Obituary of Gibran N. El-Hajj

Gibran N. El-Hajj, 87, adoring husband of the late Diane P. El-Hajj, died peacefully March 3, 2020, with sun streaming in to his bedroom window, a group prayer, surrounded by his children, and an affirmation that he saw his girl. He was born June 11, 1932 in Bangor, one of 9 children of Nesib M. and Louise B. (Sloan) El-Hajj. Gibby graduated from Winterport HS, where he excelled at all sports, earned unanimous All Tourney of the 1950 High School Basketball Tournament, and so much more. He worked at Camp Kennebec summers, and took great pride in the no-hitter that he threw at the age of 17, against the camp coaches, most of which were college athletes, in the traditional end of summer game. Despite interest from Colby College for his basketball talents, he entered the Air Force, and sent his checks home to Mom. He continued his athletic career while there, where he was the Captain of several basketball teams, competing in Puerto Rico, Panama, and beyond. Many college All Americans, and future NBA players and coaches were his competition. He was All Tourney, in many of those as well. He called himself a “papermaker”, working at the Bucksport paper mill from the time it was St. Regis, until it was Champion. We understand that he kept things pretty lively at the mill. He was pleased to support himself and his “bride of many suppers” with the pension that he received for 22 years. When not working shift work at the mill, he spent a great deal of time coaching Little League, Babe Ruth, Senior Little League, Officiating, Mentoring, and more. He was proud of “his kids”, he taught the fundamentals of the game, and of life. Most of the boys in Winterport knew that if you were late, you paid with a lap around the field. If you bobbled a ball and it fell out of your glove, odds were good you would hear “God gave you two hands, use ‘em.” You catch with your glove, you cover with your hand. His boys knew how to bunt, how to slide, how to turn a double play, and hit the cutoff. They also learned lessons that would help shape the men they would become. In his later years, he took great pride in the Winterport Recreation Park. He and Joe Watson were instrumental in the receipt of grants from the Federal Government for the construction of the entire project, at no cost to the town. The Adams family of Frankfort supplied significant equipment and resources as well. Many generations of children have enjoyed learning and playing all sorts of sports there. He was proud of that. Our father believed that the fundamentals of baseball, and all sport, are paramount for enjoyment of the game, and achievement. He felt it paralleled the fundamentals of a life well lived, the golden rule, and giving to those that he felt he could help. Our parents allowed us to witness an extraordinary love story. They dedicated their lives to one another, and affirmed it in action every day. They shared a great love and curiosity for those around them. One was always welcomed into the home of Gib & Di, with open arms, and an expectation that you would catch them up on your life. Because they cared. If you visited our parents in their home, you would find that it was decorated in Grandchildren. Grampy Gibber and Grammy marveled at the talents and gifts of each and every one of them. Traveling around the state and country for games and plays, concerts, graduations, and birthdays. Grampy took great pride in, and felt it was his privilege to, watch them become the fine men and women they now are. In return, we are confident that they will honor the memory of their Grampy Gibber, with the standards of integrity, good humor, and graciousness he naturally instilled. There was always laughter. Only the ending was sad, Our Mother was taken from her love in May of 2019, and the twinkle in our father’s eye was never again so bright. He is survived by his children, Tracey and Roy Allen of Bangor, Karen and John Marves of North Haven, Lisa El-Hajj and Burleigh Stanwood of Surry, Mike El-Hajj and Kim Jenkins of Winterport; grandchildren, Jessi Leigh Swenson and Mark Pipes and daughter Isadora, Justin and Autumn Allen and daughter Maddie and son Baxter , Adam Swenson and Sydney Bence, Ben Allen and son Tommy and daughter Eva, Jacob Greenlaw and Gabrian McPhail, Daniel Swenson, Emily Greenlaw and Brennan Howe and daughter Maggie, Nicholas and Casey El-hajj and sons Isaiah and Aiden , Matthew El-hajj and Kaylee St.Pierre and son Edgar, Zachary El-hajj and Molly Palmer; step grandchildren, Brittany and Courtney Meherg, Collette and Ryan Haskell and son Sean and daughter Isabelle, Ryan Marves and son Byron and daughters Haven, Ada and Leah; Tracy and Jason Warlick and son Hayden and daughter Olivia, Taylor and Wes Newman and son Hunter and daughters Whitney, Chelsea, and Eric Hall and daughters Sophia, Lydia, Sarah and Lewis Haskell; His Brother Lionel “Sonny” El-Hajj carries the torch for his generation with his wife Jackie, Sister in Law Genevieve El-Hajj. He was predeceased by his wife, Diane El-Hajj in 2019. Many members of the El-Hajj family, from all around the country are in mourning. So many were special to our parents, and they looked forward to their visits in the summer months, as well as their regular phone calls. Linda and Ferris and their fine sons, Mary Jo, Bud & Sherry. Sonny’s daughter Jennifer could always be counted on to bring a smile and a thoughtful gift. Our father was a good man, and as a result good people were drawn to him. His neighbors Mike Messier and Elaine Suzor were regular visitors, and it gave great comfort to the family to know they were keeping an eye on him. A graveside service and burial for Gibran and Diane will be held at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Town of Winterport, Recreation Dept., P.O. Box 559, Winterport, Me 04496. Messages and memories may also be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.