In Memoriam of Mekonnen Woldegebrael (Abat Tor)

This GoFundMe account has been established in the name of our late uncle and dear brother, Mekonnen Woldegebrael (Abat Tor). He was born to his parents, Mr. Woldegebrael Kidane and Mrs. Gebraelu Teferi on August 21, 1955 and passed away on May 14, 2021 in San Jose, California, U.S.A.

Mekonnen attended Negisti Saba High School in Adwa and he pursued his secondary education at the Asfawesen College in Addis Ababa. After completing his secondary education and graduating from the Kotebe Teachers Training College, he began his teaching career. In search of a higher education, Mekonnen paused his teaching career to attend the Addis Ababa University, but left the University due to the 1966 civil unrest which made it very difficult to continue his higher education. Mekonnen continued to teach in Harar until he fled to Somalia to escape the civil war in Ethiopia.

Throughout his life in America, Mekonnen dedicated his time to support the 17 year long TPLF struggle and lived to see its success. He was a lifelong member of UTNA and his unwavering support of REST, TDA, and many more organizations proved as a testament to all. Also, Mekonnen was a successful businessman. He owned and operated National Cab for many years. National Cab is a taxi company that owned multiple cars serving San Jose and surrounding cities.

Mekonnen was a friendly, generous, compassionate, and honest man. He did not care for worldly possessions such as money or property. Rather, he was a simple man who cared for others before himself. Mekonnen stopped driving due to gradual vision issues. Though, he never let his physical restraints deteriorate his mental strength.

Mekonnen had deep knowledge of Tigray history. When the topic would arise, he took charge by educating his listeners about Tigray. He was an ultra-nationalist and extremely proud of his Tigray heritage. Mekonnen's closest friends can attest to his ferocity being centered around the politics, economy, history, religion, and culture of Tigray. Anyone stating negative things about Tigray were at the hands of Mekonnen's mercy. At times, his friends would accuse him of being too narrow-minded, but that never deterred him from his beliefs. Mekonnen was a man who believed in straight talk, no sugar coating.

Our beloved uncle and brother Mekonnen Woldegebrael is survived by his family members: Mr. Bzayeneh, Mrs. Almaz, Mr. Yosef, Ms. Berhan, Ms. Melat, Mr. Ephrem, Mrs. Rahel, Ms. Sally, Mr. Daniel, and Mr. Million. Our community members throughout America are saddened by your passing. We will always remember and honor you. May God bless your soul and may you rest in peace.