Riad Abuelsamid

On October 21 my dear, sweet dad Riad Abuelsamid passed away at Joseph Brant Hospital after a 2 year struggle with cancer. He was with family and closest friends and went peacefully while holding the hand of his loving wife Zvonka, to whom he had been married for 53 years. He was an intelligent, unassuming man who loved his family and would do anything to help a friend in need.
Riad is survived by his wife Zvonka, his daughter Sue, his son Sam and his family, his precious pup Maggie. and many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He was born in Irbid, Jordan on Feb 2nd, 1938 and immigrated to Canada in 1968 after somehow convincing Zvonka to marry him in 1965. He studied engineering in university in Slovenia where he met Zvonka and after they came to Canada he relaxed at Stelco Steel for over 30 years. He was best known for arriving at work with bags full of Zvonka's amazing pastries which he used to bribe others to do his work for him.
He accepted his diagnosis with grace and lived each day in the way that made him most happy. Just days before he died he was out driving around, shopping at costco, and running errands. A few days later he went into hospital never to return home. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend with a great sense of humour and always did his best to make others happy.
Wherever he is now, I am sure he is eating chocolate and cake with a smile on his face .He will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Riad's life will take place from 2-5 pm on Sunday Oct 28th at Heritage Place Retirement Residences, 4151 Kilmer Drive, Burlington.