Family mourns ‘true family man’ after he was shot dead in Radisson heights

The family of a man who died in a “senseless killing” in Calgary last month held a community celebration of his life Tuesday evening.

Temesgen Tesfatsion was shot and killed on the morning of Aug. 21 at the Ambassador Restaurant and Bar on 17 Avenue SE.

Officers add Tesfatsion was not the intended target of the shooting, and that he was a bystander caught in the crossfire.

Tesfatsion’s family says they are overwhelmed with grief over his loss.

“This was a senseless killing, and we know Temesgen was not a target and that he was and remains an innocent man,” his family said in a statement to police.

“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.”

Tesfatsion’s family says he was a humble and 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.”

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Tesfatsion’s family says he moved to Calgary in 2019 to build a life for his wife and two sons. Tuesday would have marked his graduation as a heavy-duty mechanic.

Shortly before he was killed, Tesfatsion bought a plane ticket to Ethiopia to be with his family for his son’s first birthday. He had yet to meet his child in person, and was planning to bring his family back with him to start a new life in Calgary.

“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,” the family said.

The celebration of life was held at Noah’s Café in the southeast community of Southview.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for 34-year-old Filimon Asmelash Asfiha on Sept. 1. He is charged with second degree murder in connection with Tesfatsion’s death.

Police haven’t released any more information, nor know the intended target.