Obituary of Nabil Amin Zakhary

March 18, 1936 – December 13, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nabil Zakhary. He died peacefully in his home on December 13, 2020.

Nabil is survived by his wife Antoinette, his daughters Nirvana Read (Steve Read) and Silvia Klassen (Tim Klassen), and his grandchildren Michaela, Katriel, Joshua, Natania, Noelle, Eden, Josiah and Jewel.

Predeceased by his siblings: Odette Hanna, Atef Zakhary, Rifaat Zakhary and Wafik Zakhary.

Nabil was born in Egypt in 1936 and came to Canada in 1974. Everything Nabil did since he came to personally know Jesus was guided by his love for God and a desire to walk in His ways. Trained as an engineer, he spent his career solving problems. In his free time, he enjoyed learning Hebrew. Late in his career, he found great satisfaction teaching technical courses. Though trained technically, Nabil also had an artistic flare. As a young man, he enjoyed painting and later in his life, he took delight in graphic design. He particularly loved his garden: creating an elaborate display which brought joy to many. Vibrant colours and his eclectic tastes could be seen through the plethora of decorations he put in his garden, which led to many conversations with neighbours and those walking by. He also loved spending time dwelling on the wonder of God’s creation. 

Nabil was a kind, loving and generous man who made such an incredibly good impression on those around him. He was a devoted and caring husband who put a high priority on family and maintaining relationships with others. On numerous occasions, he opened his home to help those who were in need.  Nabil had a gift to make people feel like they were the most important person in the world while talking to him. He radiated the love of Jesus to those around him. Despite many health problems over multiple decades, he maintained a hope and a faith in God that was inspiring to those around him. We are so sad to see him go, yet we know that he is now in a much better place that is free of the pain and suffering that was a part of his daily life. He finished his race well and is now with his Lord, enjoying a freedom and beauty that we can only begin to imagine. He will be greatly missed by those that remain here on earth.

The Zakhary family will receive relatives and friends at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo on Friday, December 18, 2020 from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. To attend the visitation, everyone must please wear a facial covering and RSVP to the funeral home by calling 519-745-8445. The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, 306 Erb Street W., Waterloo on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 11 a.m. The service will be live-streamed at the following link http://hawkeyefilms.ca/in_memory_of/Nabil-Amin-Zakhary.html A private family interment will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Creation Ministries International, First Baptist Church Waterloo, or a Christian Missionary of your choice may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.