Mohamed Alusine Kandeh

A beloved husband, father, friend, and counselor, Mohamed Alusine Kandeh passed away on September 3, 2023 at 61 years old in Delaware, OH. A life filled with love, especially for his wife Bintu Kandeh and their three children, service to others through his profession and friendships, and a dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement, Mohamed has left a lasting impression and influence on his family and in his community.

Mohamed was born on Tuesday, January 30, 1962 in Kabala, Sierra Leone, West Africa to the late Honorable Alusine Hussein Kandeh and Haja Memuna Daramy. A natural born leader since his youth, Mohamed has always been described as kind, trustworthy, and scholarly. He thrived in school, attending St. Francis Senior Secondary School and Christ the King College before matriculating to Fourah Bay College where he earned his Bachelor of Science in General Education and went on to teach English Studies.

Mohamed’s authentic and charismatic leadership continued when he immigrated to the United States. With a gentle and calming presence that fostered a trusting and judgment-free environment for people to share fully from their hearts and seek help, he pursued and earned a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. For 25 years, as a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Mohamed was passionate and dedicated to helping people. His work team at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center says, “he brought dignity to each patient’s care, striving to provide as much opportunity for recovery as was available. He never gave up on any of his patients, even if they left the hospital against medical advice and returned many times, every admission he offered them hope, respect and compassion.”

A well-respected member of the Sierra Leonean community in the United States and specifically, Columbus, Ohio, Mohamed was also always quick to offer help, resources, and support to anyone in need. As a devoted father, loving, prayerful, attentive, patient, encouraging, supportive, consistent, humorous, nurturing, and empowering barely begins to describe his influence on his children and his zealous commitment to their well-being. For his children, Mohamed best modeled how to treat oneself and others with dignity, respect, and grace. Through his admiration, commitment, and infinite love for their mother he also demonstrated and instilled in them the power of partnership, trust, communication, and gratitude.

In his personal time, Mohamed was a true music aficionado who found joy and relaxation in his collection of tunes from across the globe. An avid reader also, he loved spending evenings and weekends with a book. He ingrained his love for learning, the importance of literacy, and critical thinking on his children. Mohamed’s personality, pastimes, and inclusive presence, in unison with Bintu’s charm, caring presence, and culinary talents, made them the perfect hosts when spending time with family and friends in their home.

Mohamed and Bintu Kandeh’s legacy is lovingly continued by their three children, Jaia Kaikai, Zainab Kandeh, and Mohamed-Lamin Kandeh; their grandson Jaia Mohamed-Alusine Kaikai; Mohamed’s mother, Haja Memuna Daramy; Mohamed’s seven surviving siblings and Bintu’s 10 surviving siblings, and extended family.  In recognition of Mohamed’s work and service at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Addiction Medicine consult service at Main campus will be named after him.

Psalm 29

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Services will take place on September 23rd at 9:00 a.m. EST at Worthington Christian Church. Flowers can be sent to the church ahead of the services and/or in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made directly to the family via Ever Loved.