Adel was born in Tanta, Egypt and was the son of the late Mohammed Rachad and Nagat Sayed Darwish. He dearly loved Egypt, its culture, its kind and hospitable people, and its font of memories that it gave him over the years, many of which he captured in his book of memoirs. Most of all he loved his family and friends there, who contributed so richly to those profoundly happy times.

Adel decided to create his own new experiences by immigrating to Montreal, Canada in 1971. Already possessing a degree in Social Work, he quickly qualified for work at the Douglas Hospital in Verdun, working with troubled teens. As time went on, he decided to go back to university to get his Master’s degree. He was accepted at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, and graduated in 1975. He heard about a job in St. Anthony, NL, and again, being adventurous, set his sights on a new road. It was there that he met Imelda, his wife of 39 years. Together, they had three wonderful, wonderful sons.

In 1982, Adel and the family moved to and settled in Somerset, NS. Adel worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker with the Annapolis Valley Health Authority and helped many people over the years. He was on the Western Kings Community Health Board for several years, too. He was also instrumental in establishing the Citizen Advocacy Program in King’s County from 1987 to 2005, a volunteer program to support people with mental health issues to integrate more fully back into their community.

Beyond work, Adel had many hobbies, probably the most outstanding and rewarding being gardening. He loved his gardens and spent many contented hours tending the flowers and the vegetables, some of which were unusual, like the “strasberry”, the tomato-potato plant, okra, the fig tree, various eggplants, and even some giant pumpkins. He was a great cook and was able to incorporate much of his harvest into his delicious exotic dishes. Adel also loved to go fishing, to do photography, to paint, to read, and to discuss Middle Eastern politics. He spent many happy times with his dearly loved and incredibly supportive friends, too.

Above all, he adored his sons and grandchildren, and cherished every moment he could spend with them. Just the sight of Sofia and Zaydan made Adel’s face radiate with love and joy. They were the love of his life, or as he would say, “They are my delight!” He was a remarkable father who has left an indelible mark of excellence on his three sons. He had every reason to be so very proud of them.

Adel was 75 when he passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2016 with family at his bedside.

The family would like to extend an ardent thank you to Imelda’s family for their overwhelming support and care during Adel’s long illness. A special thank you, too, to the VON, the palliative care team, and to Dr. Christina Mercer, who provided such excellent ongoing care to Adel and gave much-needed support to Imelda and family. The family has also been surrounded by phenomenally kind and empathic friends who have helped them in so many ways with offers of food, time, a listening ear, transportation needs, and so much more. They feel truly blessed to have such friends.

Furthermore, the Darwish family would like to extend their appreciation to Bryce Johnstone and the Middleton Funeral Home for their respect and consideration during this difficult time. A private family service will be held at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Coldbrook.

A reception will be held at St. Anthony’s Church Hall at 122 Mill St, Berwick, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM on Saturday October 8, at which time all are invited to meet with the family and offer condolences.

Donations may be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation or to Carey Me (supporting palliative care in the home).