PRAKASH (KK) Bachew, the founder and senior pastor of the Faith Assembly International Church in Five Rivers, Arouca, passed away yesterday.

Bachew, 63, died at the St Clair Medical Centre just after noon yesterday.

Last Friday, while conducting a military funeral service at the Faith Assembly International Church, Bachew was addressing the congregation when his speech began to falter. His son Jonathan ran to his aid.

"Pastor KK then laughed and said 'Death, where is your sting? I stare in the face of death', at which point he collapsed to the floor," a release from Faith Assembly stated yesterday.

Bachew was rushed to the St Augustine Private Hospital, where it was diagnosed that "he suffered a stroke which was caused by an aneurysm".

He was transferred to the St Clair Medical Centre for emergency surgery.

At 12.15 p.m. yesterday Bachew passed away.

He was the husband of Roma for the past 36 years and was the father of eight children and the grandfather of nine.

Many persons took to social networking site Facebook to express grief at the death of Bachew, who was described as a "key figure".

"There is no doubt he was well loved and will be sadly missed. When asked by his members to describe Pastor Bachew, there were resounding exclamations of high praises, 'A man after God's own heart, a compassionate soul, full of humility and selflessness.' 'He was a true leader', one member exclaimed, as well as 'A man of vision and missions'," the release from the church stated yesterday.

"Whilst the passing of Pastor KK was sudden, we are rest assured that he is with the Lord and his life will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come, his great legacy will live on through his family and church members." the release stated.

The funeral service for Bachew is yet to be announced.