Kevin "Kamal" Saaloukeh

Born and raised in Latakia, Syria, Kevin lived a life defined by family, friendship, generosity, and a genuine love for people. His journey took him from Syria to the United Arab Emirates and eventually to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he built a life for his family and became a cherished member of the community.

Kevin graduated from Damascus University in 1973 with a degree in civil engineering. During his university years, he was an avid basketball player, representing the Engineering Faculty and travelling to several Eastern European countries to compete in international university tournaments. His love of sports, adventure, and discovering the world would remain a part of who he was throughout his life.

In 1974, Kevin married the love of his life, Noura Tanelian. Together, they began their life as a couple in the United Arab Emirates, where Kevin worked as a civil engineer for several companies before eventually establishing his own engineering business. After many years in the UAE, both children raised and educated in the Al-Ain, the family moved to Halifax, Canada, where Kevin pursued several business ventures before earning his real estate licence. During this chapter of his life, he continued to find a meaningful way to help others, helping to settle many Arab immigrants as they made their homes and built new lives on Canada's East Coast.

While Kevin's professional journey took him across continents and into different fields, it was his character and the way he treated others that truly defined him.

Kevin was, above all, a kind and gentle soul. He had a natural gift for bringing people together and making everyone around him feel welcome. A true social butterfly, he enjoyed the company of friends, conversations over coffee, and the simple pleasure of sharing laughter and good times. He wanted people to be happy, to get along, and to enjoy life to the fullest.

His generosity was never about recognition or praise. If someone needed help, Kevin would find a way to offer it. He gave his time quietly, sincerely, and without expectation of anything in return. His kindness was an expression of who he was, rooted in a deep spirituality and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. He was actively involved in St. Antonios Orthodox Church in Halifax, which held an important place in his life.

Family was always at the heart of Kevin's world. He treasured the summers when the family returned to Syria after the school year ended, bringing everyone together to reconnect, share stories, and create memories. Those gatherings were an important tradition, reflecting his love for his roots and the bonds that connected generations of his family. He especially cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren during the holidays, when being together was reason enough to celebrate.

Kevin also believed in giving his children a broad view of the world. He loved to travel and made a point of bringing Rami and Lana along on trips abroad, wanting them to experience different cultures, meet people from different backgrounds, and appreciate the richness of the world beyond their own. Through these experiences, he shared something far more lasting than the memories of the places they visited: an appreciation for others, an openness to different perspectives, and an understanding that kindness transcends borders.

His love of sports continued well beyond his university years. When his children developed a passion for sports, Kevin embraced tennis himself, becoming a modest player and joining Rami in weekly round-robin tournaments. He also joined Lana at her weekly horse-back riding events. Kevin always found a way to share in his children's interests. These moments, like so many others, became treasured memories of a father who took joy in being present in his children's lives.

Kevin will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Noura; his children, Rami (Karen Lister) and Lana (Leo Whiffen); and his cherished grandchildren, Zavier, Lucca, and Lia, who brought him immense joy.

He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Michael Saaloukeh (Dr. Zina Saaloukeh) and their children, George and Maya; Elias Saaloukeh (Haifa Recho) and their children, Michael and Rouba; and Bassam Saaloukeh (Sanaa Sarhan) and their children. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, relatives, and the many friends whose lives he touched throughout his journey.

Kevin leaves behind a legacy that cannot only be measured by professional accomplishments or the places he called home. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the people he helped, and the countless acts of kindness he offered without ever seeking recognition.

For those who knew Kevin, his absence will be deeply felt in the conversations that will no longer take place over coffee, the family gatherings that will never quite be the same, and the familiar warmth he brought into every room. Yet his spirit will remain in the stories we tell, the traditions we continue, and the kindness we pass on to others in his name.

He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 20th at 11 AM at Saint Antonios Orthodox Church on Windsor Street. Interment will follow at 12:30 PM at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax. Visitation will occur at our home on 133 Stonybrook Court, Halifax, between 4:30 to 9 PM.

May his memory be eternal.