Family of Hamilton city worker killed on the job raises money for others: 'He would have loved this'

When Lina El Ali opened the door to the police that Friday morning, she had no idea what was coming.

Minutes later, her world changed. Her husband, Nabil El-Ahmed — a 55-year-old City of Hamilton worker and the father of their three children — had been killed while on duty.

Working outside on Golf Links Road, as part of the Public Works team, El-Ahmed was struck by a car and died on April 4. 

In the weeks since El-Ahmed's death, El Ali and her children have chosen to honour his memory not only through mourning, but through action. They've launched a fundraiser in his name, supporting charities that are overseeing the construction of a well in rural Pakistan, providing medical aid to Palestinians and humanitarian aid to other war-torn regions.

"He would have loved this," Jeanine, El-Ahmed's 26-year-old daughter, told CBC Hamilton from their home in Ancaster.

Hadi, El-Ahmed's youngest son, is honouring his father in his own way, by building software to improve efficiency and safety in Canada's construction industry, he said.

They're speaking publicly this week as they honour him and with the hopes to help protect workers like him. Their story is one of grief and resilience.

"He was the kindest man," his wife said. "He didn't like drama, never held resentment. He was a quiet doer — if something needed to be done, he just did it."

Watch: Lina El Ali shares why the family is raising funds for others 

El-Ahmed, who's of Palestinian origin, immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in 1985 when he was 14. He was the eldest of four siblings and spent much of his adult life building a new life in the Hamilton area with El Ali. Together, they raised their children and watched their neighbourhood grow around them.

For years, El-Ahmed and his father ran small businesses. When their last venture — a convenience store — wasn't making money, he pivoted. He enrolled in a heavy equipment operator course, which he paid for himself, and eventually landed a part-time job with the City of Hamilton, El Ali said.

By 2023, he had worked for the city for 18 years and had been promoted to supervisor. He was meticulous, often texting colleagues about potholes or road conditions during off-hours, said El Ali.

A colleague remembered him not only as a dedicated worker, but as someone who brought a sense of warmth and camaraderie to the job site.

"Nabil was a gentleman's gentleman," said Bobby Barnett, City Outside Vice-President of CUPE Local 5167. "He loved having tea and breaking bread with his co-workers."