Isaac Yakoub Isaac
August 25, 1958 – Fayoum, Egypt
August 9, 2019 – Edmonton, Alberta
Isaac Yakoub Isaac, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and teacher, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2019 at the age of 60 years. Predeceased by his mother Soad and father Yakoub. Survived by his loving wife Loies, his sons Abraam (Lindsay) and André (Daniela); his grandchildren Ella and Luca; his sister Amany and brother Akmal (Mervat); and his nieces Anne and Angela.
Born in Fayoum, Egypt, Isaac trained as an engineer at the University of Cairo where he met his wife of 35 years, Loies. Isaac was a brilliant engineer and physicist, obtaining his MSc in Engineering Physics in 1989. Along with his young family, Isaac moved to Edmonton in 1990 where he completed his PhD in physics. He went on to become a professor at the University of Alberta in the Department of Physics, and was a celebrated teacher and administrator. His faith in God and commitment to living a Christian life were inspirational. He was passionate about serving his community through volunteer work with Beulah Alliance Church and the Edmonton Arabic Evangelical Church. More than anything, Isaac loved being with family and friends and was the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could hope for. We will deeply miss his heartwarming laugh, immense love, and peaceful presence that uplifted all of those around him.
A Celebration of Life service will take place at 1:30 p.m., Friday, August 16 at Beulah Alliance Church, 17504 98a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 5T8. In loving memory of Isaac, an educational scholarship will be created in his honour. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the scholarship fund via isaac.isaac.scholarship@gmail.com.
I had many opportunities to interact with Isaac as a lecturer, and during the eight years during which I served as Graduate Coordinator. It was always a pleasure to work with him. I can’t remember a single instance when Isaac was upset or impatient. He always had a positive attitude toward things.
Years ago one of my sons had a course with him. I remember him commenting that Dr. Isaac was the best instructor that he ever had.
We will miss him.
P.S.: I regret not being able to attend his celebration of life this coming Friday. I have to serve as external examiner in a PhD defense in Saskatoon that same day. My thoughts will be with you.
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Isaac’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Loies and the family at this difficult time. Isaac was always so warm and caring, with such a gentle spirit of humility. Knowing him from Beulah’s greeters community, we witnessed what a great ambassador for Christ he was to everyone he encountered. He will be greatly missed.
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Isaac’s passing. I worked with him in the Department of Physics for many years. He was a wise, kind, and gentle man. I send my prayers to his family in their time of grief.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Isaac’s passing. Working in Student Services in the Faculty of Science, I was lucky to work with Isaac as in his capacity as an advisor to students in the Physics program. I will miss him.
We are sad along with you and your family, Loies. We ask our heavenly Father to strengthen and comfort you and give you His peace.
Werner and Beth Loewen
My wife Alina and I were deeply moved by the news of Isaac’s passing. I have known him since he came to the Physics Department as a Graduate Student. It was not possible not to like him: always optimistic, smiling, never upset. I will be missing him. Alina and I are passing our deepest condolences to Loies and the family.
I am deeply sad to hear about the departure of Dr Isaac. I was deeply shocked to hear this. I pray he may rest in peace and may God give patience to his family to bear this loss.
I remember him as a most helpful person who would always welcome you with a gentle smile. You tell him your problem and he would go extra mile for you.
Please accept my condolences. We will always miss him.
لِيَ اشْتِهَاءٌ أَنْ أَنْطَلِقَ وَأَكُونَ مَعَ الْمَسِيحِ، ذَاكَ أَفْضَلُ جِدًّا. (في 1: 23)
صديق و اخ عزيز رحل عن عالمنا لاحضان ابيه السماوي. إنسان محب، كريم، مضحي ومخلص. عرفناه هو ولوئيس والابناء منذ قدومهم الي كندا و كانوا بركه لنا ولكل من نال شرف معرفتهم. تعزياتنا للوئيس و إبرام و أندريه و للعائله هنا و في مصر. سوف نفتقدك يا اسحق بس عمرنا ما هننساك.
It is with great sadness that I receive the news about my good friend and Colleague, Isaac. I had the good fortune to be in charge of graduate admissions in the Department of Physics in 1989, and thus received the application that Isaac sent to join the PhD program at U of A. As he was highly qualified for this through his studies at Cairo University, he was easily accepted and I had the good fortune of signing his letter of acceptance. In his first year in the program, I also had the fortune of having him in one my classes. I was pleased and proud with his performance. Later on Isaac completed his degree, and after spending time doing research i Japan, he returned to the University of Alberta where he had an illustrious academic career at the University.
Isaac will be missed by all those who have known him. May he rest in peace.
P.S. My sincere condolences to the Isaac family; I am sorry I am out of town, and will not be able to attend the celebration taking place today.
I will remember Isaac as a warm and welcoming greeter at Beulah, who was also open to chatting with me and my kids. Thank you Isaac,
Dear Loeis and Family,
We were shocked and saddened by the news of Isaac’s passing. His vibrancy and unbounded energy together with his infectious smile and sense of humour brightened up our day whenever we saw him at Beulah. Although we will miss him very much, we trust that he is now in the loving arms of God whose love for him is beyond measure and that the earthly recognition and appreciation given to him for his character and accomplishments will pale in comparison with the recognition and appreciation that will be given to him by God. May you be comforted in this truth and the knowledge that God loves you, and so do we along with many others. We will keep you in our prayers.
Love in Christ,
Brenda and Geoff Ho
Dr. Isaac’s passing came as a shock to me, and I couldn’t help but reminisce about the wonderful memories I had in his company as an undergraduate and graduate student at the University of Alberta. He was inspirational, and truly wonderful teacher. I considered him as a mentor in many ways. While it is with much sadness that I confront his passing, I take comfort in the happy times we had together as student and teacher, and in the reality that he lives on in my memories.
الاخت لوءيس
منذ ساعات فقط عرفت بخبر انتقال اخونا في الرب الاخ اسحق .
(ما زلت احتفظ في مخيلتي بذكري جميله وهي حمله لابني الرضيع وقتها( ارون )متمايلا رافعا ابني بفرح علي انغام ترنيمه جميله كنا نرنمها في الكنيسه العربيه حيث كنت احضر سنه
٢٠٠١.
تعزيات الروح القدس الي شخصك وابناءك وجميع
الاسره والكنيسه