Francis Santer-Ken Siteke

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we are gathered in profound sorrow, yet also in solemn remembrance, to honor the life and legacy of our beloved brother, cherished friend, devoted son, loving husband, and caring father—Francis Siteke Santer Ken. Born on January 10, 1990, he was called home to the Lord on March 12, 2025, at Northside Forsyth Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Francis left us too soon. At just 35 years old. An age when life still pulses strongly, when projects are blossoming, and the future is written with hope and promise. And yet, God called him back to Him, in a mystery that surpasses our understanding, but one we receive with faith, even in this devastating sorrow.

Francis Siteke Santer Ken was an exceptional man, whose journey stands as a model of perseverance, excellence, intelligence, hard work, and faith. His story began humbly in Kipushi, in the GECAMINES mining region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he completed his primary and secondary education. Early on, he stood out for his sharp mind and thirst for learning, earning his state diploma at just 17 years old—a sign of a promising future.

His pursuit of excellence took him from the University of Lubumbashi to the Polytechnic Institute of Casablanca in Morocco, and then on to Canada, where he reached one of the highest peaks of his education. At Laval University, he earned his civil engineering degree with distinction and continued his studies at the University of Montreal, where he obtained an MBA—blending technical expertise with strategic managerial vision. He worked for several organizations, including the Quebec Metropolitan Transport Authority, Ferata Gestion Project, G3P, Groupe CDH. Before his passing, he was serving as an engineer at ArcelorMittal Canada, where he was recognized for his skill, precision, and professionalism.

But Francis was not only a man of intellect—he was also, and perhaps above all, a man of faith. Born into a deeply Christian family, where his father, in addition to being an engineer, is also a servant of God, Francis grew up in the Word, in prayer, in love of the Lord, guided by a mother deeply rooted in Christian faith. And this faith, he never let go. It was his compass, his strength, his refuge. A servant of God, he didn’t live his faith superficially, but through tangible values: humility, integrity, selflessness, and compassion.

In his personal life, Francis was a caring husband, a loving father, a respectful son, a loyal friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Cynthia Mabele, with whom he shared a relationship founded on love and faith. He also leaves behind a precious daughter, Shay, whom he cherished with all his heart, and for whom he had great dreams.

Today, he leaves us with a tremendous void. But he also leaves us with a testimony. The testimony of a life lived fully—with passion, with faith, with integrity. A life not defined by its length, but by its depth and impact.

Francis, you have fought the good fight. You were a faithful son, a devoted servant, a righteous man. You went all the way with faith and dignity.

Today, a whole world trembles. A family, friends, colleagues—all stunned and heartbroken. But in our sorrow, one certainty remains: Francis lived a meaningful life. He sowed love, integrity, excellence, and gentleness around him. He touched lives. He left his mark on hearts.

His departure is a wound that time will take long to heal. But his memory will never fade. It will live on in the acts of kindness he will inspire in us, in the values he embodied.

Yes, we weep. But we also give thanks. Thanks for the gift Francis was in our lives. Thanks for every moment shared. Thanks for the man he was.

As Scripture says in 2 Timothy 4:7:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Rest in peace, in the arms of the Lord whom you so loved. Your memory will live on in Shay’s laughter. And your legacy—spiritual, moral, familial, professional—will bear fruit.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis Santer-Ken Siteke, please visit our floral store.