Tariku Taye Fite was born on August 12th, 1982 to his father, Taye Fite, and mother Buzahehu Tolossa in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. He was the second child of six children and had one sister and four brothers. While growing up in Gambella, he attended Ras Gobana Elementary School from 1988 to 1991. In 1992, Tariku and his family left Gambella and moved to West Wellega, Dembidolo, where he completed his 4th grade. Following this, he returned to his hometown in Gambella in 1993 and completed his middle school and high school education at Ras Gobana School. He graduated from high school in 2002.
As soon as he graduated high school, Tariku won a Diversity Visa (DV) and was granted the opportunity to immigrate to the United States. At this young age, Tariku was able to leave his home in Ethiopia behind in order to build a better future for himself and his family. When he immigrated to the U.S, he became a resident of Lenexa, Kansas, and worked hard to obtain his work permit and green card. This was the start of his journey to achieve the “American Dream”. In addition to working, in 2006, he began his education at Penn Valley Community College in hopes of improving life for himself and his family.
On October 9th, 2021 at 12:30 PM, Tariku Taye Fite was tragically shot and killed while stopping for gas at Quik Trip on his way to work. He was only 39 years old and had a bright future ahead of him. Tariku was a man with many dreams and goals for himself, but he was taken from us too soon because of an act of senseless violence.
Tariku was a man known for his love, kindness, and caring character. He was a shining light to all those around him and exhibited great strength, humility, and wisdom beyond his years. Tariku loved his family, friends, and community deeply and leaves behind a lasting and profound legacy. His contributions and impact on those around him and the community at large will never be forgotten.
Tarik is survived by his loving mother, father, and five siblings. We as a community would like to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Although he is no longer with us, we all will be eternally grateful for the time he spent with us and the mark he has left on our lives.
May God give his soul eternal peace and a safe resting place with Him. Rest in Peace, Tariku.
The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday October 17, 2021 at the Ebenezer Oromo Evangelical Church 4800 N.W. Homestead Road Riverside, MO. Burial will take place at a later date in Ethiopia. Memories of Tariku and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Rest in Peace, my brother Tariku.
I really felt sorry & sad to hear this ,the death of my younger brother.
May God rest your soul in paradise.
Taaree callisaa koo
Nagaan boqadhuu waaqayoon lubbuu kee jannata haa kaadhuu.
Im so sorry to hear about Tariku. I worked with him several years ago. He was always such a sweet and nice person. Sending prayers to his family. God Bless Tariku, he will never be forgotten. ❤