God looked around His beautiful garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face. He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest, with the help of His angels they flew you to your heavenly place. God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best, He knew you were suffering, He knew you were in pain, He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb, He closed your weary eyelids and whispered "peace be Thine"
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
For part of me went with you the day God called you home.
I don't know what to say Babs, saying I miss you is an understatement. But God knows the best. He giveth and He taketh, Glory be to His Holy Name.
With Him I rest my case.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3)
Babatunde was the first of 8 children born to the late Chief J.A. Olaniyan, retired Chief Superintendent of Police, and Mrs. Mary Ibiyemi Olaniyan in Sapele, Nigeria. Due to his father’s profession as a policeman, he attended Anglican Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, St. Andrews Primary School, Ibara Abeokuta and Alafia Institute, Mokola, Ibadan for his primary education. Engineer Babatunde attended African Grammar School Ile-Ife for his secondary education where he distinguished himself as a sports man and helped to win the football championship, as he was a good "left-footer". Babatunde proceeded to Mayflower School Ikenne for his advanced level education.
In 1976, Babatunde relocated to the United States of America to further his studies and resided in Passaic County, New Jersey. He attended Montclair State University, where he graduated in 1982 as an Industrial Engineer. Babatunde was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church, 145 Paulison Avenue, Passaic, New Jersey, and was a lay speaker and member of the Intercessory Ministry and Evangelism Committee Chairperson. Babatunde was also a devoted member of Okemesi Association in New Jersey, and a member of Mountaintop Christian Community Church, Sciota, PA. Babatunde loved sports and was a keen sportsman until his death.
Those who knew and loved him, will always remember Babatunde as a smiling, family-oriented, hospitable, kind, caring, generous, athletic, and honorable man. He was a man of integrity, who touched the lives of many, and will be truly missed.
Babatunde is survived by his mother, Mary Ibiyemi Olaniyan, his devoted wife and soul-mate Olayide, children Yejide, Olanrewaju, Babatunde, Jr. ("BJ"), Oluwafeola ("Fela"), siblings, uncles, aunts and numerous friends, comrades and extended family.
In January, 2010 Babatunde moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania as he was planning towards a quiet retirement with his family. He passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours on July 23, 2011.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
He Lived a Blessed and Good Life
