Fouad Elias Haddad

Fouad Haddad, 94yrs, a long-time resident of Missoula passed away from natural causes in comfort at his home on November 15, 2016, surrounded by the loving care of his family. He was born on July 15, 1922 and spent his childhood and early adult years in Jerusalem. He was the younger of two children, preceded by his departed elder sister of ten years Najla. Their father passed away before Fouad was born, and their mother went to work at a convent where they were raised by Carmelite nuns.

Fouad married Fadwa Fakhouri in 1947 and the following year they left Jerusalem and moved to Jordan. He spent the next six years travelling and working as a field manager for an oil company in various territories in the Middle East in northern Syria, Lebanon, the Sinai desert and northern Iraq in Mosul. In 1956 he secured employment with the government in Kuwait for the Ministry of Planning where he developed a successful career for the following 25 years. During those years he joined a nascent Mason’s lodge in Kuwait, one of the very few in the Middle East in the 1960’s; his enthusiastic involvement in the causes of Masonry eventually led to his nomination for the leadership role, and over his tenure the lodge’s size and community service efforts grew significantly, drawing the attention and acknowledgments of the Master Lodge in Europe.

Fouad retired and moved to Missoula in 1981. During his 35-year residency in Missoula he became deeply involved in his church, the Holy Spirit Parish, where he and his wife were welcomed into a strong community of support. He also joined the local Mason’s lodge, the Lions Club and the Missoula Mendelssohn Club choir. Each of these organizations in their own way provided Fouad an avenue to build community, contribute through their good deeds to civic causes, and support others. His life was enhanced and he grew personally as a result of his many friends and relationships in his newly adopted community.

Moving to Missoula allowed him to finally experience the freedom he always sought. His enthusiasm for life seemed to be contagious and it fed his love for and curiosity about people and their stories. He enjoyed travel and adventure, telling a good story, sharing a good meal and having good times with friends and family.

He is survived by his two sons Nabil and Emile, daughters-in-law Becky and Terryll, grandchildren Rami and Ian and extended family members in Jordan, Israel, San Francisco, Virginia, New Jersey and Missouri.

A funeral service, followed by a reception, celebrating Fouad’s life will be held on Wednesday Nov. 30, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Holy Spirit Parish, 130 S. 6th Ave East, Missoula MT 59801.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Fouad’s name to Soft Landing Missoula,
939 Stephens Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801 - Phone: 406-493-0504
www.softlandingmissoula.org