Galip Okyay

Galip Okyay was born in Ardahan, Turkey on June 20, 1952 to Kemal and Saltanat Okyay. He moved to Ankara in 1961 with his family while his father served in the Turkish Parliament. He graduated from Hacettepe University in Ankara in 1981 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He met his wife, Zuhal, on November 19, 1975 at the Turco-British Association and they married on July 13, 1982 in Ankara. To this day, Galip and Zuhal have celebrated the 19th of every month for 531 months.

His first job was as an engineer at the Aygersan in the automobile industry, where he later became the plant manager. He remained at Aygersan until the birth of his son, Kutay, in 1988. He then started his own company and named it “Kutay Engineering” where he designed and manufactured surveying equipment for the construction industry. He ran the company successfully for 15 years as the only local manufacturer of equipment of this kind. In 2001, his brother-in-law, Serhan Kokuuslu, presented an opportunity to work together here in the U.S. Galip and Zuhal made a decision to move to the U.S. in order to provide a better life for their children and moved the family to Virginia in 2003. Galip worked with Serhan for Batu Homes for several years until he moved on to Engineering Consulting Services (ECS) as an engineer technician and worked there until his passing.

Galip enjoyed playing and watching sports his entire life. Basketball was his favorite sport growing up. He joined his high school basketball team and lead his team to two national championships. He continued to play basketball into his late 50s. He enjoyed pick-up games at the blacktop and competing with people of all ages. He raised Simay and Kutay to love basketball too.

Galip was lucky enough to witness his favorite soccer team – Galatasaray win the UEFA Cup in 2000, first ever for a Turkish soccer team. One of his favorite things to do on the weekends was watching his team compete. He passed on his passion for Galatasaray onto his whole family. On February 23, 2020, he witnessed Galatasaray defeat their rivals Fenerbahce away from home after 20 years. His best friend and his son were with him to share his excitement.

He also loved to bring people together and felt great joy in hosting his friends and family. He and Zuhal always cooked together for their gatherings. Galip enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and expanding his knowledge of the Turkish cuisine. His brunch was especially known amongst friends and family to be exceptional. At home, he enjoyed watching Turkish TV shows with his family. On the weekends, he enjoyed doing projects around the house. His pride and joy was the “Galatasaray Bar” he built in his basement and filled with drinks from around the world.

Most of all, he valued the time he spent with his family. He loved sitting down at the dinner table together and sharing their days. He was always invested in activities in which his children were interested. He was always present.

Galip Okyay passed away unexpectedly on February 29, 2020, at the age of 67, at home in his sleep. He is survived by his wife, Zuhal, and his children, Kutay and Simay. He will forever be remembered as the most loving and giving father, husband, son and brother.