Accomplished Maple Grove scientist and musician dies at 42

Aleksandre Sambelashvili, born April 25, 1977, to Tamaz Sambelashvili and Nadezhda Khaldeeva, passed away on August 23, 2019, as the result of a traumatic brain injury sustained on July 28. Alex is survived by his mother Nadezhda, brother Nicholas, wife Jana, and children Viktoria (7) and Nikolas (4). He is preceded in death by his father, Tamaz.

Alex, or Sasha as he was known to his friends, lived a full and accomplished life. He earned a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and an MBA from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

During his professional tenure at Medtronic, he worked on improving the lives of patients with heart disease. His most influential work was on the AdaptivCRT™ algorithm, which became a key cardiac rhythm therapy feature in Medtronic’s products that helped hundreds of thousands of patients suffering from heart failure live fuller lives. Alex has also authored 17 peer-reviewed publications and filed over 25 patents.

His scientific disposition contributed to how he approached his other passions: music, sports, and even fishing. Always prepared and always on time, he set an example for others in what it means to be a loving and devoted son, brother, dad and friend.

His kindness knew no bounds; he was always ready to help and would change his plans to help friends move, watch their kids, or just hear someone out when they needed a sympathetic ear.

Sasha was a talented musician. His mastery of the button accordion (bayan) amazed listeners at festivals, concerts and the nursing homes where he frequently volunteered playing his delightful music. He recorded a CD of his interpretations of classical pieces as well as contemporary popular music from all over the world. He played in numerous concerts and musical collaborations, and he always said that music was one of his deepest passions.

An avid fisherman and outdoorsman, Sasha cherished and valued time spent in nature, and he particularly adored northern Minnesota’s rugged landscapes. His favorite spots included isolated islands in the Boundary Waters and cabins on Gull Lake.

Sasha led a very active style, swimming and practicing daily for hours. He played tennis and would take time to perfect his technique. He once ran a marathon with very little preparation, leaving his fellow athletes amazed at his strength and stamina.

Sasha loved spending time with his kids, whether going biking, fishing, camping, or simply exploring the world around them. He made them a priority in his busy lifestyle.

Sasha enjoyed spending time with his friends. His famous shashlyk (shish kebob) was always one of the most anticipated dishes of any potluck gathering. The toasts he gave, always sincere and from the bottom of his heart, left no one unmoved.

His kindness, sense of humor, appreciation of life, and love of family and nature will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. He will be terribly missed.

Visitation will take place on August 31 from 2pm to 4pm at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, located at 15800 37th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446.