Chike is finally in his presence…….

It has been a very sad week for me in particular and for everyone in my family. Couldn’t write here …. Hmmmm.

But thought I should share….

He was a figure in my life that you couldn’t help but remember because he was on my lips every time Chike, Chike, Chike, in all my silent prayers every day of my life.

A year and half ago our mother went to her heavenly home. She went home very concerned about him and his ailing health.

On Wednesday the 16th, 2015, I imagine her standing by heaven’s gate to receive her only son, most cherished! It must have been a wonderful reunion for both of them. He was just too dear to her heart and my own heart indeed. As kids growing up in Onitsha, Anambra State Nigeria, we were inseparable. We went everywhere together-school, evening lessons, Sunday school, Church, you name it. I often told on him….. You know how it is. Silly things like that.

My brother was only a few years older than me, but at times I think he felt a lot younger than me. When we were younger I remember that this bothered me, but now that I look back I know that I loved him a lot and wanted what was best for him.

I was very protective over him. He was always there for me when I needed him and I knew that I could talk to him about any problems I had. People trusted my brother a lot.

He was a man of few words. Not one to repeat tales. Chike was a character. His easy-going relaxed nature made him a delight to be around. There was nothing threatening about him.

One of the things that I respected the most about my brother was that even though he had such a carefree attitude, he also had a serious side. He was very artistic and made his art his world. He spoke in drawings and sculptors!! People would always gather in astonishment to look at his artworks. Things he made out of sticks, cans, tins, even seeds! In the days when parents didn’t value arts a lot, our father discouraged him and used to ban him from engaging in arts. He used to remind him that boys should study engineering, medicine…..

But it was no surprise to me that even when he studied in Okoh Poly, it was Fine Arts!

One of my brother’s favorite things besides his arts was serving God! He was the first catchiest of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uruoji, Nawfia. Although a man of few words in conversations, he was fire on the pulpit. We found it difficult to reconcile the two personalities. But that is where the power of God is truly manifested. He uses the weak things of this world to confound the wise. He loved the lord with all his heart and was an avid keeper of God’s words. He often told us that a lot of things we held on to in life were shear vanity. He also enjoyed good food just like me, I must say. That was one of my favorite bribes to him. I will miss my brother more than words can say.

These are some of the fond memories and personal attributes that made Chike such a wonderful person. We should all be thankful for knowing him and for his time on earth.

My heart goes out to his wife and five children who took excellent care of him at his weakest and lowest ebb, during his illness. They did over and beyond everyone’s expectations and showered him with so much love. I hope that every one of them knows how thankful I am and how God will bless them for honoring him in sickness and health. He was a remarkable person and his memory will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the untimely death of our dearly beloved Brother, Husband, Father, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Cousin, and loyal friend: Mr. Chike Godson Nwonukwue (Alias Pastor) who was peacefully called to glory on Wednesday the 16th of December 2015, at Regina Caeli Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, after a protracted illness. He was aged 55 years. Chike Nwonukwue was one of the most extraordinary, peaceful, gentle and very private individuals you could ever hope to find, and his passing followed his style. It was peaceful and painless.

From 1987 until his demise, Mr. Nwonukwue was a valued and highly dedicated officer of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Anambra State command, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. He served God and humanity.

In his lifetime, thus he was called 'Pastor' at his work place by all who knew and cared about him. Not in competition with anyone.

Mr. Nwonukwue left behind a wife and five young children. No words can adequately express our sadness at his departure or our gratitude to God for a life well spent. Burial and funeral arrangements / plans will be announced shortly by the family.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can visit his memorial website:

chike-nwonukwue.forevermissed.com

Or send an email to: rememberingchike@gmail.com