Ato Mendaye was born in Addis Ababa, on Hedar 25, 1932 EC, to his Father the late Azaje Terefe Wold-Gebriel and Wozero Merate Selassie Wolde Selassie. When he came of age, he was enrolled at the Teferi Makonnen School and after completing his primary education, he transferred to and graduated from the General Wingate School. From early age, he was drawn to the service of the Ethiopian Tewahedo Church and while attending Tafari Mekonnen School, he simultaneously learned “Zema” and “kedase” at The Meskaye Hezunan Medhane Alem Church. He was accorded the title of Deacon from His Holiness Abune Baslios, the first Ethiopian Patriarch. His love for the Ethiopian Church and dedication to its teachings has been his guiding principles in his life. His respect for others and good will and charity to all were the hallmarks of his faith and character. After highschool, he enrolled at the newly established Engineering Collage in Addis Abeba and completed a three years course with a diploma. Since the Engineering Collage was not ready at the time to award degrees, Ato Mindaye came to the US to complete his studies. He joined first the engineering department at the University of Denver, Colorado, and then switched to Hampton University in Virginia, from where he graduated with a civil engineering degree. While attending collage in the US, back home both his parents passed away, one after the other, in a short span of time. Despite this tragic loss, Ato Mindaye brought his studies to a successful end and returned home in 1953 EC Credit goes to his strong faith which accorded him the fortitude to bear his loss. In Sene 11, 1956 EC, Ato Midaye married Wezero Mekurabe Asfaw and has been blessed with four children, Minelik, Merate Selassie, Asfaw and Timnite and seven grand children. After returning home, Ato Mindaye worked in positions of high responsibility in numerous organizations, both in government and the private sector. Among the most notable ones are the following: • 1953 worked as a civil engineer in the Ministry of Public Works and Communications • 1953 – 1956 Ethiopian Airlines • 1956 – 1965 Shell Company • 1965 -?1967 Manager, Cement Factory in Eritrea • 1967 – 1968 Manager, Internal Distribution Corporation • 1972 – 1978 Manager, Ethiopian Cement Corporation • 1978 – 1982 Salini Construction Corporation, Tana Beles Project Ato Mindaye was loved and respected by all his co-workers because he was fair, humane and caring and was always there for them. In 1982 EC, Ato Mindaye came to the US to visit his children and a medical check-up. In the last 20 years one of his greatest joys was to witness the marriage of his children and be surrounded by his grandchildren. In the last few years, his illness confined him home, his smile and good spirits never left him, knowing that death was only a transition to a better life. During all these trying times his devoted wife, in particular, and his children have always been at his side to provide comfort and attend to all his needs. It is difficult to bear the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grand-father and brother but we take solace in the fact that his going to go to the everlasting and merciful God. May God rest his soul in peace. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all those family and friends, from near and far, who have shared our grief and extended healing words of comfort.
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