Refaat Bakhoum

Refaat Bakhoum was born in Luxor, Egypt on July 6, 1935, son to Shoukry, his father, and Alice, his mother. He had three brothers, Ramsis, Alfy, and Noshy, as well as three half siblings Harvey, Albert, and Narges.

At the age of fifteen Refaat began working in the steel fabrication industry where he worked hard to provide for his family. Refaat entered the army and continued in the service for nearly three years; he was a 3-striped sergeant. After his military service he continued with welding and opened his own shop in Cairo. Across the street from that shop he spotted the love of his life on her parents’ balcony.

In 1964, Refaat was married to Elen, his now beloved bride of almost 56 years. In Cairo, they had two children, Nevert and Nagy. In December of 1968, Refaat left his welding business and brought his wife and children to America. They settled in Los Angeles, California and still reside in the South Bay. His adventure is one of the great American Stories.

Refaat began working at Todd Shipyard where he would work multiple shifts in order to provide for his family. After the shipyard Refaat moved to Bill William’s Welding and from there he once again opened his own shop, RB Welding, in 1973. Refaat worked on many amazing projects that he was very proud of. One of his favorites was building the Vicky Ann, a one of a kind tug vessel that services the entire West Coast of North America. Refaat obtained his contractor’s license in 1981 and built many projects as well. He was honored to be the contractor for Saint Mina’s Church in Riverside and Saint Mary’s Church in Los Angeles where he was honored with a special recognition from Pope Shenouda III. Refaat also remodeled St Mercurius & St Abraam church in Torrance as well as Peninsula Community Church in Rancho Palos Verdes. He helped find a twenty acre site where the first Coptic monastery outside of Egypt was created in the Barstow desert of California, as well as building the home that his family still enjoys.

After selling his shop in 2005, Refaat enjoyed traveling and helping his children with their many architectural endeavors. He always had time for his children and grandchildren. They all knew they could count on Gedo to help on any project at anytime. Blu, Clay, Tylin Nadia, and Margaux Bakhoum, and Michael and Elaria Guirgis will miss these moments greatly.

Refaat lived as a powerful example of hard work, determination, loyalty, generosity, and faith. He served his family as a dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather. He blessed his family and many others with wonderful memories that will be forever etched in the fabric of their lives. He will be missed dearly.




Family and friends of Refaat are invited to share their favorite photos, video memories and heart felt messages on his Tribute page on the Green Hills Mortuary Website.