Boustany

It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Badri Gerges Boustany, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, who left this world on May 14, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born in 1938 in Ghadir Jounieh, Lebanon, Badri’s life was defined by devotion — to his country, his craft, and above all, his family. At just 18 years old, he enlisted in the Lebanese Air Force, embarking on what would become a distinguished 35-year career as a helicopter and jet fighter technician. His pursuit of excellence took him from technical school in Beirut to advanced training in France and England, where he earned diplomas from Aérospatiale and Rolls-Royce. Through those years of service, he forged deep and lasting friendships with his fellow soldiers — brothers in arms who remained among the most cherished people in his life.

At the very core of Badri’s life was his deep and unwavering Christian faith. He held a special and tender devotion to the Virgin Mary and to Saint Charbel, the beloved Lebanese saint whose life of humble sacrifice which Badri admired. His faith was not something he merely practiced; it was something he lived, woven into every act of kindness and every day spent in service to others.

At home, Badri truly came alive. A gifted craftsman, there was nothing he could not build — tables and chairs sized just right for his grandchildren, intricate nativity scenes gifted to family and friends each Christmas, and model boats built with the same precision he brought to his career. He was also a devoted collector of stamps and coins, with the careful eye of a man who appreciated history and craftsmanship in all its forms.

His garden was an extension of his soul. In Lebanon, he tended with pride the grape vines that draped over his rooftop and the lemon trees that perfumed his yard. What he grew, he shared freely — friends and family always left his home with arms full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

And while he poured his heart into everything he made and collected, it was his family that was his greatest treasure of all. Central to everything was his devoted marriage to his wife Elvira — 60 years of partnership, loyalty, and love that never wavered through joy, hardship, and a life lived across continents. His children gave him his deepest pride, and his grandchildren brought him his biggest joy and, in their laughter, he found his truest happiness. His family was his life’s unsurpassed accomplishment, the thing he was most proud to have built.

He was endlessly helpful, humble to his core, and in all his years never once complained about anything or anyone. He simply rolled up his sleeves and got on with it, with grace and without fuss. He loved to sing, and his favorite song was Que Sera, Sera — in a moment that his family will treasure forever, he sang it with them one last time on his final day on earth.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Samir and Kamal, and his niece Rita. He is survived by his beloved wife Elvira Gareb Boustany, his partner of 60 years; his sons George (Nelly), Emile (Zena), Imad (Oksana), Walid (Maya), and Ziad (Jen); his grandchildren Jessica, Matthew, Roxane, Robin, Theo, Elio, Roy, Bella, Noor, Nayla, Ava, and Zayden; and his nieces Marie and Ange.

Badri leaves behind a legacy of countless acts of love — in every piece of wood he shaped, every vine he tended, every basket of fruit he shared, and every moment of delight he found in the eyes of his grandchildren. His faith carried him through every season of life, and those who loved him take comfort in knowing he is now at peace. He will be profoundly missed.

With thanks and appreciation, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites donations to St. Georges Melkite Catholic Church — contributions may be made in person at the church or by e-transfer to office@stgeorgemelkitechurch.com.

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Francis De Sales Church, 6610 Balmoral St, Burnaby, B.C. If you are unable to attend in person, family and friends are welcome to join us virtually at: https://www.legacystreaming.com/anora-cremation-burial-events/. When viewing on your computer, do NOT view the service with either “Internet Explorer” or “Microsoft Edge” or on a Smart TV. Choose Chrome, Safari or Firefox on your computer, tablet, or phone.