SAAD EL-GABALAWY

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SAAD EL-GABALAWY 1927 - 2002 Saad El-Gabalawy of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully in the presence of his children on May 4, 2002, after a brief illness, at the age of 75. He was predeceased by his wife and lifelong companion Aida. He is survived by his son Hani (Alda) El-Gabalawy; his daughter Amany (Timothy) Watters; and his grandchildren, Nadia, Carla, Renee, Mark, Adam, and Andrea. Saad was born in Cairo, Egypt on April 19, 1927. He received his university undergraduate degree in English literature at the University of Cairo. He then received his Masters degree from Exeter University and his PhD from the University of Liverpool, England. He and his wife Aida and their children, Hani and Amany, immigrated to Canada in 1968. He took a position as an assistant Professor in the English Department, University of Calgary, where he spent his entire academic career. He retired as a full Professor in 1993, after which he was appointed as Professor Emeritus until his death. During his distinguished career at the University of Calgary he mentored numerous students, several of whom chose a career in literature. He authored a large number of scholarly publications in the area of 17th Century English literature. Possibly his greatest scholarly achievement was to bring a body of Arabic literature to the English speaking world by translating classic Egyptian novels and short stories by literary giants such as the Nobel prize winning author Naguib Mahfouz. Saads great literary intellect formed a bridge between two cultures, an achievement rarely accomplished. During his retirement, he pursued his passion in travel around the world. One of his greatest pleasures was visiting his eldest sister, Soeur Marie De LIncarnation, at the Delivrande convent schools that she administered throughout the world. When not travelling, he enjoyed a quiet life in Calgary, having intimate lunches with friends and colleagues, and frequent visits from his grandchildren, whom he adored. Funeral services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAYS "Chapel of the Bells," 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, on Thursday, May 9 at 3:00 p.m. To e-mail expressions of sympathy: condolences@mcinnisandholloway.com Subject Heading: Saad El-Gabalawy The family wish to thank the compassionate staff of Unit 62 at Foothills Hospital for their wonderful care during his last days. The family also wish to extend their deep gratitude to Dr. Deb Putnam for her longstanding and compassionate commitment to his health care, and to Dr. Laura McLeod for her unwavering support and friendship. His warmth, generosity, and humour will be dearly missed by all of those whose lives he touched. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donors choice. In living memory of Saad El-Gabalawy, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, "Chapel Of The Bells," 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 276-2296.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2002