Dr. Michel Zaki Goubran

He was born on February 15, 1935, in Cairo, Egypt. He was the eldest son of the late Nazek Rizk-Allah and Zaki Mikhael Goubran. Affectionately known as “Dr. G,” he was an OB/GYN during the day, and avid antiques collector during his off hours. He enjoyed displaying his finds in just “the right way” throughout his home, much to the dismay of his wife, Ludmila Prantl Goubran, to whom he was married to for 56 years.

He held a deep dislike of broccoli and chicken, even to the point of posting, during his final weeks, pictures of the offending ingredients, when included in his hospital meal. In contrast, he loved his grandchildren, who were perfect in every way, requiring little to no correction but should be provided endless supplies of chocolate eggs at Easter, and Italian chocolates the rest of the year.

Famously opinionated, he passed this trait on to his sons, Michel (wife Leslie, children Zoey, Eva, Zaki), and Gerald (wife Catherine, children Victoria, Farrah†, and Gerald, and Brendan). Dr. G’s talent for issuing “guidance” is present in his two daughters, Rosemary (husband Henry, children, Maria, Elena, Stephen and Travis,) and Maryann (husband John, children Jack and Christian.) He found joy in meeting and interacting with the “babies” he delivered throughout his long career, wanting to hear about their lives and who they grew up to be. He especially enjoyed the “adventures” involving Watkins Barker, AP Currin, and his son, Gerald.

Dr. G had strong beliefs in which he never wavered. His views were a constant; gardens must include roses, Champagne must be dry, politics (no comment here), church and prayer are essential, and chicken, there is no good way to cook chicken. He had an overabundance of stature, standing over six feet tall, with charisma and feistiness to match. He took fashion advice from few, wearing his trademark hospital greens daily and then sporting elegant jackets, tasteful cufflinks, and his signature bow tie to special events.

A deacon in the Coptic church, Dr. G was a model of strong will and sheer determination. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nazek Rizk-Allah and Zaki Mikhael Goubran, brother Maher Goubran, and sisters, Raymonde Goubran, Berlant “Bernadette” Goubran, Marie Therese Goubran, and Isis “Yvonne” Goubran. His mark on this earth was indelible and his voice will be missed.

A visitation for Michel will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, 3405 N New Hope Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604. Committal will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church. Information on how to donate is listed below under "donations."

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