Joseph Toufik Elkhal

Joseph Toufik ElKhal, 68, of Gresham, OR, passed away after a struggle with cancer on June 20, 2016. He was born in 1947 in Amar, Syria, the son of Toufik and Rahme Elkhal. He moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1963. He graduated college from Portland State University. He worked as a Civil Engineer for the Bonneville Power Administration and the US Army Corps of Engineers for over 40 years. He raised his three boys as a single parent and helped as many people as he could in his community. He coached little league sports for his boys while working full time. He was a selfless man who had no desire for accumulating things and possessions. His hobbies included traveling, writing Classical Arabic poetry, reading historical and current events and playing backgammon.

Joseph was the most loving father to Steven, Gary and Omar and most loving uncle to his nephew Joe. He was an overjoyed grandfather of three beautiful children and he loved their mother Roula as if she was his daughter. He was the youngest sibling and was cherished and adored by his brother Ghisin and five sisters Soumaya, Anissy, Jamily, Daad and Mary. Your memory and great generosity will forever be remembered in the many lives you touched because you gave them the heart and courage to pay it forward.. In lieu of flowers a donation to Syria Fund at gofundme.com is appreciated.