Shikamana Umi Jabari Makalani, 32, of Worcester, MA passed away on August 11, 2015.
Shikamana (which means he who holds things together) loved to be called Shik.
The son of Priscilla and Adisa Makalani, he was born In Jamaica, NY on April 16, 1983.
Shik attended elementary, junior high and high school in Highland Falls, NY.
Shik’s leadership ability was cultivated early in his life: His 5th-grade classmates selected him to be the County Peer Mediation Representative from his school.
From there, Shik began his life-long devotion to rendering service.
He developed keen interests in art, reading, and sports. Upon graduation from eighth grade, he received the James I. O’Neill Award, given to students earning high academic achievement and demonstrating great citizenship. He accepted it quietly and humbly, not believing he was worthy.
Shik went to work as soon as he was old enough, mostly in restaurants. Serving as a counselor for the Town Recreation Department,where his co-workers, patrons and parents in the community all spoke highly of Shik’s capabilities and willingness to look out for others.
In the summer of 2000, Shik and his family moved to Worcester, MA. Shik embraced the challenge of becoming a noted scholar and a respected athlete. He became captain of the South High School basketball team, as well as captain of the cross-country team, all while working after school.
He was awarded as a Bruce Wells Scholar prior to his senior year at South High. He received the highest grades and praise from the school’s staff. Years later, he would return to his school to assist with mentoring and guiding youth to meaningful employment.
Shik was so thrilled and appreciative of being accepted to Umass/Amherst, and he took pride in being a student there. He was an award-winning fundraiser for the University, graduating with honors in Biology in 2007. He also presented whistles to young women students on the UMass campus to forestall unwarranted sexual harassment. While at Umass he fell in love with the local smooth jazz station and became enamored with the guitar.
Shik returned home to Worcester and joined Athena Diagnostics as a Lab Technician, specializing in genetic testing. He was often cited for his exemplary work and was promoted to a shift supervisor. After work, He loved basketball so much he would often play in three leagues at once. He took dancing lessons, cooking lessons, studied Spanish and Japanese. He also took guitar lessons, amazing his family and friends with his skills.
Shik’s illness was sudden, lasting only nine weeks. He is survived by Priscilla Makalani (mother), Adisa Makalani (father), Asha Makalani (sister), and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The Makalani Family is eternally grateful to all who supported them during that time.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Liberty Church, 495 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545: Attention Pastor Mary. Viewing will be on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Liberty Church from 3 PM to 4PM; the service will commence after the viewing.