When ground was broken on the new gym/event space at Cowles Montessori last year, the expectation was that a multipurpose facility would be the end result. But nobody envisioned what the occasion for the first all-school assembly there would be.

Semso Delahmat was the custodian at Cowles for seven years. Last spring he got sick, just as the new addition at his beloved Cowles was taking shape. On Wednesday, he died of pancreatic cancer.

First thing Friday morning, the Cowles community, joined by Semso’s family, said goodbye in a ceremony in a brand, spanking new addition to the school that Semso would have loved to maintain.

“He took care of all of us,” said Principal Todd Johnson. “He took care of our whole school.”

“I don’t know any man who was more proud of his family,” said music teacher Beth Strasberg of the man known to students and staff as “Mr. Semso.”

A candle was lit. There was a moment of silence, followed by a song, Light a Candle for Peace. Peace, of course, is a Montessori cornerstone.

Cowles is a pre-K/8 building. Middle school students have been there about as long as Mr. Semso was.

“He was always so happy and cheerful,” said 7th grader Shreeya Yarlagadda with 8th grader Briana Akers nodding beside her.

There will be happier times to come in the new gym at Cowles, many of them over many years. But somehow, the solemnity of this first time there had the feel of a dedication to it that was appropriate.

Mr. Semso will rest in the peace that is always present at Cowles Montessori.