Michael Khalil Ganim

Dad was born on November 28, 1935 in Ramallah, Palestine, the son of Khalil and Merika Khoury Ganim.

Below are a few reminiscences of things dad enjoyed in life. In this brief reflection, we could never encompass all that dad has given to others, or fully express the depth of his positive impact on so many lives. He married Afaf Kishek in 1956, and then ten years later, in July 1966 at age ‌31, dad and mom immigrated to Greensboro, NC with four young children in tow. They would expand their family with two more children once they settled in Greensboro.

“Big Mike” as he was affectionately called by the many people who got to know him, had many passions: one being gardening. He always loved when people came to visit at the house; he delighted in giving tours around the yard and you would listen to “pops” talk proudly about his fig trees, while giving his iconic hand gesture showing how large the figs grew. He also loved showing everyone the roses, grapevines, and the many other plants he had growing. We would affectionately call it a jungle, but it was his jungle, and he loved it! Dad loved being in nature. It gave him a connection to his childhood in Palestine. Dad also loved music, especially Arabic music. The music comforted him, and it was a way for him to stay connected to his homeland. When dad was in his 60s, he decided he wanted to learn more about painting, so he signed up for art classes at the local community college and watched a lot of Bob Ross to help hone his craft. He loved sharing his artwork with family. Dad was a proud member of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Greek Orthodox Church, in Greensboro. But of all the passions that he blessed us with, the greatest is his love for his family and the kindness of his soul that he so easily shared with others. Dad was the kind of person who would feel uncomfortable if someone in his presence wasn't comfortable, so he would go out of his way to ensure those who were around him had what they needed in that moment to feel welcome, and we carry his welcoming and compassionate spirit with us. This is his legacy that he has left to his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Afaf Ganim of Greensboro; sons, Odeh Ganim of Greensboro, Sam Ganim of Henderson, NV, Charlie Ganim of Greensboro, Mazin Ganim, Megan & Sydney Fry of Raleigh and Roger Ganim of Mebane; daughter, Linda Ganim of Greensboro; grandchildren, Christopher & Anne Ganim, Andrew, Corey, Carrie Catherine, Cameron and Cole Ganim, great grandchild Henry Ganim and the many people to have ever crossed paths with “Big Mike”.

With Us Always

We gather here to celebrate not what you have left behind, but what we carry with us. Your generous spirit, your warmth, your smile, your passion, your humanity...we carry with us. Your hard work, your loyalty, your sacrifice…we carry with us. Your battles, your hurt, your pain...we carry with us. Your accomplishments and your failures..we carry with us. Your life and your name...we will always carry with us.

R. M. Ganim

The family asks that donations be made instead of flowers, to:

Hospice of the Piedmont 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262

https://www.hospiceofthepiedmont.org/donate/

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.