The Passing of A Dear and Great Friend
by Kassahun Checole
29/12/2016 21:52 PM
Jerome Goytom, (1941-2016)
Jerome Goytom, (1941-2016) a splendid human being, mentor of many a young person and a good friend to a whole lot more passed away peacefully on Christmas day, December 25 after a long illness in Ottawa, Canada. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Jerome was the son of Dr. Goytom Petros Habtemicahel and Wzo. Letengus Berhane Zerom. He leaves behind his sisters Abrehet and Esther and a vast number of friends and relatives around the world. Starting from his childhood, Jerome lived, studied and worked in many countries: Ethiopia, Mexico, Japan, Ghana, Spain, the United States and Canada. He finished his higher education at the University of Pamplona (Spain) and Ottawa University (Canada).
Jerome’s work experience was also extensive and varied. Starting at the Organization of African Unity, he also worked at, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the United Nations in New York. Finally, he worked as Court Interpreter and Translator where he was able to use his gifted language skills to help Eritreans, Ethiopians, Spanish speakers and others.
Jerome was a dedicated organizer in the Eritrean independence movement from the early 70’s in Europe, the United States of America and Canada. He was a veteran and respected leader of the Eritrean Community in Ottawa. Jerome was always ready to lend a helping hand to those near and far. His constant compassion and generosity for family, friends and strangers flowed with an open and loving heart. The endless gifts that he kept on giving throughout his life (at all times) will forever be remembered, honored and cherished.
He inspired and influenced many young people whom he mentored, encouraging their education and development. He enjoyed their company, urging them to reach for success and rise to their full potential with a firm belief that they could achieve their goals. Young people felt that no matter what, he was always there through their struggles and their accomplishments. He never missed key milestones in their lives such as graduations, birthdays, new jobs, promotions, etc.
Jerome had the ability to interact with people of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities. His integrity, constant inquisitiveness and his innovative approaches to resolving life’s challenges made people seek his advice and trust his judgement.
Jerome Goytom was a man of the world: interested, knowledgeable and concerned. His passions were, music, dancing and reading. He will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he had touched, befriended and mentored. A private funeral service will be held. The wake will take place from Tuesday, December 27, 2016, to Thursday, December 29, 2016, between 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm at the Cody Co-op Housing Community Center (3099 Uplands Dr. Unit #47, Ottawa, ON). A memorial service to celebrate and remember Jerome’s life will be held in late January 2017 (date and location to be announced).