Some of the Arab Canadians
Who Made a Difference in Windsor
MAYOR EDDIE FRANCIS
The youngest Mayor in the history of the City of Windsor, Eddie Francis
was first elected Mayor in November, 2003.
From bringing accountability and openness back to City Hall, to ensuring
that Windsor and Canada had a major role in this year's Super Bowl,
Eddie Francis and Windsor City Council have achieved a record of ambitious
accomplishments.
As part of a comprehensive strategy to make City services more accessible,
a new 311 telephone service was established-the first of its kind in
Ontario.
Windsor's downtown is being revitalized. The Downtown Strategy includes
the establishment of a new downtown campus for St. Clair College, a
new transit terminal, and the development of an urban village-all of
which complement a major expansion of Casino Windsor that will include
a new theatre, 100,000 square feet of new convention space and a new
400 plus room hotel tower. Already, a number of new shops and restaurants
have located in Windsor's downtown core.
Over $130 million has been invested in new capital projects-including
a new home for seniors and 69 percent of this year's municipal capital
budget dedicated to roads and sewers.
Financially, Windsor is back on the right track. Windsor's municipal
debt has been reduced by $115 million in less than three years. The
people of Windsor have seen among the lowest tax rate increases in
Ontario. And Windsor's commercial tax rates are being cut by 3.6 percent,
industrial tax rates are going down by 5.9 percent, and large industrial
rates are being reduced by 9.4 percent.
Under the Mayor's leadership, City Council commissioned a groundbreaking
report which assessed and promoted the need for new intermodal transportation
systems and border crossings that are fully integrated with trade routes
across North America and beyond. This report has helped generate debate
regarding how to best move goods and people not only across the Detroit-Windsor
border, but also across North America.
Before the people of Windsor made Eddie Francis their Mayor, he ran
a very successful small family business with his brothers. He was awarded
the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award as the Young
Entrepreneur of the Year.
Eddie’s parents came to Windsor from Lebanon in 1970, and Eddie
was born in May 1974.
Eddie graduated with a combined undergraduate degree in chemistry
and biochemistry from the University of Western Ontario. He went on
to graduate from the University of Windsor Law School and was called
to the Bar in 2002. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada.
He completed his articles with international law firm, Miller Canfield
Paddock and Stone.
Eddie Francis is married to Dr. Michelle Prince, a Doctor of Chiropractic
who has a family wellness practice in Windsor. They have one daughter,
Sienna and they reside in South Windsor.
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In the Field of Medicine:
DR. GEORGE GHANEM GEORGE
Personal
George was born in Mexico of Lebanese parents in 1908. His family moved
to Bell River in 1911. He attended school in Woodslee and graduated
from Essex High School where he was awarded a gold medal in general
proficiency.
He graduated from the medical school at the age of 25 in 1933.
He interned at Hotel Dieu Hospital and began general practice at age
26 on Drouillard Rd. in 1934. He was the first doctor in Windsor
of Arabic speaking parents. He was a dedicated ideal family doctor. Dr.
George averaged fifteen to sixteen hours of work daily and performed
deliveries and house visits nights and days.
Dr. George volunteered to join the army in the World War II but was
requested to stay at home where his contribution was more needed.
In 1947 Dr. George was joined by Dr. Michael Ziter the second Doctor
of Arabic speaking descent from Lebanon. Dr. George was on staff at
all the Windsor hospitals. He was president of the staff at HDH, MET
and Essex County Medical Society.
Awards and Contribution to the Community
Dr. George earned numerous awards including the Glen Sawyer Awards
from the OMA for community services.
He was a life member of the Essex County Medical Society, College
of Physicians and Surgeons, and the college of General Practice of
Canada.
A colleague wrote “it is difficult to describe George with one
or two words but to me George had the characteristics of Grace”
Dr. George was the epitome of a family physician. Family physicians
do not just treat people, they care for them.
There is a mural depicting Dr. George talking to a patient on the
side of a building south of the boating club on Drouillard Rd.
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DR. GORDON MUHAMMAD JASEY
Personal
Dr. Jasey was born in Lebanon but lived all his youth in Granville
Ferry, Nova Scotia. His family owned a general store where he used
to work after school. After graduating from high school in Annapolis
Royal, Dr. Jasey attended the Dalhousie University where he received
his B.Sc. In 1956 he received his Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie
and moved to Windsor, Ontario.
After a year of General Practice, Dr. Jasey continued his medical
education in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie. After completing
his specialty, he completed a Fellowship in Oxford, England at the
Radcliff Infirmary.
Dr. Gordon Jasey and his wife Fay are parents to Dr. David Jasey (Dentist
on Ottawa street), Jennifer Jasey (currently a director in Dubai’s
growing entertainment industry), Dr. Gregory Jasey (Orthopedic surgeon),
Dr. Bradley Jasey (Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with whom he shared
the office) and Robbie Jasey (teacher of business administration and
computer science).
Dr. Jasey also is a grandparent to eight grandchildren.
Dr. Jasey retired from Obstetrics in 2000 but continues to practice
office Gynaecology.
Contribution to the Community
Dr. Jasey is one of the founding members of the Windsor Islamic Association.
He remains an active member and was instrumental in building the
Windsor Mosque at the corner of Dominion and Northwood as a place
of worship for the Windsor ethnically diverse Muslim population.
During the early 1990’s, Windsor experienced a large influx
of immigrants from the Middle East. To assist these immigrants, Dr.
Jasey was one of the founding members of the Arab Canadian Intercultural
Orientation Centre (A.C.I.O.C) in 1993 and served as a president for
the past fifteen years.
Dr. Jasey is part of numerous fund-raising campaigns to assist people
in need around the world.
Awards and Achievements
Between 1962 to 1972, Dr. Jasey was the president of the World Lebanese
Cultural Union. In 1971 he was awarded the Humanitarian medal of
Honour, the Order of the Cedar for preservation of the Lebanese culture
in Canada by the Lebanese ambassador Nabil Noussair.
Dr. Jasey also served as the chief of Obstetrics for over ten years
at Grace Hospital and was president of the Academy of Obstetrics and
Gynaecology.
During the late 1960’s Dr. Jasey became the first doctor in
Ontario to perform a foetal intraperitoneal blood transfusion for hemolytic
disease of a newborn.
In 1993 he received the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship from the
Government of Ontario for his community involvement.
In 1995 the OMA (Ontario Medical Association) granted Dr. Jasey the
Glenn Sawyer service Award in recognition of service excellence for
his profession.
In 2003 he was appointed to the position of Commissioner of the Windsor
Police Services by the Provincial Government for a two year period.
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DR. FOUAD TAYFOUR
Remember to click on the side panel
to hear an interview with Dr. Tayfour
Personal
Dr. Tayfour grew up in Hama, Syria. He graduated from the medical school
at Damascus University in 1979 and later trained in Obstetrics and
Gynaecology. He came to Canada in 1983. In Canada he changed his
specialty to Ophthalmology and specialized in retinal surgery. He
completed his residency at the University of Toronto
Dr. Tayfour moved to Windsor in 1988 and joined Freeman at the Tecumseh
medical Health Centre.
He traveled to Germany to study LASIK surgery in 1991.
Awards and Achievements
In 1991 Dr. Tayfour founded the Windsor Laser Eye Institute. He refined
the technique of the LASIK surgery. He is one of the most experienced
refractive surgeons in the world and has performed more than 40,000
refractive procedures.
In 1991 he became the first surgeon in Canada to perform cataract
surgery under topical anesthesia and the first clear corneal incision
for cataract surgery.
In 1993 Dr. Tayfour became the first surgeon in North America to perform
LASIK on patients with nearsighted vision. In 1995 he was the first
to perform the advanced procedure on farsighted patients.
Dr. Tayfour introduced LASIK to patients long before it was available
in the United States.
He developed a model program for maximizing efficiency in cataract
surgery, which was eventually adopted by most Ontario hospitals.
In 2002 he received the Golden Jubilee Medal given by the Queen Of
England
In 2007 he established the Barrie LASIK Centre in Barrie, Ontario.
For the past few years he has been conducting work on Rheo Electrophoresis
in the treatment of macular degeneration.
Dr. Tayfour is an author of many esteemed publications as the Canadian
Journal of Ophthalmology, Ocular News, The Journal of Refractive Surgery
and Ophthalmic Practice.
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DR. MOHAMMED (MOODY) EDWARDS
Personal
Dr. Mohammed Edwards was born in 1937 to Lebanese immigrants who had
met and married in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia. Moody was raised in a
rich environment that combined the Lebanese customs and heritage
along with the proudly embraced Canadian identity.
His father, Joseph, a general merchant who immigrated to Canada as
a teenager, spoke fluent English, as did his mother Audrey. His maternal
grandparents lived close-by which gave him and his siblings the opportunity
to learn Arabic.
The family moved to Windsor in 1950. Moody attended Kennedy Collegiate
graduating in 1955. Football was his passion at the collegiate, but
he could not continue participating due to an injury. He remained throughout
his life a football enthusiast.
In 1959 he graduated from the University of Michigan with Bachelor
of Arts. He was affiliated with Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and spent
his summers as a councilor at the Interlochen Music Camp in Northern
Michigan.
Dr. Edwards received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University
of Western Ontario in 1966. He finished his internship at the Wayne
State University School of Medicine. He specialized in Dermatology
in 1970. He worked as a physician in Windsor from 1970 until 2001.
Work History and Contributing to the Community
Moody personalized the ideal, gentle, caring, sympathetic and informed
physician. After his death, it was discovered that he had deep effect
on an impressive number of young people that he had encouraged to
pursue their dreams of becoming medical doctors, either by endorsing
them with reference letters or by quietly assisting them financially
if there was a need.
To honour Dr. Edwards, the Dr. Mohammed (Moody) Edwards Essex County
Award was created to assist area students entering the first year of
medicine at Western University in London. This award was the first
of its kind, and it paved the way for similar awards later.
Dr. Edwards’ interests ranged from travel, hunting, fishing,
art, music and gardening to the building of Novi Equestrian Centre,
a horse farm outside of Windsor. He bred and showed quarter horses
both locally and at the Quarter Horse Congresses in the States.
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DR. HAKAM ABU-ZAHRA
Personal
Dr Abu-Zahra was born in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1935. He graduated
from medical school of Cairo University, Egypt in 1961 after which
he returned to Jerusalem and worked for four years in the Department
of Medicine at the Augusta Victoria Hospital. During his work at
the hospital there was ongoing clinical research being conducted
to identify the cause of anaemia noted among Palestinian refugee
children. Being interested in clinical research, Dr Abu-Zahra saw
an opportunity to get involved and by securing a British Council
Scholarship was able to go to Scotland to pursue postgraduate training
in Haematology at Dundee and Edinburgh Universities where he met
his future wife Maureen. After a short employment at the Internal
Medicine Hospital in Amman, Jordan, the 1967 Arab-Israeli six-day
war broke leaving little choice for Dr Abu-Zahra and his wife but
to return to Britain where he was appointed in Sheffield, England
as a Registrar in Hematogy and Clinical Chemistry. In 1969 Dr Abu-Zahra
accepted a position as a Research Fellow in Haematology at Queen's
University in Kingston, Canada and two years later as a Research
Associate at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
In 1972 Dr Abu-Zahra moved with his family to Windsor where, as a
Medical Oncologist/ Haematologist worked at the then cancer clinic
- now the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre (WRCC).
Presently Dr Abu-Zahra is semi-retired and provides, as an independent
consultant on part-time basis, clinical services at the WRCC. He also
provides End-Of-Life Care at the Hospice Residential Home.
Community and Professional Achievements
In 1989 -2000, Dr Abu-Zahra was appointed the Head of the Systemic
Therapy Program at WRCC and in 2001 became the Chief Executive Officer;
Vice-President, Cancer Care Ontario and Chief of Oncology, Windsor
Regional Hospital.
Dr Abu-Zahra is the founder of the "Friends of the Centre",
a group of distinguished and dedicated community members whose first
task was to launch the fund raising "Dream Weaver Campaign" in
support of the new Cancer Centre and who subsequently became "The
Windsor and Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation”. With tremendous
community support - including significant contribution by Muslim and
Arab physicians in Windsor - Foundation members, including Dr Abu-Zahra,
were successful in launching the second fund raising campaign to bring
the first MRI in a Cancer Centre.
Dr Abu-Zahra has also been involved with the Hospice movement in Windsor
and served as a Medical Advisor, Board Member and a former President.
He is a is a Board Member of the Ontario License Appeal Tribunal -
an Order-in Council appointment at the recommendation of the Lieutenant
Governor of Ontario and is currently the Editor of the Essex County
Medical Society Bulletin.
Awards and Achievements. He is also a Life Member of
the Essex County Medical Society and the Ontario Medical Association.
In 1997 was presented with the " the Volunteer Awards Program:
Hearts that Light The Way "- in appreciation of Outstanding Volunteer
Service to the Community. In 1999 he was granted the "Hospice
Association of Ontario Award"-
Recognizing Outstanding Volunteer Contribution to The Hospice of Windsor
and Essex County. In 2001 Dr Abu-Zahra was the sole recipient of the
Ontario Medical Association Glenn Sawyer Service Award - presented
once a year to a
physician who has rendered significant service to the OMA, the medical
profession or the community. In 2007 he also received The Ministry
of Citizenship and Immigration" Ontario
Volunteer Award" for 25 year significant contribution to the Hospice
of Windsor and Essex County.
Academic and Research Accomplishments
In
addition to a commitment to clinical practice and administrative responsibilities,
Dr Abu-Zahra was able to pursue an interest in the
conduct of clinical research. As an active participant in Co-operative
Clinical Trials Groups being conducted locally, provincially (OCOG),
nationally (NCIC) and internationally (SWOG), his research focus included
Breast Cancer, Malignant Melanoma and Haematological Malignancies.
At present Dr Abu-Zahra is a co-investigator of locally conducted studies
dealing with "Occupational Histories of Breast Cancer Patients:
qualitative and quantitative exposure assessment". As a senior
author or co-author, there are thirty-four publications to Dr Abu-Zahra's
credit.
In 1983-1990 he was an Honourary Clinical Assistant Professor, Department
of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is
also an invited reviewer of grant applications by the Canadian Breast
Cancer Foundation.
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In the Field of Business:
JOSEPH ABDALLAH
Personal
Born in Arbet Kozhaya (the Valley of Saints), Lebanon.
Father, Fahim and Mother Hind were well known traders in Lebanon
continuing in the tradition of generations of their ancestors.
The youngest of three siblings, born into a devout Maronite Catholic
family, arrived in Canada at the age of twelve.
Abdallah’s family immigrated to Canada to follow the older
brother, Anthony, who had come to Windsor six years earlier to go
to school, and decided to remain in Canada afterwards. So the father
decided to take the whole family including Joseph and his sister
Claudette, and reunite with his son Anthony in Canada.
Education and Work Experience
Joseph attended St. Joseph’s middle school, then Corpus Christie
H.S. (now Brennan). He worked for Leon’s furniture store in
downtown Windsor while studying for his business degree in Windsor
and Detroit.
At age 19 he was promoted to a furniture manager at the London branch
and later transferred to Toronto to enhance the business acumen.
At age 23, Joseph purchased the first Leon’s furniture franchise
taking over the store on Ouellette ave. In 1977, along with his brother
Anthony, he opened the second Leon’s store in Devonshire mall
which they operated for more than a decade.
Shortly after, Claudette and Joseph opened The Gold Mart, a small
jewelry counter inside the Oullette ave. furniture store. Three years
later they merged all the businesses under one roof in the Devonshire
mall and placed the Gold Mart at the front until 1987.
The furniture business was sold and The Gold Mart was expanded and
relocated to the Roundhouse centre.
In 1991, the brand name of “Joseph-Anthony Fine Jewelry” emerged,
and the store opened on the corner of Ouellette and Eugenie as a
world class boutique carrying the finest lines of jewelry and giftware.
The store is largest of its kind in Canada. It was named after Joseph’s
two sons, Joseph Jr. and Anthony who are learning the business to
carry on the family tradition.
Contribution to the Community
Joseph is a proud Windsorite who supports many local charities. He
is grateful for the opportunities offered to him and thanks Canada
and Windsor for contributing to his family’s success.
MARWAN TAQTAQ
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to hear an interview with Mr. Taqtaq
Personal
Marwan was born in Jerusalem on September 24, 1941. He attended Berzeit
College in the West Bank, Palestine, and graduated in 1959. He completed
his university studies at the American University of Beirut in 1965
earning his B.Sc. in Pharmacy. In 1966 Marwan completed a one-year
apprenticeship in Industrial pharmacy at Evans Medical Labs in Liverpool,
England.
Due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Marwan found himself isolated
from his family who were by that time scattered between the West Bank,
Amman and Beirut .
At the age of 25, searching for a better future for himself and his
family, Marwan immigrated to Canada arriving on November 8, 1967.
On November 11, 1967 he started his career as an apprentice pharmacist
in Cyrville, Ottawa at Towers Pharmacy with minimum wage of approximately
$2.00/hr.
Marwan’s first winter in Canada is one he has not forgotten.
He had never seen snow before and Ottawa’s cold weather was more
than he could handle. He missed his family and entertained thoughts
of moving back home. If it were not for the kindness of a pharmacist
named Gordon Lane, Marwan would have done just that. Gordon Lane and
his family took Marwan under their wing, inviting him regularly to
their house. Gordon drove Marwan daily to and from work saving him
from treacherous long walks in the harsh weather.
Marwan moved to Windsor in 1968 and earned his license to practice
pharmacy in Ontario in 1970. He married his wife Nadia in 1971 and
they have two sons Abe and Rami. They are members of St. Matthew’s
Anglican Church.
Work History and Contribution to the Community
Over the span of 21 years Marwan held various managerial and supervisory
positions within the Jack Austin Drug store chain including Pharmacist
Manager, District Supervisor and ultimately Pharmacist Co-owner. Marwan’s
pharmacy in Windsor’s Woolco department store was the most profitable
among all Jack Austin’s drug stores in Ontario.
In 1984 Marwan established an international trading company transporting
Canadian know-how to Amman, Jordan. He participated with the help of
Capsule Technology Ltd. on Huron Church Rd. to build a hard gelatin
capsule technology plant that currently supplies most of the Middle
East.
In 1986 Marwan responded to a Revenue Canada request for proposal
(RFP) to operate the duty free shop at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel border
crossing and his application was selected from hundreds of other qualified
applicants. This RFP required a person with financial capability, managerial
experience and commitment to adhere to extensive high standards of
operations.
In 1994, Marwan and four medical doctors in Windsor partnered and
built the South Walkerville Medical Centre on Tecumseh and Walker Rd.
He is part owner of Windsor Medical Pharmacy and North Medical Pharmacy.
He is a member of the Windsor-Essex Pharmacy Association and Ontario
College of Pharmacists. Marwan’s family boasts a long-standing
tradition of pharmacists. His great-uncle graduated from the College
of Pharmacy at Syrian Protestant College (AUB) and was not only the
first pharmacist in the family, but also has the distinct honour of
being the very first pharmacist to practice in Palestine in 1912.
Marwan is actively involved with Hospice and was one of the honourary
chairs of the Hospice Village Campaign. Marwan, on behalf of the Taqtaq
family, funded one of the Hospice Village homes, which has been named
in their honour. The Windsor Regional Hospital’s Cancer Clinic
also named a room the “Taqtaq Room” in honour of the Taqtaq
family for their contributions. A room is named after him at the Cleary
International Centre as well.
Marwan also plays an active role at the University of Windsor by sponsoring
Middle Eastern studies and lectures in co-operation with the Political
Science Department.
He has served as past President of the Canadian Arab Federation – Windsor
chapter and is a former member of the National Council on Canada Arab
relations.
He contributed to Charles Clark Square in downtown Windsor and funded
the handicap access ramp at the Capitol Theatre.
Awards
In 2006 Marwan and his son Abe accepted the prestigious Company of
the Year award at the Windsor and District Chamber of Commerce
on behalf of the Windsor Tunnel Duty Free Shop.
ADNAN (ED) KOBROSLI
Personal
Adnan Kobrosli was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1952. He left his home
country at the age of 15 to work as a sailor on a commercial ship.
On September 1973 the ship he works on arrived at Morton Terminal
in Windsor where he had the opportunity to meet Leda Ruzza. They got
married after three days.
Around 1976 when there was war in Lebanon he managed to bring the
entire immediate family to Windsor with the help of Windsor MP Eugene
Whelan. During that time Adnan became a liaison to many Arab immigrants
coming to Windsor and helped them with sound advice and friendship.
Adnan has three children.
Work History
Adnan owned and operated many businesses in Windsor among them Wyandotte
News and Variety, Gold Leaf tobacco Shop. In addition he was the
first Bell Mobility dealer in Windsor in 1998.
In 2004 he served as the president of the Windsor-West Federal Liberal
Association.
For 25 years he has owned the business of City Centre Maintenance
and Janitorial, and the City Centre Parking Management.
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TERRY (TALAL) RAFIH
Remember to click on the side panel
to hear an interview with Mr. Rafih
Personal
Talal’s(Terry) great uncle Barket Rafih, immigrated to Canada
in 1898. He worked at a clothing store in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
He sponsored many family members for immigration to Canada. Terry
was born in Lebanon in 1955, and his family arrived to Calgary, Canada
in 1966, then they moved to Nova Scotia and his father bought a store
in Picton in 1974.
Work History
Terry operated the store first until the whole family managed to move
to Nova Scotia. Seven years later Terry moved to Windsor, married
Kathy in 1983, and planned to attend the University of Windsor, but
the lease manager at Bill Howitt invited him to come and sell cars,
so he stopped attending the University and worked as a salesman for
six months, then left to open Airport Auto.
In 1987 he opened the Mazda dealership on Tecumseh and Forest Glade
Dr. with a 51% ownership and later purchased the remaining 49%.
In 1991 he sold the Mazda dealership and bought Down Town Motors in
1992 as a dealership for Mercedes- Benz, BMW and Jaguar. He renamed
the company to “Overseas Motors” and relocated to the vacant
Bill Howitt dealership site.
In 1993 he opened Parkview BMW in Toronto which he later sold.
Terry purchased Moe Campbell Ford on Provincial Road and renamed it
Performance Ford. He torn down the old facility and built a state of
the art showroom and service centre. The same year, Performance Ford
was named the Ford Dealer of the Year. Today the dealership sells vehicles
made by Ford, Lincoln, Jaguar and Land Rover. In 2003 he purchased
Eastway Toyota followed by Pinnacle Chrysler.
The Rafih Auto Mall on Tecumseh Road near Forest Glade Drive now houses
BMW, Mini, Mercedes- Benz, Smart, Eastway Toyota, Lexus and Mazda.
This Auto Mall is one of a kind in Canada and probably in North America.
Community Involvement
Rafih is Windsor’s largest employer in the retail automotive
industry (he employs close to 300 people), and he is a supporter to
numerous charities including Transition to Betterness, the Hospice,
the Sunshine Foundation, the Art Gallery and the Windsor Symphony.
Terry is a member of the Board of Directors of the Heart of the City
Foundation which raises money for expensive medical equipment.
Mr. Rafih is also a member of the Mercedes-Benz Canada Advisory Council,
the Mazda Canada Advisory Panel and the BMW Dealer Council.
He has been named an honored member of the Heritage Registry of Who’s
Who in Canada. Rafih received the Entrepreneur of the Year award in
2005 from the Chamber of Commerce, and the Dealer of the Year honors
from Mercedes-Benz an award based on the number of units sold and customer
satisfaction. Performance Ford continues to be the # 1 Ford dealership
in Canada. He also received the President’s Club award from Daimler
Chrysler.
Considering his 20 years ride to the top of automotive sales, Terry
states simply, “This was all done one customer at a time. Look
after your customers and they’ll look after you.” “I
never worry about how much money we’re going to make,” Terry
admits. “For me winning is being number one.”
Terry Rafih is a charming man; a man with an insatiable appetite for
work and a connoisseur of “the art of the deal.”
In the Field of Real Estate:
TONY AZAR
Work Experience
Tony Azar is an entrepreneur, business man, and a philanthropist who
has made a significant impact on thousands of lives in the Windsor
community.
Azar is the founder of the Azar Group of Companies that is focused
on products and services for the new homes construction sector.
Azar’s flagship company Raymax Construction, has 100 employees
and has built over 1,700 high quality homes in Windsor Essex County
since 1987.
The company provides high quality, affordable family homes that uses
the latest materials and technology, some of which was invented by
Azar himself.
Inventions and Patents
The Azar Block, a mortarless block foundation system that significantly
reduces the time and cost of building foundation was invented and
patented by Tony Azar. In 1996 he invented the Azar Mortarless Building
SystemsTM for the do-it-yourselfer market. Azar also holds 42 patents
and 12 pending patents applications.
Awards
He earned the highest service excellence awards given in the industry,
the Tarion Service Excellence Award which he has received each year
since the inception of his company.
The Azar Group was awarded the Windsor and District Chamber of Commerce
Business Excellence Award in 1997.
Among the awards he received also is the Fire Marshall’s Award,
a Golden Jubilee Medal from the Queen Majesty’s Award Foundation,
The Pope John Paul II 25th Anniversary Medal.
Contribution to the Community
Azar sponsors minor sports in the community including Windsor Minor
Hockey, Sun county Midget Hockey, Windsor Spitfires, Windsor Senior
Hockey, and the Windsor Wildcats. Also he has contributed to Scouts
Canada, Safety Patrol Jamboree, The Children’s Safety Village,
Ontario Special Olympics and the Windsor Soccer Club.
Azar had contributed to the Hospice of Windsor, the Terry Fox Foundation,
Windsor Regional Hospital, Brentwood Foundation and the Alzheimer’s
Society and more.
He established a scholarship fund of $5,000 with the Windsor Essex
Catholic District School Board to help high school graduates who are
in financial need with post secondary education.
In 1994 he began the “Feed the Community” Christmas campaign.
He donated 500 turkeys to families in need for 12 years.
He is a passionate supporter at Saint Peter’s Maronite Church,
and was instrumental in negotiating the price down for the new church
and helping in financing deals to pay off the mortgage.
Personal
Azar is married to Theresa and they have four sons, Eddie, Danny, Dory
and Jeff who are integral part of the business. Tony Azar does not
talk easily about his accomplishments, instead he goes quietly about
his business devoting his energy to making Windsor-Essex County a
better place.
CHARLES NELSON MADY
Work Experience
Founder of the Mady Group of Companies, Charles Mady has established
a geographically diversified real estate development in North America.
The Canadian real estate headquarters are located in Toronto and
Windsor, while the United States headquarters are located in Dallas,
Texas. The Canadian operations started in 1974 while the United States
operations started in 1990.
Mady’s Group develops luxury condominium projects, single family
housing, multi-family housing and commercial retail development. This
diversification helped the Mady Group to position itself in varying
markets across North America.
After modest beginnings in Windsor as a small building company, Mady
was able to expand his business to become one of Windsor’s largest
home builders by 1977. By 1980 the Mady Group emerged as one of Southwestern
Ontario’s leading real estate developers.
Southwood Lakes master planned community in Windsor was commenced
in 1990. It was the first environmentally sensitive community in Canada.
It contained man-made lakes as storm water management system. South
Roseland Estates, Rendezvous Shores and the Gates of Glengarda luxury
high-rise condominiums.
Contribution to the Community
Charles Mady has always been active in community philanthropic activities.
He was the driving force behind “Prosperity 2000”, a
broad based community collaboration between business, labour, education
and industry to plan and implement various initiatives.
Mady also has been active with the following;
The City Centre Business Association (CCBA) as a board member and chair.
The Capitol Theatre as a board member, chair of Gala committee and
co-chair of the building committee.
St. Peter’s Church as board member, co-chair of building committee
and co-chair of the fundraising committee.
Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital as a member of the Long Range Planning Committee.
The Mayor’s Hosing Task Force.
The Mayor’s City Centre Revitalization Task Force.
Professional Affiliations
Charles Mady is a member of the following;
Urban Land Institute.
The International Council of Shopping Centres.
The Association of Ontario Land Economists.
Personal
Charles Mady was born in Windsor in January 1946. He has three children;
Charles Jr., Carrie and David all hold key management positions in
the family business.
In the Field of Sports:
ALBERT (ABDULLAH) SHAHIN MADY JUNIOR
Personal
Albert C. Mady was born in Windsor on September 1, 1958 from Lebanese
and Jordanian descent. He is the son of business man and Arabic
community leader Albert C. Mady Sr., who was born in the Sudbury,
Ontario Area on August 17, 1925, and was married to Nadia {Jumean}
Mady in Madaba, Jordan in 1957.
Albert Mady’s grandfather Shahin Abdullah Mady came first
to North America. He traveled from Jdeidet Marjayoun, Lebanon, to
Madaba Jordan, then to Grand Rapids Michigan in 1900, then moved
to Sault Ste Marie, then to the Sudbury Ontario area where he established
a hotel, bar, and grocery store. In 1940 he moved to Windsor Ontario,
becoming a successful business man.
In 1950 he established Mady’s “Big Boy” Restaurants
and Mady’s Furniture Store, later passing away in 1957. Albert
Mady Sr. and his brother’s and sister’s continued the
work their father started. Albert Mady Sr. through his business and
high profile political contacts, helped sponsor many Arab families
to come to Canada. He provided many of them with jobs and shelter,
some of which are established business leaders today.
Albert Mady Sr. and his wife Nadia also were the founders of the
Jordanian club of Windsor. Albert Mady Sr. was sent to Jordan to
raise the Canadian flag at the opening of the Canadian Embassy in
Amman Jordan.
Mr. Mady’s home is full of pictures presenting him with people
such as, The Honorable Paul Martin Sr., The Honorable Prime Minister
Paul Martin Jr., The Honorable Eugene Whelan, The Honorable Herb
Gray, The Honorable Mark MacGuigan and the Honorable Prime Minister
Pierre Elliot Trudeau. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad of Jordan,
and His Royal Majesty, the late King Hussein of Jordan.
Albert Mady Jr. attended M.S. Hetherington School, Riverside Secondary
School, Brennan Secondary School, St. Clair College.
Albert is married to Angela; they have two children, Chucky and
Nicole.
Business Profile
Albert Mady Jr. has been training in the martial arts for 38 years
and teaching martial arts since 1974. He established the Mady’s
Institute of Isshinryu Karate in 1981. He began his martial arts
training under Robert Markovich who ran the Okinawan Karate Club
of Windsor. His instructor today is Grand Master Lewis Lizotte
a 10th degree black belt.
Martial Arts Ranks and Achievements:
Albert is the first in Canada to achieve a 9th degree black belt
in the Okinawa style of Isshinryu karate on July 7th 2006, which
carries the title of “Hanshi”. The following is a short
outline of his martial arts background:
•
Ku Dan, 9th degree black belt, Isshinryu karate.
•
Yon Dan, 4th degree black belt, Kyokushin-kai karate.
•
Training experience: Isshinryu karate, Kyokushin-kai karate
•
Toyama Ryu Iaido {traditional Japanese sword training}, Kickboxing,
Bare knuckle full contact karate {knock down}
•
Wrestling, Ryu Kyu Kempo, Kobudo {weapons training}, Judo, Boxing,
MMA, Arnis.
Some Of The Personal Awards:
•
ISKA, International Sport Karate Association, "best breaker
pound for pound in the world". 2000 world breaking championships,
featured on ESPN and TSN.
•
2000 Grand Master Don Nagle's Memorial Awards: Master Instructor
of the Year.
•
1997 and 2001 American Okinawan Karate Association: Spirit of Isshinryu
Award.
•
2002, American International's full contact karate championships:
Light heavy weight full contact champion.
•
2003 AOKA, American Okinawan Karate Association: Dojo of the year.
•
2006 Inducted into the International Isshinryu Hall of Fame, {1st
and only Canadian}
•
2006 Inducted into the International Martial Arts and Kickboxing
Hall of Fame {1st and only Canadian, other past inductees,Bruce Lee,
Chuck Norris, Heilio Gracie, just to name a few.}
•
2006 Life Time achievement award, International Karate and Kobudo
Association of India, {1st Canadian and only Canadian}
•
2007, World Head of Family Sokeship, International Hall of Fame,
Best Martial Arts School in Canada
•
2007, The Grand Master Don Nagle Legion of Honor Hall of Fame Inductee.
Affiliations:
•
American Okinawan Karate Association, board member
•
North American Kyokushin Organization
•
Mady's Institute of Isshinryu karate
•
Ontario Amateur Kickboxing Council, board member FRM
•
Isshinryu Karate Canada, director
•
Ontario Hand Gun Association
•
International Isshinryu Karate Hall of Fame
•
International Martial Arts & Kickboxing Hall of Fame
•
World Head of Family Sokeship Council, International Hall of Fame
Contributions to the Community
Albert is a proud Windsorite and credits his success to his school
and martial art teachers. Over the years he produced local and
international martial arts champions. He has been teaching Canadian
and U.S. law enforcement agencies and the Victorian Order of Nurses
to defend themselves or restrain patients.
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In the Field of Entrepreneurship:
MANUEL (MATTY) MAROUN
Family History
Led by Maroun’s grandfather, the poor family relocated from Quebec
City to River Canard next to the historic St. Joseph’s Roman
Catholic Church. They later moved to Comber where they operated a grocery
store.
They moved to Huron Church Rd., Windsor, across from Assumption Church
but the father was forced to sell the home in 1924 to make room for
the Ambassador Bridge that would span from Windsor to Detroit. The
family chose to move to Detroit after the house was expropriated.
Matty was born later in 1927. While growing up he remained in close
contact with his father’s brothers and sisters on Aylmer street,
his grandfather’s brother Sarcus Maroun and uncle Joe Maroun.
Matty’s mother side (the Peter’s) owned a grocery store
on Niagara street and Parent avenue.
Maroun is married to Nora, owns three homes in Gross Pointe, Florida,
and Tobermory.
Business History
In Detroit, Matty’s father Towfiq operated a gas station. Manuel
graduated from high school in 1946 and attended Notre Dame University
where he obtained his B.Sc. in 1949 and tried to gain entrance to medical
schools but was unsuccessful because priority was given to returning
veterans at that time. He spend two additional semesters at the University
of Michigan hoping to get into medicine, but at this time his family
was almost penniless and his mother was dying of MS. He had three sisters;
one of them was a baby, so he returned to help his father in the gas
station. After buses unloaded passengers, he would clean them, top
up the gas and check the oil and tires. Meanwhile his father took over
the Central Cartage Company that owned him money. Business improved
as his father struck a relationship with the teamsters’ union
president Jimmy Hoffa, and Central became the main transporter for
GM.
In early 1970’s he bought shares in the Ambassador Bridge. Warren
Buffet’s company WESCO agreed to sell Matty the 25% of the shares
at $24 each. Later he bought the other share holder for 30 million
dollars.
In 1979, Matty Maroun bought the bridge and gave the deed to his father.
Manuel (Matty) Maroun is currently the Ambassador Bridge Owner
With the NAFTA agreement the truck crossings soared. He purchased
other truck companies.
In 1980 Manuel took control of the company from his father and shifted
the driver force from union members to owner operators.
The company has grown to include Central, Universal Truckload Service
and PAM. It owns a logistic firm, several custom brokerages, duty free
and retail gas stations at the Detroit end of the Ambassador Bridge.
It is the second largest property owner in Michigan, third largest
in Detroit.
Maroun is a prominent builder of the local and national economies
of the US and Canada.
In the Field of Humanitarian Services:
JOHN (YEHIA) HAIDER
Personal
Yehia immigrated to Canada from Abilias, Lebanon in 1977 sponsored
by his aunt Amneh Jasey. He spoke French and Arabic Fluently. He
learned English quickly and attended St. Clair College to study computer
science.
He was married in 1983 and has four children.
Work History and Awards
With the influx of Kurdish and Iranian refugees and immigrants in the
1980’s he was asked by the board of directors of the Windsor
Islamic Association to head the settlement process committee.
He worked also as an interpreter and translator of documents and teaching
English to new comers.
In 1992, the Arab Canadian Intercultural Association was formed and
Yehia was appointed to the Board of Directors. He made himself available
at all hours when newcomers needed assistance. He helped families obtain
assistance allocated by the government, but when that did not cover
certain needs, he raised funds from the community to meet the need.
He became well known to government and non-government organizations
as an honest, sincere, generous helper to thousand individuals and
families.
In 2001 Windsor MP, Joseph Comartin sponsored Yehia for Citation for
Citizenship in recognition of his services.
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