Adugna Ayano Wakie "Aba"

Ato Adugna Ayano was born to Ato Ayano Wake and Wr/o Belete Balcha on September 25, 1940 or according to his sense of humor, “the date he picked when he went to apply for his passport.” He had 3 brothers and 5 sisters of which 5 are surviving.

His father strongly believed in learning and was determined for his children to get quality education which prompted their long trek to Kuyera from Lemu. They settled near Kuyera where he attended Kuyera Seventh Day Adventist College. Ato Adugna wanted to further his studies and attended Empress Zawditu Memorial Hospital nursing school and graduated with a degree in Nursing in April of 1964. He worked as a Nurse for less than a year before accepting a position as a Pharmaceutical Representative with Beecham Research International, a Pharmaceutical Company based in England. He worked closely with physicians and fellow pharmacists and played a major role as sole importer and distributor of well known antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Augmentin and etc. until his retirement in 1997 after 30 years of service.

Mr. Adugna’s Love for education is showcased not only in his insistence and sacrifices paid for his children’s education but also his determination to go back to Addis Abada University School of Pharmacy and earned his diploma in 1981. He always recommended education for lasting changes in life.

“Aba” as his children love to call him and a name used by close family members, was a wise man with a very kind, forgiving and a heart full of love. He believed he had inherent responsibility to help not only his immediate family members, but any stranger in need. He is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Yeshi Bekele along with five children Yeneneh, Dawit, Meheret, Daniel and Tiya and seven grandchildren, Yohan, Ethan, Lily, Lia, Luam, Luladay, and Meklit.

Ato Adugna Ayano, 75 rested in God on April 16, 2016 surrounded by his family after briefly battling cancer.

Aba was a devoted husband, a loving, caring father and a sincere friend to all that came into contact with him. He is admired for his quality of never giving his back to anyone in need as well as his inherent ability to listen, absorb and offer a point of view based on measured wisdom.

May he rest in peace until Jesus’ return.

Romans 5:1

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”