Hidayat Niyazi Grouni

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Hidayat Niyazi Grouni on May 2, 2025, peacefully at his home in Brampton, Ontario with family by his side.. Hid was born on October 10th, 1935 in Aleppo, Syria to his parents Niyazi and Leman Grouni. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Chrysoula, his children Nael, Lena and Alec (Nancy) and his 5 adoring grandchildren. He leaves behind his loving siblings Inayat(Salwa), Malahat(Mohammad) and Malak(Moawyah) and his many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Hid also kept in touch with many lifelong friends who regularly brought joy to him as they checked on each other and reminisced of old times.

After graduating from Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey in 1958, Hid attended Purdue University in Indiana, U.S.A to pursue a Masters in Civil Engineering. It was there that he met his future wife, Chrysoula. After marrying in 1960, they lived in Aleppo for several years where their first son, Nael, was born. In 1967 they immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Scarborough, Ontario where they welcomed two more children, Lena and Alec. He later welcomed his grandchildren Cassia (Joel), Samuel, Gabrielle, Jesse and Ethan. He adored them and affectionately referred to them as ‘Dodos’….they in turn called him their Papou.

Hid worked as a Civil Engineer for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation until his retirement, contributing to the guidelines, design and build of many structures and bridges locally and abroad. He had a sharp, scholarly mind that he kept busy by constant study and research of various topics such as history, science, philosophy and language. He had a passion for classical music and could often be found comfortably seated, headphones on, reading one of his many books. To the delight of his wife, he collected hundreds of books and albums which were displayed on shelves throughout the home.

He enjoyed shared his thoughts through his eloquent writing. For example, in his memoirs, he described one of his greatest joys of his later life: ”…one can discern clearly how time has chiseled away my youth and left me with a priceless gift of my beautiful grandkids to interact with tenderly and watch them grow up to as far as my life would permit.” Indeed, one of his final expressions was his wide eyed smiling face when he saw his grandchildren.

We thank Jehovah for giving his wife, our mother, Soula the strength and endurance to care for him at home in his final years. A task all of us combined could not have accomplished.

We also thank Dr.Dobson and the many care givers who visited daily to make him as comfortable as possible. Their care and personal interest over the years has touched us and made them cherished by the family.

We are grateful for the many family and friends who have been constant in their support and encouragement. (Proverbs 17:17)

Although Hid did not worship Jehovah, his wife, children and grandchildren did. We pray he is among those described at John 5:28,29 who will be resurrected and given an opportunity to join in serving Jehovah forever in paradise.

A memorial service will be held over Zoom on May 17, 2025 at 2pm EST.
Meeting ID: 646 570 9392 
Passcode: Grouni