Girmish as he was affectionately called, was born in Galo, West Arsi. His parents named him Jajabo, a person of great will, might, and strength. A name that accurately foretold Girmish’s life and personality. He attended Kuyera Adventist School. During the Arse Basic School campaign, he served for a year at Wotara as a volunteer teacher after completing 5th grade. A year later, he resumed his 6th grade education at Kuyera. Concurrently, he enrolled at Jamaican World Federation School in Shashamane under the guidance of Dr. Gladstone Robinson. Gladstone recognized Girmish’s outstanding academic ability and encouraged him to take the 8th grade national exam at Aste Naod Junior High. Girmish passed it with distinction and advanced to high school at E/KAC.
As free spirited as he was, he left his familiar roots behind for the big city, choosing to pursue his future at Zewditu Memorial in Addis Ababa where he obtained his Radiology training from the Adventist Missionaries. There, he met some of his dearest lifelong friends. He then went on to pursue radiography at Black Lion Hospital School of Radiography and earned a college degree.
Girmish had decades of dedicated service to the country he loved so much. His healthcare career spanned over 50 years beginning in Zawuditu Adventist Memorial Hospital in Addis that took him to Dire Dawa Hospital, Yekatit 12 Hospital, Menilik Hospital, Tor Hailoch hospital, Hurso Contingent training school hospital, and wrapped up with years at Gandhi Memorial Hospital. Caring for others was his calling in life. He was the destination for people who sought help for their healthcare needs at the Capital.
Girmish relocated to the USA in the year 2009, joining his wife and his children. He has been an active member of his community & church; and he has also served as a volunteer at Adventist medical center for a number of years and has been recognized on the ‘legacy of caring & sharing’ board.
He rested in Portland, Oregon on November 30, 2022, with his loving family by his side after a valiant battle with a brief illness. He takes with him our love and leaves with us millions of memories our family shares.
Girmish loved his family dearly. His children were the light of his life and his relationship with his brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces was greatly cherished. He adored his grandchildren. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, colleague and friend. He touched the lives of so many people. He affirmed people with his words, “you’re the top”. He will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.
Girmish is survived by his wife of 44 yrs, Yeyie Gemechu; their children Dureti (Mimi), Astu and Ebisso (Abiti); and three grandchildren and many more extended family - leaving a hole in all their hearts.
As a man of faith, he loved God with his whole heart. “The Lord is with me”, he declared. He believed in his salvation. “I’ll be fine”, he assured us. Girmish wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by Christ. He would love to be remembered with the uplifting and elaborate stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in his life.
Girmish was uniquely gifted with a kind and loving heart towards mankind. He lived a life of purpose; enriched with peace, love and laughter. He had an exceptional taste for humor. For him, laughter was the strong medicine to draw people together. He enjoyed a large network of family and friends. He uplifted people. He had only positive praises for others. He’s an eternal optimist. Everyone who knew Girmish felt his big heart and giving nature. Folks remembered him as a magnificent human being, exemplifying those qualities we would want in a person: kindness, empathy, compassion, friendship, positivity and peacefulness. That’s why everyone called him “The Beloved Girmish”. He kept things simple and light. He was not burdened by the demands of ego or class. He appreciated authentic and honest encounters with people of different generations and backgrounds. He enjoyed the years of his presence on this planet Earth.
Girmish loved his country, people, and place of origin. With glowing confidence, he often narrated his stories of growing up, seeking formal education, raising a family and describing his experiences in an engaging and appreciative tone. He also loved his freedom, but he made sure he always came home to maintain that “golden chain”. He will be buried with the honor of his countrymen and SDA procession at Kuyera Adventist Cemetery in Oromia, Ethiopia.
Our family would like to thank the various medical teams, especially teams at Mayo Clinic Hospital for their compassionate care during Girmish’s short stay. We’d also like to thank all of our family and friends for your support and prayers. Those who had a chance to spend time with Girmish while in the hospital made him feel very loved. He was comforted by the Grace of God and proud of the companionship of his people.
A funeral service for Girma will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Sunnyside Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 10501 SE Market St, Portland, OR 97216.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Raya family.
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