Obituary – Dr. Ayalew (Al) Kassa – 2013

Updated: March 25 2013 3:30PM

July 6th 1956 – March 22nd 2013

Born July 6th, 1956 in Boroumeda, Ethiopia, Africa he received his education at Dessie Elementary School, and General Wingate High School, Ethiopia, Africa. He moved to England and studied A-Levels at Stafford, then enrolled at Birmingham Medical School. He did a residency in Obstetrics and Anaesthetics at Birmingham, England, and in 1991 at the age of 34 years he joined Dr. Anthony Kenyon in the Fort Nelson Medical Clinic where he stayed for five years.
It was at this time that he met his soulmate, Elizabeth (Betty) Asher
In 1996, he opened the Airport Way Medical Clinic with partner and friend, Dr. Marius Mostert, and practiced there until the day of his death.
His hobbies included cricket, boxing, squash, windsurfing, golf, reading, travelling (he and Betty travelled to over 30 countries), studying languages, professional development in continuing medical education, music, technology, and philanthropy.
Father Ioan Bolog gave the opening and closing prayers at the celebration of his life, opening remarks were by Tanis Mould and eulogies by Dr. Marius Mostert and Dr. Jack Albrecht.
Guest speakers were Abebe Tessa Michael, cousin; Chris Morey, Health Service Administrator; Susan Gower, family friend,/long time resident; Sharleen Wildeman, Fort Nelson First Nation Chief (on behalf of Kathi Dickie); Ken Yoon, family friend; Bill Streeper, Mayor of Northern Rockies Regional Municipality; and Leah Asher, daughter.
A video tribute was played.
Dinner was provided at the Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre and was prepared by the Fort Nelson First Nation, Patricia Capot-Blanc, and Juanita Thomson.
Dr. Kassa will be going home to be laid to rest beside his father in Ethiopia.