Lazare Kabaya Kobagaya, a devoted man of faith, a loving father, and the pillar of our family, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, at the age of 98, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on December 28, 1926, and lived a long life marked by unwavering faith, resilience, and deep love for his family.

Lazare accepted the Lord as his Savior in his twenties, and his faith became the foundation of his life. He instilled in his children the principles of loving and fearing God, working hard, and pursuing education. His example of perseverance and integrity became the guiding light for our family.

Lazare’s life was filled with both love and trials. He was blessed to share 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jacqueline Kumana, until her passing in 2005. Together, they raised 10 children, eight of whom survive him today. Providing for a large family was never easy, especially as they navigated the hardships of displacement. Forced to flee political upheaval in the early 1970s, Lazare and our family lived as refugees in multiple countries, including Congo, Rwanda, and Kenya, before finally settling in the United States. Each time, he arrived with nothing, yet he worked tirelessly to ensure his children had food, shelter, and the opportunity for an education.

Lazare’s devotion extended beyond our family to his community. In both Rwanda and Congo, he served faithfully as a church deacon and an active member of his local congregation. He was a man of many talents and held numerous professions throughout his lifetime, including primary school teacher, adult language instructor, house builder, mechanic, watch repairer, mill worker, and mill owner. His hard work and technical skills were recognized by Danish missionaries, who sent him on a mission to Denmark, where he lived for years and learned Danish as his third language, after Kirundi and Swahili.

Upon settling in the United States, Lazare continued his lifelong commitment to hard work, contributing to his community and paying his dues until his well-earned retirement at the age of 80. His sacrifices and life lessons bore fruit, as his children went on to build successful lives for themselves and their families.

More than anything, Lazare was the glue that kept our family together. His love, wisdom, and strength created a legacy that will live on for generations. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those he touched.

Thank you for your time and for reading his story. As we navigate through this difficult time, we are asking for support with funeral expenditures and medical expenses from his prolonged hospital stay. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated as we remember Lazare's extraordinary life and impact. Thank you and stay blessed ❤️.