The family of a Calgary man killed in August outside a southeast bar is remembering him as a loving and caring person.
Temesgen Tesfatsion was killed roughly one month ago outside the Ambassador Restaurant and Bar, located at 3504 – 17 Avenue SE. Police were called there on Aug. 21 around 4:40 a.m. after gunshots were reported at that location.
Tesfatsion died at the scene. Police said that he was an innocent victim in the shooting.
Filimon Asmelash Asfiha, 34, was charged with second-degree murder in Tesfatsion’s death. Calgary police confirmed that Asfiha is still wanted by police and hasn’t yet been arrested.
A community celebration of life is being held for Tesfatsion. His family released a statement in advance of that gathering Tuesday.
‘Our brother was remarkable in so many ways…’
“We are completely overwhelmed with grief at the sudden and tragic loss of our brother, Temesgen Tesfatsion, who was tragically killed last month.
This was a senseless killing and we know Temesgen was not a target and that he was and remains an innocent man.
There are not enough words to describe the loving and caring person Temesgen was. Our brother was remarkable in so many ways, he lived his life to the fullest and he touched so many people.
Those who knew Temesgen remember him as a humble and caring person. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was considered a father-figure to his nieces and nephews and thought of by many as a true family man.
Temesgen was his mother’s “right hand” and was always by her side. He helped raise his younger siblings and started working at a young age, helping out wherever he could. Growing up, he was a good student and a hard-working young man.
Temesgen came to Canada in 2019 and worked hard to build a life here in preparation for his family in Ethiopia to join him. During his time here in Canada, he was studying to become a certified heavy-duty mechanic, with his graduation ceremony set to take place on today, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. He also obtained his Class 4 commercial license and completed his air-brake program certification in hopes of becoming a commercial truck driver.
Shortly before he died, Temesgen had purchased a plane ticket to travel back home so he could be with his family to celebrate his son’s first birthday, whom he had yet to meet, and accompany his family on their trip to their new home in Canada.
Temesgen is survived by his wife and two sons, his mother, his two sisters, nephews, nieces and numerous family friends and community members.
Temesgen was an active member within his community and served as a youth soccer coach, encouraging his own nieces and nephews to become involved in the sport.
He would seek out those who needed help without asking. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he would seek out those who were struggling, often taking it upon himself to shop for and deliver groceries and other supplies for those who were in isolation or who couldn’t access other supports.
Our brother always said how important it was to see the humanity in everyone. He will be remembered as a responsible, caring, goal-oriented, determined, and compassionate person.
At this time, we want to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone for their love and support and helping us through this incredibly difficult time.”
