Sarkis "Sam" Youssef Metlej

It is with profound sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest Sarkis (Sam), 75, who died on October 28, 2015 at the QEII Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife, children, family and friends.

Born in Diman, Lebanon on September 2, 1940, Sam immigrated to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1965. Sam was a pillar in the community and one of the first to immigrate and call Halifax his home.

Coming from humble beginnings, Sam worked tirelessly and became a prominent real estate developer in Halifax. He worked hand and hand with his wife and two sons, and his business continues to thrive to this day.

Sam was a man of strong faith, and was a proud and generous member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Parish. He attended church regularly and raised his children and grandchildren to have a strong belief in God. He was known to all to be spiritual, dedicated and devoted to God, his family and friends.

To his sons, Peter and Paul, Sam was not only a father, but he was a mentor, a role model and a best friend. His greatest joys were spending quality time with his wife, sons, grandchildren and family. His day would not be complete without visiting his grandchildren, especially his grandson, Sammy. This special time played a substantial role in Sarkis’ life.

Sam enjoyed life to the fullest and loved traveling, especially his homeland Lebanon. In recent years he spent a considerable amount of time rebuilding the family home to ensure the Metlej roots remained instilled in the soil of his much loved hometown, Diman. He also loved traveling with his friends to sunny destinations such as Punta Cana, where he enjoyed walking on white sand beaches and smoking cigars.

Sarkis was predeceased by his children Youssef and Tony, and his parents Youssef and Labibi Metlej.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Renee (Alphonse–Farah), his children, Peter (Tanya Chediac) and Paul (Joanne Toulany), his grandchildren, Mya, Angelina, Renee and Samuel, his brothers, Hanna (Margaret) and Samir (Violet), his sisters, Margo (John) Arab and Samira (Mehrez) Kabalen, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home at 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Thursday, October 29th, 2015 from 2 - 4 and 7-9 pm, and Friday, October 30th, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass to be held on Saturday, October 31st, 2015 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, 3844 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax. Fr. Milad Salloum officiating. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Sackville.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, Halifax.