Salim D Gappy

Salim was a devoted family man. He and his wife, Ekhlas were blessed with four daughters, Summer, Cindy, Donna, and Devon. He also leaves behind a son-in-law, Odey, and four grandchildren, Jasmine, Jocelyn, Michael, and Joseph, whom he loved dearly. Salim always told his daughters the reason why he lived so long was because he didn't want to leave his girls.

Born on March 3, 1926, in Telkef, Iraq, Salim led a life marked by adventure and bravery. Salim was a farmer and worked on the family land. After the passing of his father, he migrated to Fallujah, Iraq, where he experienced separation from his mother and brothers, often praying to see them in his dreams. In 1968, Salim married his beloved wife, Ekhlas, and together they migrated to the United States, and settled in El Cajon, California.

Salim was an entrepreneur who very generously helped his in-laws also migrate to the United States. He built businesses and stable income in order to provide for many family members, demonstrating his hard-working and selfless nature. Salim worked hard until he was 89 to provide for his family.

Known for his kind-hearted and humorous spirit, Salim was an avid outdoorsman who loved gardening, fishing, and boxing. He often closed his business on Sundays to take his children fishing, sharing his love for the outdoors with them. Salim also spent time with his daughters and grandchildren watching boxing matches. Salim was a cowboy of sorts, navigating life with wisdom and loyalty. He was a natural-born teacher, imparting his knowledge to his children and grandchildren.

Salim's hospitality was unmatched, always ensuring that family and friends were well fed and never left his home hungry. His devotion extended to his siblings, for whom he was a father figure after losing his own father at a young age.

Salim was a proud Chaldean and proud of his heritage. He was the true Lion of Babylon.

Salim was a fan of Andy Williams, and his favorite song was Impossible Dream. Salim lived the Impossible Dream and made everything possible for his family.

This beloved husband, father and grandfather will be incredibly missed, remembered and live on in the hearts of all those that loved him dearly. Salim always expressed his love for Mother Mary during his life and leaned on her for everything to intercede for us. As hard as it was to lose him on one of the holiest nights before he could unwrap his gifts, we have peace in knowing that Mary interceded even in his final hour and made sure he was gifted our lord and savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth for his last Christmas here on Earth, and we will always be grateful to the Heavenly Father for greeting him into the kingdom of heaven on such a holy, beautiful and blessed day.

As we bid farewell to our Bobba we rest in the blessed assurance that his journey on earth has led him home to the arms of our Savior. In the words of Scripture, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain," for Salim now beholds the face of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the King of kings and Lord of lords, radiant in glory and perfect in love. All honor, praise, and glory belong to Him alone—the Alpha and Omega, the Resurrection and the Life—who conquered death, redeemed His people, and prepares an everlasting dwelling for those who trust in His name. To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, located at 2766 Navajo Rd, El Cajon, CA 92020, on January 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A committal service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, located at 4470 Hilltop Dr, San Diego, CA 92102, from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm.