"Do good and throw in the ocean" - this ancient Arabic proverb was more than just words my father quoted; it was the compass that guided his entire life. The proverb speaks to showing kindness without keeping score, and that's exactly how he moved through the world. Every day, he scattered acts of goodness behind him like breadcrumbs, never turning back to see who might have gathered them up.

Through his work, he touched countless lives over the years. While you may not recognize his name, there's a good chance you've tasted his food (Uno Tomato, Zaroty, etc). Losing his father at just nine years old, he learned life's hardest lessons early - chief among them that his calling was to serve others. This early loss shaped him, forcing him to shoulder adult responsibilities while still a child.

When the Lebanese Civil War of the 1980s drove him from his homeland, he landed in Seattle with little more than hope and determination. Those first months in America tested his resolve - he lived in a closet-sized space, worked two jobs at $2.90 an hour, and still pursued his education.

His unexpected transfer to Brookings turned out to be destiny in disguise - there in the college dormitories, he met the woman who would become his wife. Their chance encounter blossomed into a 42-year marriage that became the bedrock of their family of five.

From childhood, Ted was naturally drawn to entrepreneurship - he understood that in business, success was directly proportional to effort, and Ted knew how to work harder than anyone. His restaurants became more than just businesses; they were the means through which he could provide for not only his wife and children here, but also support his mother back home.

Ted's restaurants transcended the usual definition of a business - they became true community sanctuaries. He had an unwavering commitment to lifting others up, whether by offering employment to those seeking a second chance after incarceration, or by creating a support system for refugee families who needed not just meals, but a space to feel at home. His genuine care for people fostered deep connections with people, some following him from place to place over the decades.

Even while battling pancreatic cancer, Ted remained true to his nature. He never complained or showed anger. Right until the end, his thoughts were focused on others, particularly his family.

Ted is survived by Jane, his beloved wife; his precious children Chris, Nick, and Sarah (Nathan); his loving grandchildren Beckett and Raleigh; his treasured friends Sarah (Steve) and Joey and Carlos; his mischievous puppies Penny and Sassi; his dear siblings Nahed (Fawaz) and Ghassan (Safa); his cherished nieces and nephews Nour (Shadi), Farah (Mustafa), Talal, Mustafa, Nouhad, and Joudy; his darling great-niece and nephew Sophia and Omar.

In honor of Ted's generous spirit, please consider performing an act of kindness or making a donation to your favorite charity in his memory. We would be deeply touched to hear your cherished memories of Ted. Cards and remembrances may be sent to 808 N. West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. The family will be holding private services later.