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Tegegne died peacefully in the early hours of April 4, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret (Turner), his beloved daughters Rebecca Park (Shawn) and Marta (Mark Dauphinee). His legacy lives on in his four grandchildren: Graeme and Robyn Park and Amelia and Linden Dauphinee. Tegegne is also survived by his sister, Tsigie in Ethiopia and several nieces and nephews around the globe as well as innumerable cousins. Tegegne has been a part of the extended Turner family and is mourned by sister-in-law Jean Clement (John), brothers-in-law Gordon Turner (Caroline), Jim Turner (Joanne) and Paul Mansell. He is predeceased by his parents Gebre Selassie and Shewaye Raswork, granddaughter Maggie Park, sisters Fikre, and Eshete and brothers Tekola, Kassaye, and Aklilu and sister-in-law MaryLynn Mansell.
Tegegne was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There he met the love of his life, Margaret. They were married in 1970 and came to Canada that same year. Tegegne worked as a civil engineering draughtsman/technologist in Sarnia. He was an active member of Central United Church and served on several committees over the years. He loved bridge and was a fierce competitor. He was an excellent cook and loved to experiment with recipes from around the world with his specialty, of course, his Ethiopian cuisine. Tegegne, lived a life that was full of fun, faith, handy-manning, quotable quotes and sometimes just plain nonsense.
Although he struggled with dementia for the last several years, he maintained his quick wit and interest in the people around him. He spent the last five years in the care of the staff of Watford Quality Care Centre. The family are extremely grateful for the excellent care provided for him by WQCC. God bless those dedicated individuals who so lovingly dealt with Teg’s needs and those of his family.
Tegegne had a knack for making new friends wherever he roamed. May he be forever blessed with “13 months of sunshine”.
A celebration of life will be held at Dunlop Central United Church, 757 Rosedale Ave, Sarnia, on Monday, April 21. A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00. Lunch will be served following the service.
Donations in memory of Tegegne may be made to the Sarnia Salvation Army whose service to the community he much admired.
Arrangements entrusted to The McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 19-344-3131. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com
