This tribute was added by Chris Okeani ion 21st August 2014

"I write this to you, knowing fully well that you will be able to hear my voice, for your spirit lives on forever. My father, my friend, my nearest and dearest, 16 years of my life that I have spent with you always by my side and always there when I needed you. 16 years that I will never forget and will always remember. For the journey ahead and the roads that lie to the beginnings of my life have been paved by you. They say when something is tough it is "as difficult as brain surgery" For me this journey will be,as they say "as difficult as brain surgery", but I know that your spirit lives on with me and there is no task I will not be able to accomplish. Thank you for the best years of my life. I love you dad."

"You Will Be Missed": Poem about my Father

The time we had, Dad, wasn't nearly enough
To pack in an entire lifetime of joy and love.

There are so many tickles that I have to give to you,
But now that you are gone, there is no way you can get mad when I do.

Yea, there are always pictures to help me remember,
But living without you will be hard as I go into the month of September.

Crying and grief, of course, will pass me slowly by,
But that will never stop me from wondering why?

There is no good reason why you were taken so soon,
However, you will always be there for me like the reruns of cartoons.

There is never a simple answer to questions like this,
So always keep in mind and never forget, that I will always be your princess.

-Kosolu :)"

"Even though he is gone, my dad taught me it was more important to get an education than taking my chances with my talents, especially when it came to sports. He kept me off the streets and away from people that he thought couldn't help me grow as an individual, both mentally and morally. I thank him for both of these lessons because they taught me discipline, respect, and perseverance that I used to get to where I am today: in college. Thank you, Dad. God Bless and rest in peace."

Words cannot capture our grief and desolation at this time. On August 10th, your departure struck without a warning like a thunderbolt in a cloudless sky. We are dumbfounded, terrified and utterly desolate at the fate that befell us.Death a necessary end to earthly existence came calling when we least expected it and the motto of the Boys Scout; “Be Prepared could not have sounded more apt.    Everybody who crossed your path was touched by your humility, honesty, transparency, voluntary consideration and respect for another and willingness to help.

I still see the twinkle in your eyes and will hold on to your sunny smiles. Your warmness of character suffused us and its memories hold us aloft. You stood for decency, kindness and compassion. You sowed and invested wisely in your kids at great personal sacrifice. Our gratitude know no bounds for the foundation properly laid, for virtues catalyzed to cultivation, for responsible living drummed in early enough, for quality life bestowed through quality education, for selfless giving and all-embracing love for others.

I am grateful to the Almighty for the opportunity and privilege of knowing you.My great brother in law! Omesili 1 of Ogidi! My brother ifeanyi! This is tough.Who will call me “Kathy of London” Chichi loving” my heart is broken.

May His grace abide with you and give us the strength to move on. We hope you find peace and with increased maturity through experiencing and knowledge find your way back to the Eternal kingdom of Paradise wearing the eternal crown of glory. That’s where and when we can meet to part no more. Ga nkeoma Omesili! I will miss you so much. We love you!!!

Kathy Chioma Okoronkwo

Sister in law

It still seems like a nightmare to accept that my “brother Nnukwu” is gone. I lack words to describe your role and mentorship exhibited in the entire Okeani family. You were a coordinator, a spokesman, a humble and humorous man that is ever ready to help, not minding what to get in return. You were always willing to serve others irrespective of the age difference.

“Omesili”, you have left this mother earth, but your legacy remains indelible. You will never be forgotten. Sleep on, till we meet to part no more. My consolation is that death is an inevitable end for everyone. Brother Nnukwu, we love you, but God loves you more.

I recall decades ago when you were with us in Nigeria and you would always give your wise advice to us, especially in the areas of marriage, academics and spirituality. Your pieces of advice were very valuable, as we your younger ones were growing up. Your attention to details and methodical approach to things were excellent. There is now a vacuum created by your demise and only our Almighty God can fill it.
Ezigbo Nwannem, “Amazing Grace” as you would call me na asi gi, ga ije gi nke oma. Ka ebe izuike gi buru na paradise.

Kachi foo….
Nodu Nma ….  
Adieu, big brother ….
From  Nnukwu Ada Okeani (Sister) Oby Nnadozie

If I were told I will be writing this tribute on you this year I would have doubted and argued but here I am, bowing to the omniscience of the Creator trying to put words on paper. Where do I start to capture in short words a journey that has spanned 38years. Our path crossed in October 1976 as we sat in year one class at the beginning of our degree programme at the Lion’s Den, the citadel of Learning, University of Nigeria (UNN). When we got to know we lived on the same street, Howell’s Crescent, Aba, you in your family house Nos. 3 and I at Nos. 31, a bond of unbroken friendship developed and got further cemented when you married my sister. Both families knew each other through our unique friendship. So close were you to the family that you were the first person my mother contacted, when my father suddenly passed on in the early hours of 5th March 1988. You came to break the news to my husband in Port Harcourt and tactfully managed to bring me back to Aba without letting on the sad event. I remember the laughter we shared on campus and along the street of Howell’s, at WAEC marking venues and of course in your home in California. I still remember you sitting with my late father on the front pavement in hearty chat and ever present laughter. When you asked for my sister’s hand in marriage from the US, where both your paths once more crossed, nobody objected, for you were already a member of the Okoronkwo’s family.

How can I forget the first phone call by mid morning of Sunday 3rd August, 2014. The timing told me of the news even before the caller spoke of your sudden ailment. That set the pattern that whole long week, my heart jumping at each phone ring especially as I heard the initial prognosis which gave no hope. We all prayed for miracle and asked for healing rays to touch you. I remember I spoke with you the afternoon of Saturday 2nd, you even asked to talk with my husband. Both of us remember you were your usual jocular and cheerful self. The more jolting the news became. Hope soared when we heard you opened your eyes, more so when you spoke, when the oxygen mask came off, when the drain fluid got smaller, we prayed even harder preparing for the long haul of rehabilitation and therapy. Alas, we were wrong. Your time was up. You were just permitted to see your family and friends once more before the final exit. That’s how once again out of the blue the rain from a cloudless sky drenched us. The dreaded call came through by 2.15am (Nigerian time) on Monday, 11th August announcing your demise. We knew, my husband and I even before the caller spoke. Deep pain ripped through our soul as we gasped to grasp what has just happened. I know I didn’t just lose a brother-in –law but I lost a true friend and confidant. I was glad I spoke to you one last time before the incident.You have gone the way of all mortals. We are consoled by the fact of your life which sought to cultivate virtues and embrace enduring values. We are grateful for the opportunity of having crossed your path, of experiences shared and dreams fulfilled. We shall remember and cherish these moments. There was no dull moment with you, a born comedian, who could effortlessly have many in stitches with easy jokes. We wish you strength as you journey on into the finer realms of Creation. May recognition come your way and may you awaken to joyful activity. Our loving prayers are with you.

Adieu Nwaokeani, Adieu my true friend and May your path be peaceful.

Professor Florence Nduka (Sister-in-Law).

TRIBUTE TO A LOVING AND SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND

Ifeanyi, I still think it is a terrible dream, a nightmare I will wake from but each day allows the reality to sink in. How do I know that the ride you gave me to the hospital that Saturday evening will be our last, that a few hours later I will be urgently recalled to your bedside watching you battle for your life, eyes shut and unconscious. My medical training in conflict with my prayerful side as I hoped for a miracle after the Doctor’s brief. A few days later the sound of your voice slowly calling me Baby was music to my ears which I hoped would last.

But our journey together came to a sudden halt as you floated away. It is still a nightmare to remember the call that brought me back as I went to drop-off the children who a few minutes before played with you and a stress ball. No inkling that soon I would hear the quiet voice of the Doctor with the usual “I am sorry” announcing your departure. What can I say and what can I write.

No doubt I will miss your emotional companionship, our lively conversations as we began and ended the day, your signature jokes, you’re yelling as you urged the children to be focused, your support, your love, my pet name Baby and Obiajulu. It is still a nightmare to think of the days ahead. But you must journey on. We trust in the good Lord to guide and guard your soul and to give us the fortitude to stride on in the security of your loving memories.

Adieu Ifeanyi, Adieu my Love.

Anthonia Okeani (Wife)

Anthonia Okeani

                     IFEANYICHUKWU  FELIX  OKEANI

                                       BIOGRAPHY

Ifeanyichukwu, Felix Okeani was born to Chief Johnson Nwoye Okeani “Omesili” and Ifeoma Bernice Okeani, both of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State on February 09, 1954. He was the first of seven children (four males and three females)

Ifeanyi attended primary school at St Michaels School, Aba. He went on to attend Secondary School briefly at Merchants of Light School, Oba and finally at College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu, where he finished with an outstanding record of Grade 1, in the West African Examination Council Examination.

Felix taught briefly at Comprehensive Secondary School, Aba before proceeding to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he obtained a degree in Zoology.

He further went on to bag a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Port Harcourt.

Upon the completion of his Masters Degree, he taught at a couple of Secondary Schools, where he rose to the position of Vice Principal – Academic Affairs at Boys Secondary School, Umuagbai, Aba.

Ifeanyi emigrated to the United States in 1989, where he continued with more academic pursuits with special certifications. It is here that he met his wife – Anthonia Okeani. They married both in the Traditional and Church ways in 1994. They are blessed with three children – Anthony, Ifeanyi Jr; Chris, Arinze; and Tiffany, Kosolu – and settled in Los Angeles, California.

His United States career included working at Marriott/Sodexo organization as a manager, HealthCare organizations and Instructor at the Universal School System in California.

He is well grounded spiritually as he belonged (with his family) to the Christian Community in his locale. He was also very involved in the Ogidi Community in the Los Angeles area.

Ifeanyi certainly had more in his arsenal to give, but was called home before he could marshal all that he had.   

Emeka Okeani and Family.