Nael “Nick” Khoury

Nael "Nick" Khoury left this life as he lived it—surrounded by love, beauty, and family. He embodied responsibility and love as a selfless, unconditional act. Nick quietly changed lives without recognition or fanfare. He never complained and met life's challenges—large and small—with patience, care, and steady resolve.

From a young age, he carried significant responsibility, supporting and guiding his mother, stepmother, and sisters after the early passing of his father. That sense of duty and care continued throughout his life, extending to his own family and in-laws. Nick's love and guidance reached those who had the privilege of calling him a friend—touching and often reshaping the course of their lives. His love was dependable, loyal, and genuine, and he made even the smallest interactions feel big.

Nick was born on February 25, 1960, in Haifa, in historic Palestine, into a family of priests. He moved to the United States with his parents, Samira and Kamel, following his maternal grandfather, Father George Harb, who founded St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Portland, where Nick later served as an altar boy, Parish Council President, and a member of the Order of St. Ignatius. He grew up in Parkrose, where he played soccer at Parkrose High School before attending the University of Oregon. He joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and graduated with a BS in Business Administration.

Nick built a distinguished 40-year career in technology, including 30 years at Oracle Corporation, where he served as VP and GM of Customer Success Services. Though recognized with numerous awards for leadership and excellence, he was most respected for his strategic thinking and his gift for mentoring others, nurturing talent, and providing unwavering support for his team.

Nael was a passionate and steadfast advocate for the Palestinian people. As President of the Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in both Portland and New York, he organized educational summits, led delegations to the United Nations—meeting then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan—and coordinated press engagements with global advocates, including Queen Noor of Jordan. Deeply knowledgeable about the history of Palestine, he shared it with clarity and calm, often helping others see the conflict through a broader historical lens and shift perspectives through thoughtful dialogue.

Above all, Nick will be remembered for his absolute joy, love, and commitment to his family—his wife Dina and their two children, Helena and Kam. Nick and Dina built a life together over 40 years—married for 28 of them. They were committed to teaching their children that love is not just a feeling but an action. His children were his everything. He never missed a game or a performance, always showing up with open arms and advice. He supported his children through every challenge, meeting them with boundless patience, unconditional love, and the reassurance that everything would be okay.

True to the meaning of his name, Nael—"gift"—was a gift to all who knew him. Whether family, friends, or colleagues, to know him was to receive his care, attention, intellect, and loyalty.

He is survived by his beloved wife Dina, his children Helena and Kam, his stepmother Siham Khoury, his sisters Muna, Nadia (Matt), Dahlia, and Natalie and Nanette and many nieces and nephews. His legacy and values will live on through his children, of whom he was deeply proud and who loved him just as deeply.

Services: A Trisagion will be held Thursday, June 11th, at 7:00 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The funeral will take place Friday, June 12th, at 11:00 am at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, followed by a mercy meal. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.