Zeki passed away suddenly on December 21, 2025, nine years after having survived a life-threatening cardiac incident.
He joined Robert College immediately after his family returned to Turkey from an expatriate assignment in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which earned him the nickname “Arap Zeki” among boarding students. A pioneer in RC with his signature hip-hop and rap dance moves, he was also active in team sports.
His social skills opened many doors in life. Not long after graduating from the University of British Columbia, he was elected President of the Turkish Canadian Society of Vancouver. Later he returned to Turkey to become a sales leader and then a chief executive officer across Turkey and the Middle East.
He built strong, heartfelt connections and left a legacy that goes far beyond business achievements. He will be remembered as a leader who united people, inspired teams, and led with integrity and humanity.
He was a devoted father to Demir, loving brother to Özgür and cherished son to Burhan and İnci Bağran.
Contributed by Hakan Ener RC 98 and Özgür Bağran
