Our friend and interpreter, Ebens Anjoute, passed away in a vehicle accident on Sunday, September 5, 2021. Funeral arrangements are pending. The only obituary is the one that I will attempt to write because I owe it to the kind of person that Ebens was and all that he did for Helping Hands for Haiti. I have never written an obituary and I ask that God's hand be in my writing to do justice to my friend Ebens.
Ebens Anjoute was born in Petite Rivierre, Haiti, on December 19, 1988. Somehow Ebens survived his early childhood years in Uncle Marcel's village. I say "somehow survived," because unlike my childhood, food was scarce and living to the next day was uncertain. Uncle Marcel was not Ebens uncle. Uncle Marcel was Fritz's uncle and Ebens was related to them and lived in the area that included many family members.
As a young boy, Ebens came to Port au Prince to live with Fritz where he would be assured that he would have food each day and would be able to go to school. During my many trips to Haiti over the years, I watched Ebens grow into a young man and eventually become an interpreter for Helping Hands for Haiti. Ebens worked very hard to do a good job with the teams. Here are some comments that team members made after hearing of Ebens passing.
Matt Dvorak: I remember Ebens well and really enjoyed his politeness and helpfulness. He was a gentleman. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends.
Ashton Mednansky: Prayers to Ebens' family! He was so sweet and always willing to help anyone. He will be missed by so many!
Kiley Marie: Such a wonderful man of God and faith. I will forever miss playing "Spot it" with all of them and miss his kind and friendly heart!! Will never forget his messages to me on Facebook..."Hi Friend!" Will really miss those messages every week. Prayers and hugs to Ebens' family...in my thoughts and prayers!!
Rosemarie Maly: My sympathy to all of Ebens' family. Ebens was very good to me when we were in Haiti in January, 2020. He was often at my side to help walk up the steep hills or over rugged terrain.
Stephanie Moser: My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Helping Hands for Haiti family. I was fortunate to meet Ebens when I was in Haiti and enjoyed spending time with him. He will be greatly missed.
Geraldine Schnabel: What a special caring young man!
These tributes given to Ebens exemplify the Ebens that I knew!
Ebens was married last March and is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and their one month old son, Ebens Stephane Anjoute, Jr.
Blessed by his memory.
Helping Hands for Haiti has had many inquiries as to how people may help. We are accepting donations to defray funeral expenses and help his wife Stephanie to make it through the next few months without any income and a baby to care for. You can donate on our website here: DONATE or make checks payable to: "Helping Hands for Haiti" and send them to:
Helping Hands for Haiti
45406 295th St.
Irene, SD 57037
Ebens
Ebens’ son, Ebens Stephane Anjoute, Jr.