Dr. Samuel George Mahaffy

A global citizen from birth, Samuel was born on Aug. 21, 1952, in Asmara Eritrea, to Francis and Arlena Mahaffy. He spent the first 14 years of his life in his beloved Eritrea, climbing mountains, learning to cook Eritrean food, and discovering his love of language by immersing himself in Tigrinya, Saho, Latin, and Italian.

Samuel explored many paths as a small business owner, running building maintenance, mediation, appreciative inquiry, and non-profit consulting practices while living in Sandpoint, Spokane, and Olympia. Peacemaking and relational presence were the focus of his life in all arenas. He advocated for justice and equality, working to support refugee populations, the East African immigrant community, and conflict resolution initiatives worldwide. In 201,2 he completed a doctorate in organizational leadership at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.

Samuel’s final year began with a joyful move to Olympia, Wash., where he cherished time with his family. Samuel Mahaffy surrendered to grace on July 7, 2016, in Renton, Wash., after a 14-year journey with advanced cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Renee Durdaana; his children, Kamila, Hanna, and Sylvan; and his siblings, John, James, Paul, Peter, Mary, and Elizabeth.

Samuel’s passion and testimony for peace and his deep faith and values have sustained him throughout his life. He will be remembered as a brother of Eritrea, and for his loving heart, his unbridled hope and optimism, his joyful dedication as a father and loving partner, his eloquent storytelling and writings, his persistent puns, and his kind and giving spirit. We will miss him.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on July 23, 2016, at First United Methodist Church, 621 Tacoma Ave. South, Tacoma, Wash. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by check to the Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle (1528 Valentine Pl. South, Seattle, WA 98144) or to Doctors Without Borders (https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/).