Olana Tirkana

Ato Olana Tirkana
1/15/1930 – 3/23/2023
Ato Olana Tirkana was born on Jan 15, 1930 to his mother Debrework Adero and his father
Tirkana Segeno in the town of Boje Dermeje in Wellega. When he was of school age, he
attended a missionary school at Gimbi and later on another one at Akaki.
After finishing his studies, he enlisted in the air force in 1967. After a brief training, due to an
accident he had to abandon his air force career. But soon after that he found his true calling in
the banking industry. He was hired by the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Rising through the
ranks he held the office of the main branch administrator in Debre Zeit, Asmara and Gonder. He
was responsible for implementing the first mortgage loan system in Ethiopia for government and
military employees.
Olana married his first wife Kelemework Wari and was blessed with two sons, Eskinder and
Tariku.
After a long career in Banking, he emigrated to the United States in 1980. He worked in banking
as a loan officer for a many years and then made his living in the Washington DC area as an
owner and operator of a cab service.
Ato Olana married his second wife, Tsigereda Belayneh in 1997. Through his dedication to
continuous learning and self improvement, he attained his Masters in Business Administration in
2011.
Ato Olana was a dedicated husband and father and was always quick to extend a helping hand
to those who needed it. He had a positive outlook in life and always chose to see the best in
people. Ato Olana was generous, giving to family and church alike but most importantly he knew
how to give good advice and it always came with a sense of humor.
After a prolonged illness and while receiving medical care, Ato Olana passed away on March
23, 2023.
He is survived by his spouse, 2 sons and 3 grandchildren.
His family will forever cherish and celebrate his memory.