Essex-Windsor EMS paramedic Mahmoud Ghannam is being remembered as a cheerful man who was full of smiles.
Ghannam, 49, passed away Thursday while on vacation with his family. Police say his canoe capsized at Walker Lake in Grey County.
Essex-Windsor EMS chief Bruce Krauter says he was well-loved by everyone.
"He was driven to care for the patients and the community," he says. "He was focused on his family, first and foremost, and on the patients he treated everyday."
Ghannam is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
He has been a paramedic in Windsor-Essex for about 11 years, also working with the former Sun Parlour Ambulance in Leamington.
The OPP says Ghannam wasn't wearing a life jacket during the incident.
An outpouring of support flooded social media this morning.
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of the sudden passing of @EssexWindsorEMS paramedic Mahmoud Ghannam.
— Tecumseh Fire (@TECFD) August 28, 2015
Deepest condolences from LFS to family, friends and coworkers of paramedic Mahmoud Ghannam @EssexWindsorEMS *sn— Lasalle Fire Service (@LasallefireON) August 28, 2015
From everyone with CKFES, our deepest sympathies are extended to all members of Essex-Windsor EMS as they mourn... http://t.co/fjDuqxxEyn
— CK Fire Department (@ckfiredept) August 28, 2015
Condolences, our thoughts are with you and his family. https://t.co/8FTjzJJEKi— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) August 28, 2015
Our sympathy to @EssexWindsorEMS from @WindsorPolice for the loss of a great EMS member Mahmaud Ghannam. Our thoughts are with you all.
— Deputy Rick Derus (@DeputyRickDerus) August 28, 2015