What did John A Tanyi say? "Do the right thing, at the right time and at the right place", everyone in my primary school class will shout this out aloud and together. This was your way of calling our class to order. And this has never left my mind.
Mr John A Tanyi, is this the right thing, is this the right time, is it......? You always practiced what you preached except the last thing you did.
No Teacher has ever taken a personal interest in me like you did, I remember you helping to button up my shirt and adjusting my collar as I was about to enter the classroom one day.. You took special interest in me among the many kids in school. You boosted my self image and level of confidence. You made me understand that I am a special kid and pupil. I became a very discipline lad, maybe because I did not want to disappoint you. You were my first mentor.
This connection did not end in primary school. I remember one time you drove your Subaru car to our house and asked my parents permission to take me out. Of course, they were surprised. You took me and one other kid to the country side of Bafut and Mankon village...that was a wow experience of my life, and you did drop me back home at dusk. Howmany kids were that previledged?
But you played a nasty trick on me.... I thought then I was the only one having this special treatment.
It still amazes me today how a hardcore disciplinarian, and someone with a fabulous and extravagant sense of humor could exist in the same person.
It amazes me evenmore how such a strict persanality could be so generous, like you were. You only came to know my parents through me, through the natural bond we had. I will remain in your debt for ever.
Unfortunately in those days there was no internet or cell phone. You later went to Britain, and we were not in touch for a very long while.
I breaks my heart that you passed on. I was hoping to sit down with you someday over a cup of palm wine and talk about the old stories. Some opportunity to say thank you indeed. The contribution you made to my life, at such an early stage cannot be overempasized.
Not now Mr John A Tanyi... Not now...
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Stanley Batcha
Manassas, VA
