Deogratias Hakizimana

The world has lost one of its heroes. With deep sadness, we mourn the passing of Déogratias (Déo) Hakizimana, who went to sleep on the morning of January 3, 2025, at the age of 78. Déo, was born on April 7, 1946 in Mubona, Ruhengeri, Rwanda. He was the eldest son of NSABIMANA Perfect and NTEZIRYAYO Suzane, eldest grandson of BAGAYE Jean and his wife Felicité. At a young age, Déo already demonstrated great organizational leadership skills, and was trusted by his father and grandfather to take care of family business.

Having completed his secondary education with a concentration in science at College Notre Dame de l’Etoile in Musanze, Ruhengeri, Déo received a scholarship to study in Belgium. Thus, in 1967 he traveled to Belgium, and completed a year at Lycée de Liege (1967-1968). He then continued on to obtain his Masters of Science in Physical Chemistry at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in 1974. 

Upon returning to Rwanda, he worked in different positions in research companies, mostly related to leading industrial projects. Whether it was for private industry, or working for government departments, Déo served as Chief of Division or Chief of Staff, leading teams of researchers. As part of his responsibilities, Déo also traveled to various countries for work, and worked with many international organizations. 

While working at the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda (ISAR) in Butare, Rwanda, he “officially” met Clotilde Twagiramariya. They had known each other in passing, because her brothers were some of his best friends. They were married in 1980. They moved to Kigali in 1981, soon after the birth of their first son, Jean Désiré (John) Hakizimana. In Kigali, Déo started working for a mining company, Société des Mines du Rwanda (SOMIRWA). It was during this time that Déo and Clotilde had their second son, Oliver, in 1985, while at the same time building their family home. They moved into their newly constructed home, around the same time Déo started to work for the government department in charge of Commerce, Industry and Artisanship. It was soon after this that they had their daughter, Olive Hirwa in 1988. 

When Déo left his beloved country, Rwanda, in 1994, he spent three years in Kenya, while awaiting to rejoin Clotilde, who had gone to the United States for advanced studies. When Déo finally arrived in the United States with the children, he had to start over. He struggled to find work in his field at first, working odd jobs for about two years. Finally, he had the opportunity to find work at Fisher Scientific, starting as a packer and picker in the warehouse. From there, he applied for a position in the Quality Control laboratory. He worked in that laboratory for over 20 years. During this time, Déo built his American Dream, purchasing and paying off yet another family home. When he finished paying off that mortgage, Déo retired on June 30, 2021. He had reinvented his life and succeeded in making a life for himself and his family, while also supporting countless other people. 

All who knew Deo would immediately recognize his love for people and his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. A great conversationalist, Deo spent countless hours talking to people in person and on the phone, checking on everyone to see how they are doing. 

Déo was also quick to lend a hand, and support those who needed it. He had a passion for helping people, and contributing to their needs, whether it was a financial emergency, or to help put children through school, or manage the affairs of the extended family. Since the untimely passing of his own father, Deo has served as Chief of the Family, guiding the clan through some difficult times, and also celebrating great milestones in the lives of all the family members. 

Déo will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Clotilde and her extended family; his children John, Oliver, and Olive; his sisters Basila Nikuze & Stephanie Kankundiye; multiple nieces and nephews and their spouses; many cousins and their spouses; aunts and uncles; and friends from all over the world.