Athiann (James) Makuach Garang
I am very saddened, and with deep sorrow to announce the passing of my brother James Athian on February 15, 2021, in Edmonton, Alberta, after a short battle with cancer.
James was born in Sudan, Africa on July 25, 1977. When he was 12 years old, he ran away from home because of political violence in his homeland. He went to refugee camps where he spent 15 years before being accepted to Canada as a refugee claimant. He was settled in Edmonton, Alberta with myself, cousin Garang and uncle Athian Deng.
James went to Norquest College. After completing his studies at Norquest college, he went to the university of Saskatchewan where he graduated with an Engineering degree.
He started work at Canada Post Corporation more than five years ago at the Edmonton Main Processing Plant. He was working for Canada Post when he passed away. James was well loved by his coworkers at Canada Post Corporation. He was such a jovial and friendly person and everyone will miss his smile.
He leaves behind his loving wife Achol, his son Joseph Athiann, mother Ajot, uncles Athiann Deng, Benjamin Mathok, brother Akech, sister Ayen, nephews and nieces.
He was a devout Christian. He was a beloved brother to his fellow church members. He belonged to the Seventh-Day Adventist church where he was elevated to position of Elder before he was old enough to be called "elder".
James and I have shared our lives together since childhood. And we still shared our town house until the day he passed away. He has left a big void in my life. He will be greatly missed by me and the rest of our family and his friends and by all those who knew him.
I am very sorry to hear of James’s passing. I taught James at the U of S and was always impressed with his attitude, his resilience, and his love of poetry.
I just saw the news of Athiann’s passing in the U of S Green & White magazine and was very saddened. I recall many conversations with Athiann during my time as department head, including him telling me of his challenging upbringing in Sudan. I marvelled at how he had survived and done so well. Indeed, I encouraged him to write his life story, which he said he had plans to do. May he rest in peace.
I am very sorry to hear this news. I have not met a person who suffered like Athiann but kept his beautiful smile and positive attitude all the time. I cannot forget Athiann, May he Rest In Peace.
I am incredibly sorry for your loss Akech. I did not know Athiann well, but I had seen him around the university and briefly spoken to him. His smile was infectious; he exuded positivity, and it was always welcoming to see him in the hallways. I learnt of his untimely demise through the In Memoriam USask website. It deeply hurts to know he is no longer among us; I will fondly remember him. God bless his soul, Amen.
Another memory of this beautiful person:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef29Ky9R9lg&list=UUZpQVrUh9itkG8UImIn_LyA&index=56