husband and father. Our memory of him is how thoughtful and gentle a man he was, frequently with the twinkle in his eye. He will be sorely missed. We are sorry that we cannot be with you in Ottawa at this time to share in the sorrow of his loss and to celebrate his remarkable life.
Soha,Tony, Christopher and Nicholas Awad
Our heartfelt condolences to Jano, Marianne, Viviane , Sherine and all the family.May our Lord repose uncle Dr.Samy ‘s soul in the paradise of joy and give you comfort and peace .
We love you all.
Dr. Samy's remarkable life speaks volumes about his faith and the goodness of God. All my love to his wife and family.