Francois Hagenimana Obituary (1989 - 2013)

Francois R. "Swa" Hagenimana, 24, of Centerville, passed away on September 29th, 2013. He was born on April 1, 1989 in Gisenyi, Rwanda to Leonidas Bambanze and Consolee Mujawera. Francois fled the Rwandan genocide with his mother and three of his siblings in 1994. Another brother, age 9 at the time, became separated in the chaos and was left behind, surviving on his own before being reunited with his family several years later. They lived in Senegal for a time before immigrating to the United States, first living in Wisconsin and then settling in Centerville, Ohio. Francois graduated from Centerville High School in 2008, where he was a three-sport athlete all four years, playing football, wrestling, and running track. After high school he earned a scholarship to play football at Ashland University. He played defensive back for the Ashland Eagles and graduated in 2012 with a B.S. in sport management. In 2013 Francois returned to his alma mater and was in his first year as an assistant coach for the Centerville Elks football team where he was affectionately known as Coach Swa. He also worked at KK Motorcycle Supply and had recently enlisted in the Navy, with a goal of becoming a Navy SEAL. As a coach, Francois sought to encourage and motivate those who came after him. His decision to serve his country is a testament to his courage, gratitude, and loyalty to this country. He will be remembered by multitudes of friends and loved ones for his big, beautiful smile, his huge heart and warm hugs, his fierce determination, and his joyous spirit. Let him inspire us to do better, to be better, and look after one another as brothers and sisters. Francois was preceded in death by his father and one brother. He is survived by his mother, two sisters, three brothers, a niece, and two nephews. A viewing will be held at Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home, 820 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville, Wednesday, October 9, 5 - 9 pm. Funeral at Emmanuel Catholic Church, 149 Franklin St., (Downtown) Dayton, on Saturday, October 12. The family will be greeting friends and relatives beginning at 9 am, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Burial will follow at Centerville Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Ashland University Chapel, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH, on Thursday, October 10, 6:30 pm. Memorial donations to assist the family with funeral expenses may be made at any PNC branch, acct 42-0608-2919, or mailed to KK Motorcycle Supply, P.O. Box 45, Dayton OH 45401, checks payable to the Francois Hagenimana Family Fund C/O KK Motorcycle Supply. Deuces, Francois.