TROY — Simon Kamanu Ndichu, the son of Mr. Samuel Ndichu Hiuhu and late retired Elder Virginia Gathoni Ndichu, died on March 30, 2023, at 43 years old.
He was born on August 12, 1979, in Kenya, Kiambu County, Kiairia sub-county, Gathanji village. He was the father of Ryan and Kayla Kamanu and grandfather of Sophie Kamanu. Simon was the sixth born in a family of seven and was the brother of the late Joseph Ndichu, Jemimah Ndichu, Tom Ndichu, Damaris Ndichu, Keziah Ndichu, and Charles Ndichu; and uncle to many.
In 1997, he left Kenya to attend Northwood University in Midland, Mich. for a computer science degree. During college, he became best friends with James Zappone, who brought him to Clifton Park. There, he met Jennifer Lynn; they married on May 13, 1999, and God blessed them with two beautiful children.
Simon embodies what you would expect from any strong spiritual leader. He loved God as Christ, loved the church, and positively impacted hundreds of church members' lives through his commitment to being a servant leader.
As a father, he never missed opportunities to play games or sports with his kids. He always volunteered to come into their schools and educate students and staff on the unique and exciting traditions of his culture and tribe. He also brought his kids to church every Sunday, encouraging them to make friends and network with other churchgoers.
To ensure his kids knew Kenyan traditions, he taught them some Swahili that they still remember, native food dishes, dances, and songs. He always took them to Kenyan parties as often as possible.
His favorite hobbies included watching sports, reading business books, playing basketball, working out, modeling, running, cooking, and worshipping the lord.
It is the lord who gave us Simon, and it is the lord who has taken him away; may his name be glorified. Amen.
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