On Thursday July 27, 2017 Slieman Moghrabi of Lac La Biche, AB passed away at the age of 68. Funeral services were held on Friday July 28, 2017 at the Al Kareem Mosque in Lac La Biche. 

Slieman is survived by his devoted and caring wife of 33 years Lila, his son Chaffic (Nahla) Moghrabi, daughters Sherraz Moghrabi and Medena Moghrabi, and two beautiful grandchildren, Sleiman and Kareem. His siblings Carl (Mariam) Moghrabi of Calgary, Omer (Bev) Moghrabi of Lac La Biche, Albert (Debby) Moghrabi of Lac La Biche, Hawla (Jack) Dalrymple of Vancouver, Hamede Moghrabi of Toronto, Shreffe (Ali) Zahoui of Edmonton as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. 

He is predeceased by his brother Ali, in 1952, his brother Ali in 1960, his mother Hamouie in 1965, sister Annie in 1987, brother Russel in 1989, father Chafic in 1993, Sister Samia in 1999, brother Mohamed in 2007, nephews Kamel in 2012 and Ocrame in 2017.
Slieman was born Kherbet Rouha, Lebanon, and began his journey to Canada at the age of four.  His father Chafic had travelled to Lac La Biche to begin a new life and opportunity for his family. Once his father had established a homestead with a mink ranch he sent for his family to join him. Slieman travelled alongside his mother and siblings Omer, Carl, Russel, Samia, and Mohamed.  It took two months to complete the journey. The journey began in Lebanon, stopping in Naples Italy for one month, landing in Halifax by ship where they then travelled by train to Lac La Biche.
Slieman worked hard alongside his family on the mink ranch. In high school Slieman found his passion in sports. He was both a very talented and competitive athlete. He played basketball, volleyball, fast ball, and curling. He was always a key player no matter the sport. Slieman was also known as an enforcer for his brothers and close friends. His phrase was “Who is giving you a hard time.” Slieman was a leader, he was President of student council and the captain of the basketball team.  He graduated from high school in 1970.

After high school Slieman moved to Edmonton where he enrolled in the physical education department at the University of Alberta. After a year of studies, he switched gears and decided to work in real estate. 
In 1978 Slieman moved back to Lac La Biche and began working for his brother Albert at the Lac La Biche Sporting Goods.  He was head of the parts and service department.  His uniform consisted of his Lac La Biche Sporting Goods jacket and a pen behind his ear. He was known for having all of the parts catalogues in his head as well as being the master skate sharpener. Slieman was a pivotal part in making Sporting Goods the success it is today.

On May 12, 1984 Slieman married his loving wife, Lila. Together they raised their three children Chaffic, Sherraz and Medena. He was an amazing father and was always there for his children. Just make sure that you did not get hurt or sick because you will get blamed for it. This is not only Slieman who did this as it is Moghrabi trait. Slieman was also involved in their journey in sports.  He was a coach for hockey and baseball as well as the President of Minor Sports.
Ted (Teddy) Tkachuk, Jules (Julie) Owchar and Slieman (Frankie) were a dynamic trio and friends for over 40 years. They were also considered family and they shared many good debates and golfing trips together. It was often Teddy being the instigator fuelling the fire, getting Julie and Frankie riled up about things like favourite sports teams, athletes and playoff probability.  
Slieman was known as Umo Candy to his numerous great nephews and nieces.  He was always giving them quarters to get candy from the machines in Sporting Goods.  He would always make sure they had a cup to carry around their loot. If ever his supply ran out he would send someone up to IDA Drugstore to get more chocolate.  He was seen many times carrying around a little one in his arms and making sure they got whatever they wanted. 

Slieman was blessed with two grandsons.  Sleiman in 2015 and Kareem in 2017. They were great gifts to him and always added brightness to his days.

In 2014 Slieman retired from Sporting Goods when his battle begun. Even though he no longer worked there, he would still come to visit whenever he could.  Slieman was always supported and well taken care of by his family, making sure that he got everything that he needed.
In his final days he was visited by his numerous loving friends and family. His battle ended on July 27th, 2017 and he was no longer suffering. He will be deeply missed as he is an irreplaceable Brother, Husband, Father, Judo, Umo as well as a prominent member of our community. We will miss him asking us if we came from Athabasca or Chicago, and we promise to make sure that everyone gets their sweets no matter what their parents say.
“Gonna build a mountain, higher than the sky, gonna build a mountain,  for you and I.”

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