Alem Fanta

Alem Fanta, a beloved leader and voice in Seattle's Ethiopian community, passed away Monday October 24, 2022. 

 After migrating with his family to the United States in 1983, Alem worked endlessly as a businessman and community advocate. He was instrumental in opening Seattle's first Ethiopian community center and was a devout member of St. Gebriel Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Alem was passionate about community well-being and volunteered countless hours in the areas immigration, fair housing, and voter registration.  In June of 2016, Alem retired from years of dedicated service at Capitol Hill Housing Improvement Program and Plymouth Housing following a diagnosis with ALS which subsequently confined him to a wheelchair. Nonetheless, Alem continued to inspire all those around him with eternal optimism, courage and faith. He powered through numerous surgeries, countless appointments, and remained the most spirited and generous person, finding ways to support and give to others until his last days. Known to his family as simply "Papa," Alem loved sitting with his family and telling stories of his youth, the journey to the United States, and giving thanks for the blessings of watching his children and granddaughters grow up.   

Alem touched the lives of his family, friends, and many neighbors. He is survived by his children Asmamaw Tamru, Elsa Tamru, Mulu Tamru, Meron Gola, Addissu Tamru, Ribkah Mengistu, Rahel Mengistu, Hagare Tamru and 9 grandchildren -- whom all love and cherish his memory.