Samuel Y Atiemo

"Samuel Yirenkyi Atiemo, also known by close family members as Kwabena Yirenkyi, was the second born among five siblings. He was born on Tuesday, February 9, 1943, at Kofi Pare; a farming village near Asamankese. His father was Patrick Kwame Atiemo of the Tetepagya Agona family of Aburi Akuapema and his mother was Beatrice Adwoa Owusua of the Okoto Budu Asona clan of Anafuo Awuraade in Tutu Akuapem. Samuel was named after his paternal uncle, Opanyin Kwame Yirenkyi. He was christened Samuel at the Nsawam Presbyterian Church by his foster Auntie, the late Mama Takyifo in 1952.

Samuel met his wife, Georgina Atiemo, in Darmang after an introduction by his good friend and Georgina’s older brother, Akotua Osae. After a brief period of courtship, they married and settled in Accra New Town. They were blessed with five children: Yvonne Ofori, Millicent Amponsah, Veronica Abosi, Patricia Sanders and Samuel Yirenkyi.

In 1999, Samuel and his wife, Georgina, decided to take their family to the United States in pursuit of greater opportunities, after winning a visa lottery. They settled in Maryland and although very difficult at first, slowly adjusted and learned how to operate in a whole new culture. In 2006, Samuel was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation. After many visits to the hospital and numerous treatments, by God’s grace, he was declared cancer free. After he retired, he and Georgina moved to Ohio, where his daughter Millicent and her family were living.  

While in Ohio, his health drastically declined from complications from his battle with cancer and worsening symptoms of a prior Parkinson's diagnosis. After years of numerous doctor visits and surgeries, his body was worn down and on Christmas day of 2022, he breathed his last breath.

Samuel was a gentle family-oriented man who would often sacrifice to ensure his wife and children had everything they needed. Samuel was well known for his boisterous and contagious laughs. He loved to share jokes and reflect on humorous moments in the past. He was a man of few words, however when he spoke, his words were filled with great wisdom. Samuel will be missed by many in his absence, however, the impact he has made on so many lives will live on. "