Tadias pays tribute to Dr. Dawit (David) Fassil, whose life was much shorter than most but who shared his passion for life and his commitment to improving his community and the world. He is dearly missed.

Below is a short bio of Dr. Dawit Fassil prepared by his friends and family.

David was born the second of six children to his father Mr. Fassil Tesfou and his mother Mrs. Elfnesh Mehari, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 30, 1966. He attended St. Joseph School in Ethiopia for both his elementary and secondary education.

Pursuing an education in medicine, David earned his doctoral degree at Addis Ababa University in 1989. David practiced as a medical doctor at the Black Lion and the Armed Forces General Hospital prior to his move to California in 1990.

His passion for learning was ever present. David returned to his academic studies and earned a master's degree in Health Services Administration from St. Mary's College in California in 1996, graduating with highest honors.

For the last eleven years, David held various positions in the healthcare industry, the last eight of which were with Health Net, a well-known and distinguished health insurance organization. David started his career with Health Net in 1994 as a case manager, and shortly thereafter became Director of Physician Services. Known to take calculated risks, David switched gears in 1997 by moving from the medical management side of the business to provider contracting, a move that allowed him to use his keen analytical abilities and savvy negotiating skills. Most recently, David was promoted to Vice President of Provider Network Management, overseeing hospital and medical group contracting in Northern California. As the recipient of Health Net's prestigious "Heart & Soul" award, David was recognized by his peers not only as a brilliant leader but also as an ambitious and visionary individual.

In the midst of his relentless responsibilities, David returned to Ethiopia to visit his family and friends. After only one week, however, David suddenly passed away on January 5, 2003. Funeral services were held at Saint Michael's Church in Addis Ababa with hundreds of family members and friends in attendance.

David's short but radiant life will eternally be remembered by his family and friends and by all whose lives he has touched. Last but not least, David's legacy will continue to be characterized by kindness, humbleness, brilliance, hard work and excellence, to name but a few of his many qualities.

David is survived by his beautiful wife Tsedenya (Lily) Lakew, his precious children Ramah and Matthan, his mother Mrs. Elfnesh Mehari, a brother and four sisters.