Hussein-Samatar-Obituary

Hussein Samatar

Obituary

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Hussein Samatar, a Minneapolis school board member who became the first Somali elected to public office in Minnesota, has died at the age of 45 of complications from leukemia.

Samatar was elected to the Minneapolis Board of Education in 2010. He also founded the African Development Center, a nonprofit group that helps members of the African community start and sustain businesses.

He first entered public office when Mayor R. T. Rybak appointed him to the Minneapolis Library Board of Trustees in 2006. Rybak remembers him as "an extraordinary leader."

Samatar graduated from Somalia's National University in 1991, but four days later a civil war erupted that claimed the lives of his sister and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at Burnsville Masjid.


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A year ago, we lost a hero. Missing you, Hussein. Thank you for making our community so much better.

May the peace of God be with the family and friends. Phillippians 4:6 and 7 And to all of the family you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

To the Family, Friends, and Colleagues of Hussein Samatar: Mr. Samatar will be greatly missed. Please find comfort in the many memories that you shared with him. Jesus must have had persons like Hussein in mind when he spoke the words at Luke 23:43. Please find comfort in God's love and the love of each other.

My deepest condolences to the family of Hussein. It so considerate of him as he tried to help others during his lifetime. May God remember him for that. 2 Cor 9: 7 brings out that God loves a cheerful giver. May the God of all comfort find you.

Ubah, I am so saddened by Hussein's passing. I didn't realize he was ill. Even though we had lost touch, I have such fond memories of the times we spent together at your home. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sheri Boehm

“Persevere in prayer,” and have faith that our loving heavenly Father can help you to endure hardships of all kinds. (Rom. 12:12)

With sincere condolences to the Samater family. Take comfort in the promise God gives us, that one day,
no resident will say "I am sick" but all can look forward
to the opportunity to live forever. (John 17:3)

With deepest sympathy to the Samatar family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead...(Psalm 62:8).