ESFNA
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Shimeles Gessese, our dear brother, a long time player and leader of the Abyssinia Sport Club of Portland, ESFNA board member and ardent ESFNA supporter passed away on Tuesday July 24th, 2007 from a heart attack.
He died on the soccer field doing something he loves. We will have a formal release in the coming days, but we would like to take this opportunity and pray for comfort for his family and friends.
Those of us that have known Shime for years know what ESFNA meant to him – he has been there through thick and thin, and has always had big plans for the organization he loved so much.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not been decided as of yet but we will provide updates as soon as we receive them. May God rest his soul and bless his family with the strength to deal with this tragedy.
More info at: ESFNA
One thought on “The untimely passing of Shimeles Gessese”
Shimeles Gessese’s untimely passing comes as an extreme shock and significant loss in our community, as he was highly respected by friends and colleagues around the world.
Shimeles, a board member representing the Abyssinia Soccer Team of Portland, Oregon, was known for his constant acts of kindness to others, especially those within the Ethiopian Soccer Federation. Shimeles was always willing to make the personal connection with people around him, offering his cheerful smile and optimistic personality for a positive experience.
It was only a few weeks ago when we met in Dallas for the 24th Annual Soccer Tournament, where he appeared to be in good health.
I know that his presence with the ESFNA affiliation will suffer a great loss as well because he was so passionate about that association.
As the days pass, the sadness and grief will be difficult at first, but know that nothing is ever too much to bear as long as you have faith. In due time you hearts will heal and the pain of this loss will fade.
He will never be forgotten, but your heart won’t be as heavy. Take your time and count every moment that you had with Shimeles as a blessing, as he was definitely a blessing to those he touched in his lifetime.
Cherish the things he gave you. Love, memories, and lessons during this season in your life. Someday you will see him again and all these worldly things won’t matter. That reunion will be eternal, never to end
again!