Jan 20, 1961---Nov 28, 2023

Belete Fikru was born in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on January 20, 1961 to Mr. Fikru Damte and Mrs. Amarech Belette in the neighborhood of Kebena. Belete attended church primary school (Kes Timhrt-bet) at Lideta in his childhood and completed his elementary and high school at Kokebe Tsebeha.

He took part in the Ethiopian people's struggle in 1974 and was later imprisoned for his political views at a very young age. Belete had a strong sentiment for his home country, Ethiopia and people until the end.

Belete migrated to the United States in 1981 where he attended Penn Valley Community College before obtaining his Bachelors of Science in Respiratory Therapy at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Belete Fikru worked as a respiratory therapist at the University of Kansas for 31 years where he touched the lives of his patients and coworkers. He also was an instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCCC). Belete was also one of the founding members and worked on the board of Debre Birhan Kidane Mihret Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Kansas City, Kansas.He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and also as an outstanding, hardworking man who was taken too soon from us.

Belete was predeceased by his father Mr. Fikru Damte, and his sister Ethiopia Felema. He leaves behind his wife, Kidist Wondwossen-Fikru whom he married in 1993 and two daughters, Aden and Mahlet Fikru; his mother, Mrs. Amarech Belette and his four remaining siblings, Almaz, Estegenet, Daniel, Sahelwa. Belete also leaves behind his beautiful garden, records collection, books and loving cat Molly (Bojangles).

His hobbies include traveling, hiking, reading, photography, gardening in which he earned the status of a master gardener, and also had an appreciation for fine art and classical music. He was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks.

Belete Fikru at age 62, lost his two year battle against Stage four Lung Cancer on November 28, 2023. His memory will live on and he will be missed by so many family members and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.

Belete Fikru, a long-time respiratory therapist with the health system, passed away on Tuesday, Now. 28 after a battle with cancer. Fikru is remembered by his colleagues for being an exceptional therapist who improved the lives of many patients. Fikru, began his role at the health system as a student in 1992 and progressed over his 31-year career to become a team leader. He distinguished himself in several health system ads and as a nominee for the PHIL Award in 2016, which honors an outstanding person in the respiratory profession. His nomination read:

"Belete consistently delivers compassionate, high-quality care. Belete is patient, a team player and knowledgeable about respiratory care. As a peer. Belete is supportive and upbeat. He is always willing to lend a helping hand beyond respiratory needs. On many occasions Belete has helped turn patients and retrieve ice. Belete is an excellent teacher, too.

He thoroughly educates his patients on therapies and outcomes. He sets a great example for all RTs and caregivers for his genuine compassion.* Fikru will also be remembered by colleagues for his many positive qualities including his calm demeanor, compassion, dedication to teaching students and new therapists, his wealth of knowledge about gardening, and his love of family. His manager Carli Kennedy, clinical specialist «Surgical and Procedural Services), says Fikru was a testament of his faith to the end. "As Belete always told me, 'Live each day with hope and faith and be grateful for every breath you take.' I am so grateful for all the laughs and tears we shared over the years. When I spoke with him last week, he wanted me to share with everyone that he is grateful for every friendship made through the years, and he wished he could have done more for the health system. I assured him that he had made an impact that will last forever. He will be deeply missed.

 



Condolences

Juanita Valiant Dec 03, 2023

Friend ,Kansas city ,Kansas

My condolences to the family as they are in my prayers . He was always so helpful and friendly.

Moha Felema Dec 04, 2023

Uncle ,Centerville ,Minnesota

He was so kind and loving person. You are gone too soon and rest in peace. We wish the family and friends peace and comfort. Moha & Dema

Susan Weber Dec 04, 2023

Fellow Extension Master Gardener ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss. Belete and I worked together in the Herb garden at Shawnee Town. He was always a delight to work with. Always willing to do whatever was needed. Deepest sympathy. Susan Weber

Marlene Weishaar Dec 06, 2023

Belete will be missed greatly by his friends at the Shawnee Town gardens. He was always so friendly and upbeat. He was a great gardener and friend to our Master Gardener program.

Deanne Bacco Dec 06, 2023

Fellow Johnson county extension master gardener ,Shawnee ,Kansas

We all will miss him at Shawnee Town garden.

Dec 06, 2023

I worked with Belete in the Shawnee Town Gardens. He was such a wonderful person and so knowledgeable about gardening. He also was the respiratory therapist for my brother when he was hospitalized after heart surgery. We will surely miss Belete.

Judy Sharp Dec 06, 2023

Fellow Master Gardener ,Overland Park ,Kansas

My deepest condolences to you; I sure you will miss him greatly. Belete and I were in the same Master Gardener class and he was a delight to work with and I will miss seeing him. As a respiratory therapist I know he was one of our heroes during the pandemic for which we will always remember him.

Ophelia Behee Dec 06, 2023

Master gardener friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I am so blessed to have been able to work at the Shawnee gardens with Belete. Such a nice man. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Robert Fowler Dec 06, 2023

Fellow Master Gardener ,Overland Park ,Kansas

My deep condolences to Belete’s family and friends. I knew Belete through the Johnson County Extension Master Gardener program, particularly at Shawnee Town. Belete was such a joy to see at the various Master Gardener functions, whether gardening at Shawnee Town, taking photos at different program events, or just running into him at different social occasions. He always had a smile and a kind word, and I respected him so much for his work during the COVID pandemic. He is truly one of our unsung hometown heroes. Rest at peace, my friend.

Stella Fenn Dec 09, 2023

Extension Master Gardener ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I would like to offer sincere condolences in the loss of your family member. I only worked a few times with Fikru, but each time, he was friendly, helpful, and seemed to enjoy the job he was completing. He always had a quiet, friendly demeanor and a smile on his face. He will be missed.

Julie Ireland Dec 10, 2023

Fellow Master Gardener ,Leawood ,Kansas

So very sorry for your loss.