R.I.P.
Official Condolence Letter from Baro Sports Club
Dear Family Members and Friends:
We were shocked when we heard the news of Shimeles Gessese death. The sudden heart attack he suffered brought an end to this wonderful man so soon. Words really cannot express how sad we feel. Our heart is filled with sympathy on the loss of your beloved brother whom we loved so dearly.
Brother Shime was such a colorful man. We have never seen a man so dedicated to Abyssinia soccer club of Portland and ESFNA (Ethiopian Soccer Federation North America). He lived for the love of soccer game. Shime was funny and has kept a certain style for the last ten years when he assured us Baro Sports Club will join ESFNA one day.
Shime was a visionary, very cool at heart, and a patient friend by nature. He advised our team for the last 7 years, taught us how to be patient, and promised us our dream to join ESFNA will become a reality. Yes, Seattle BARO joined ESFNA in 2005 and for that we would like to extend a sincere thank you to Brother Shime. Baro Sports Club will never forget his support. As visionary as he was, Shime conceptualized the Ethiopian North West Tournament and helped the tournament grow. We will never forget the long hours he drove to the tournaments; and the Soccer shoes he religiously carried around on his back for the last 20 years which later became his trade mark. He of course did all these and more just to build his team and the organizations he served. What a man he was and what a lose for all Ethiopian soccer lovers. He was an icon and will be missed so much.
We remembered Shime as a devoted father to his beautiful family, a leader to Abyssinia Soccer Club, an advisor and great supporter of ESFNA .We feel your pain and cry with you because Shime was a big brother to us as well. As once said, "grief is the price we pay for love" and today we learnt that we are painfully sad because we truly love your brother. He loved being surrounded by his players and board members of ESFNA we know the source of pride they were to him.
We know how much you will miss your brother Shime - we all will. But we know you will remember the many blessings of the beautiful years you shared together. He loved you so much and you were always a source of strength to him. We remember his tremendous devotion to you and our organization during your long hours and endless meetings you have to go through. The strength and willingness to live you demonstrated then will help you get through the days and months ahead.
The Seattle BARO soccer club offers our sympathy and love. The players and the members of Seattle BARO will be in Portland soon and we look forward to being with you Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God grant you comfort among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Seattle Baro Sports Club