John Fumana, 60, executive director of Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, died May 15 en route to Canada.

AIMM said Fumana’s “sudden and unexpected passing” occurred as he and his wife, Lucie, were landing in Montreal to begin a monthlong trip to visit Canadian churches. Fumana had directed the mission agency since 2020.

Tany Warkentin, Africa liaison worker for International Witness, the mission agency of Mennonite Church Canada, said Fumana blessed the AIMM community with his ability to bridge many areas of international ministry.

“He had strong administrative skills and experience while valuing relationships and collaboration,” Warkentin said, according to an MC Canada report in Canadian Mennonite. “He had a deep passion for empowering the gifts of local communities in Africa. AIMM will continue to build on his vision. John’s passing has been profoundly felt within the AIMM community around the world.”