Last week, many Malaysians came to know Asmuni as the husband of Plantation Industries and Commodities deputy minister Noriah Kasnon.

The couple were among six people who perished after the helicopter they were in crashed in Sebuyau, Sarawak, en route to Kuching from Betong.

In Guam, “Coach Muni” had left his mark on the island nation’s football scene.

For several years, Asmuni, a former player and referee, coached the Orange Crushers youth football team.

Guam Football Association (GFA) president Richard Lai described Asmuni as a wonderful friend and colleague, and a staunch supporter of grassroots football development in Guam.

“As a volunteer in various GFA committees, he contributed greatly to GFA’s growth and development,” said Lai, adding that Asmuni was greatly involved in the completion of Guam’s first three FIFA Goal Projects.

Another friend, Chief Justice Robert Torres, said Asmuni had a huge impact on the island’s youth and that he always looked for qualities in every child that made them feel special.

“He was able to convey to them that no matter how good you are, whether you’re a superstar or not, you were a special child and you could contribute to the team.”

Torres also said Asmuni, who also took on the role of imam at a mosque in Guam, was a very positive person, faithful and traditional in his ways.

“There was a line that Asmuni always used, ‘when God takes something away from you, he always gives you something better’,” said Torres.

“That’s the way he looked at children. He was always very positive and they loved playing for him.”

Asmuni was laid to rest on Sunday near Noriah’s grave.