Frankie Gyamfi lived an unselfish life always putting others ahead of him.
Whether it was working as a mentor with children and youth in one of Toronto's tough neighbourhoods or just pitching in to help his teammates on the basketball court, Gyamfi was the kind of individual everyone called a friend.
Now his memory will live on.
Gyamfi, who was 24 years of age, passed away at Toronto General Hospital in the early hours of June 21 after losing a bout with cancer.
News of his passing sent shock waves throughout the basketball community and across social media with friends and teammates along with former coaches and opponents shocked by the loss of such a quiet, dedicated and well-liked individual.
Gyamfi, a point guard and great ball-handler, loved basketball – and excelled in the sport at the high school and College level. While at Eastern Commerce Collegiate, he was on a team that dominated others and won a provincial championship. At George Brown, he was chosen the Huskies MVP in 2011.
"Shock and sadness – it's unbelievable," said George Brown men's basketball coach Jonathan Smith. "There are no words to describe how I feel right now. Painful to see someone so young leave us. He loved basketball, had a thirst to keep learning and his demeanour was always positive."
Ed Mark, George Brown's Manager of Athletics and Recreation, said the passing was a huge loss to the George Brown family and also to the many people whose lives benefitted from the personal involvement and affliction shown by Gyamfi.
Mark said George Brown intends to establish an award in his name.
After graduating from his Toronto high school, Gyamfi chose to work with children and youth in need of assistance.
Dwayne Harrison, who recuperated from a heart attack while playing basketball, was Gyamfi's teammate for three years at George Brown.
"Surreal – just doesn't make sense," said a shaken Harrison. "He came to see me when I was in hospital, encouraged me to get better and I told him the same when I visited with him. He was a good person, a good friend. Young people aren't supposed to die."
"A great man is gone (today)," said Akai Netty, who played on the same Huskies team with Gyamfi. "This man sent texts to me and everyone about motivation. He was always positive."
Vadim Halimov, dominant on the basketball court and George Brown's Male Athlete of the Year in 2014, was almost speechless when informed of Gyamfi's passing.
"Can't believe it, just terrible news," said Halimov. "When I was at Seneca, he was always tough to play against. He was a good player, a nice guy and just seemed to enjoy life and being with people." - DG
