Asare Lashawn Kofi

From the very beginning, Asare was a funny, energetic, and unforgettable soul. He had a natural ability to make people laugh, feel welcome, and become a friend. He attended Vernon Elementary School, Tubman Middle School, and Jefferson High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and lasting memories. A true Northeast Portland legend, Asare was known throughout the community for his vibrant spirit, larger-than-life personality, and the legendary house parties at his home on NE 14th Place.

At a young age, Asare joined Philadelphia Community Missionary Baptist Church, where he sang in the youth choir, played the drums, and found genuine joy in praise and worship. His faith and his love for people remained an important part of who he was.

Asare was truly a jack of all trades—the kind of person everyone knew they could call when they needed something done. Whether it was mounting a television, changing a tire, cooking a meal, fixing something around the house, or helping someone move, Asare was always willing to lend a hand. Rain, snow, or shine, if somebody needed him, he showed up.

That was simply who Asare was.

He gave his time, his energy, his wisdom, and his heart freely. He was especially devoted to his family and took tremendous pride in being a father. He was the proud father of Marquis, Kalifa, Asare Jr., Gabriella, and Nevaeh, while also opening his heart and home to several other children whom he loved and raised as his own. His impact as a father extended far beyond biology—it was measured in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave.

Asare was preceded in death by his father, Godwin Kofi; his brother, Tetteh Lamar Kofi; his grandparents, Pricilla and John Calhoun; his brother-in-law, Michael J. Williams Sr.; his great-aunt, Patricia Turner; and his best friend, Levin Finley.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy and a family who will forever cherish his memory: his children, Marquis Kelly, Kalifa Kofi, Asare Kofi Jr., Nevaeh Smith, and Gabriella Kofi; his grandson, Se’kani-Amir Joseph Kindred; his granddaughters, Zymirah Deanna Lewis and Thyri’ie Lee Johnson; his mother, Patricia Kofi; his sisters, Teresa Williams and Laako Kofi; along with an extensive circle of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, lifelong friends, and countless people whose lives were made brighter simply because Asare was in them.

Asare’s life was not defined only by the years he lived, but by the love he gave, the laughter he created, the people he helped, and the memories he left behind. His voice, his humor, his generosity, and his unmistakable presence will continue to live on through every person fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Though our hearts are heavy with his absence, we can find comfort in knowing that a man who spent his life showing up for others leaves behind a legacy that will continue to show up for generations.

“Life is hard, but I’m harder. Love one another, protect your peace, keep your heart full, and keep going hard. No matter how heavy the road becomes, never stop moving forward—because the greatest legacy we leave behind is the love we gave while we were here.”

Rest in perfect peace. 🕊️

Asare Lashawn Kofi

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever a legend.