Nfekungni Nhong, Rodolphe Elumbat (Dispatcher) Fonkeng, fondly referred to as ‘Ruddy’, ‘Afro’, ‘Big Papa’, or ‘Papa Bonheur’ was born on Dec 29, 1972 in Buea, as the 3rd of 7 children to Mami Christine Nkeing and Papa Joseph Kongonghe Fonkeng.
He attended primary school at Catholic School Buea Town, secondary school at Saint Joseph’s College Sasse, Buea, and high school at Bilingual Grammar School Molyko, Buea. After High School, Rodolphe attended the University of Buea and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Sciences in 1997. Between 1999 and 2001 Rodolphe studied at the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM), Yaoundé earning a Diplôme d’Administrateur Civil. He later attained the level of Administrateur Civil Principal. Between 2008 and 2011 Rudolf enrolled at the Higher Institute of Public Management (ISMP), Yaounde where he earned his Diplôme d’Etudes Supérieures Spécialisées en Management Public (DESS).
Rodolphe was very passionate about his profession and excelled in whatever role he served in. From 2001 through the end of his life, Rodolphe served his beloved country, Cameroon in various public service capacities including: ‘Cadre’ at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), (2001-2003); Chief of Service at the Ministry of Finance (MINEFI), (2003 -2007); Sub-Director at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MINDU), (2007 – 2012); and from 2012 until his demise, he served as Sub-Director at the Ministry of Public Contracts.
Rodolphe was not only a bright mind but also a loving husband, a caring father, a dear and trustworthy son and brother, a revered relative and trusted friend to many. Rodolphe was married to his beautiful wife of five and a half years, Bertille Ndonkou Atiogue. They were blessed with two children. In addition to a large family, Rodolphe was blessed with many friends from all walks of life.
Rudolph was a devout Christian with a strong believe in God. He was a baptized, confirmed and practicing catholic who was true to his faith. He believed in the power of prayer and turned to his Lord for strength. Rudolph was a ‘people person’ who believed in the power of diversity and that there was greatness in every individual. He was a peace maker and a great listener who gave an ear to anyone who needed to talk, and he always sort amicable resolutions to conflicts. These attributes distinguished him within the extended family and peers and earned him the traditional title of ‘Nfekungni Nhong’, which stands for ‘people gatherer’
On April 22nd 2016, Rodolphe Elumbat Fonkeng was called from this life. He will be fondly remembered as a gentle soul with an infectious smile, who was very soft spoken and a calming influence for all around him. Friends describe him as one who never got angry nor angered anyone. He enjoyed watching football, reading novels, watching movies, traveling, sightseeing, spending time with his family and hanging out with his friends.
In addition to his wife, Rodolphe is survived by his children, Kongonghe Joseph Isaac Fonkeng, Nkeing Roberta Ashley Elumbat, Ethan Aurelien Atiogue Elumbat; his parents; Mami Christine Nkeing and Papa Joseph Kongonghe Fonkeng; his siblings, Celestin Nfonkhong, Adeline Nkumba, Alain Etambat, Henry Mushio and Zita Ndonkou; many uncles and aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by an older brother, Macarious Fonkeng.
May his dear soul rest in peace with the Lord as he enters into His heavenly kingdom.
Ruddy, Big Papa, Afro, Papa Bonheur, you blessed the world with your presence. You will be sorely missed, however, we believe that an angel has returned to Heaven.
