Un Très Grand Homme!
Une Grande famille!
Une vie pleine de Dignité jusqu´au bout!
Une aura qui se perpétue dans tes enfants dont Cicily!
Une aura qui se perpétuera en tes petits enfants
dont Malkia, Clervie et Carel!
Une Aura sans fin.
Nous disons Merci à Dieu pour ta Vie.
Reposes en paix Pa´a Esau Nji Ade.
Adieu,
Adios,
Ade.

GOODBYE Pa Ade Esau,

GOODBYE senior CMF brother, and one of the Founders of CMF at SSPC.

GOODBYE my in-law, through the alliance of your son, Julius and my niece, Ebot.

“The glories of our blood and state are shadows, not substantial things,
There is no armor against Faith,
DEATH lays its icy hands even on kings,
Your head must come to the cold tomb,
Only the actions of the just, smell sweet and blossom in the dust “

Your successes down here are immeasurable, by the Seed you've planted in America and beyond.

Wonderful Progenitor, your children and grandchildren are born stars in different domains: some are doctors, church musicians, pastor and teacher of the Word, others are tennis stars in the making.

We'd all miss you, from the whole SSPC family to the CMF, in particular.

ADIEU, Pa Ade!

Belonging to the same Faith, we'd soon meet, to part no more.

By CMF Brother, Armstrong Mba

Rest in Peace, Papa.

A RANDOM POEM and POETIC TRIBUTE TO OUR BROTHER IN CHRIST, PA ADE ESAU: 
By CMF Brother, Ashu Lot Munjum                    

ADE ESAU, One of the Greatest Athletes and Sportsmen in the LORD JESUS CHRIST;                    

ADE ESAU, From GOD’s Kingdom you ran into your mother’s womb and after about 9 months, You quickly ran out of you mother’s womb because you had a race to run;           

ADE ESAU, Arriving on this earth you continued running the race, running, running and running, round and round and like Felix Fox and Christopher Columbus, You ran round the world in 80 days, never ever getting tired of running;                    

ADE ESAU, GOD ALMIGHTY was so pleased with the race you RAN IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and in the Course of your RACE , He rewarded you, with a partner in the race, Ma Anastasia ;                 

ADE ESAU, Ma Anastasia made your running this race, some how comfortable and easier so much so, that both of you blessed the world by bringing forth other wonderful athletes and runners, the likes of Willibrord, Julius, Reeves, and many others;      

ADE ESAU, You ran your race and arrived America;
You continued running the race in America and your race brought you and Ma Anastasia to SSPC;                     

ADE ESAU, In SSPC, you and Ma Anastasia ran to the CMF and CWF;     

ADE ESAU, Ma Anastasia ran the race faster than you and she arrived the Winning Point - GOD’s KINGDOM, before you;                

ADE ESAU, The CMF too, also witnessed and saw that you were amongst the best athletes and runners; You always ran so fast and when they tried to ask you to slow down and wait for them to catch up with you; Your ONLY ANSWER TO THEM WAS “MAN LEP ELEP”.   

ADE ESAU, Because of the way you were running this race of Life,The CMF had no other choice than to surrender one of their most prestigious title and positions, “Discipline Master” or Pa CASSINGO, to you;           

ADE ESAU, As Pa CASSINGO (Discipline Master) You were so good, tolerant and Kind to your children and fellow brothers in Christ;                      

ADE ESAU; you never at any time flogged or whipped any of them with your CASSINGO, but you were so wise and tactful in maintaining discipline in the group;                 

ADE ESAU, Each time a group member wanted to get out of hand you disciplined him by simply showing him your CASSINGO, reminding and advising him not to allow your CASSINGO descend on him;                      

ADE ESAU, Brother in Christ, this poem dedicated to you has no end and would have continued but time constraint, data and phone space obliges us to cut a long story short by concluding that;

ADE ESAU, Now that you have ran this race of Life and won like your partner, Ma Anastasia and both of you are now rejoicing at the Winning Point, GOD’s KINGDOM, REMEMBER those of US LEFT BEHIND;                   

ADE ESAU, Since you are now with GOD ALMIGHTY; plead for us that HE, GOD ALMIGHTY, gives us the energy, strength, wisdom and knowledge to finish Running this Race of Life like you and your Partner, Ma Anastasia ; so that we too, can ARRIVE THE WINNING POINT - GOD’s KINGDOM, LIKE BOTH OF you.  

ADE ESAU, PA CASSINGO ADIEU(GOOD- BYE) TILL WE MEET AGAIN.

My name is AJ, the last son of Dr. Arllen.
My grandfather was pronounced dead on January 16, 2021, at 2:50 am. And it was really sad. I remember he was at our house for Christmas and he wanted me to put on his sweater and remove his shoes. He was very nice even when he didn't talk much. One time we went to his house and he was sitting watching tennis, and we said hi and he said hi back. And then we sat down and watched tennis with him and then he said: "you guys watch now". And then he gave us the remote for us to watch and told us to get the juice. It was really nice. That's something I remember and it's really sad.

I am Arllene, Dr. Arllen's 2nd child.
My Grandpa was raised to be kind to people and it showed by the way he treated his kids and grandkids. He has accomplished a lot in his life, he ran in the two Olympics, with not the best training because not many people wanted to train a black man.
   Esau has been such a good grandfather to me even with all his health disabilities he still showed he cared. Now he is with the Lord where no health issues are holding him back. May he rest in peace.

   I am Alfred Nji Ade (1st child of Pa Ade's last son, Dr. Arllen Ade). Before my grandfather was my grandfather he was your average farm boy. Running up and down completing tasks on the farm. But someone noticed his talent and encouraged him to pursue running. And pursue it he did. All the way to the national level eve. Eventually, his performance allowed him to join the Olympic team. But he faced difficulties in the form of discrimination from the French majority on his team, who sometimes barred him from training with them at their facilities because he was an anglophone (English speaker). Forcing him to train by himself.
   Unfortunately for them, not only was he naturally talented, but he possessed an unrivaled work ethic. These traits are what led him to qualify for two Olympic games. He was recognized by the Cameroon government for his achievements in Track & Field.
   But even years after his retirement, his fight is not over. He endured emotional pressure due to the passing of his beloved wife, Anastasia Kippie Ade. And ever since I was born (about 16 years ago) he endured a plethora of life-threatening health issues. Even though he went through these things, he still performed his duty as the head of the Ade family exceptionally, as you'll read in the other tributes.
   Though he was a man of few words, my grandfather was also a man of action, of perseverance, and of God. And for those reasons, it is my great honor and privilege to carry on (2/3 of) the name of Esau Nji Ade.

Pa Ade My Counselor, Arllen Ade, Pa Ade's 6th child.

There’s a lot I could talk about Papa Ade’s general accomplishments. Is it his Olympic prowess, his steady leadership as a husband, father of 7, and grandfather of 14, or his ability to cheat death over and over again? But, among many things I want to specifically highlight how God has used Papa’s foresight and insight to help guide me on my journey of life.

In 2000, I was praying about finding a wife and it was a confusing time for me. This was just before Papa immigrated to the US. I attended a Christian conference in Limbe (Cameroon) in March of that year and Papa happened to stop by for less than 30 minutes. He used to work as the athletics coach and trainer with the CDC organization based in the area. After the conference, he asked me this question in pidgin: “I don’t see you dating women; do you intend to stay celibate like a Roman Catholic priest?” I said “no”, I will marry someday”. His response, “if you plan to be married, marry Winifred!”

While he was at the conference, among hundreds of young Christian women and men, I had introduced three of our Christian sister-friends to him. Winnie, with whom I have been married for 17 years and blessed with three children, was among them. Papa had just met Winnie for only about 5 minutes before rightly discerning that she was the one for me. Pa Ade my premarital counselor!

About 10 years later, when I was at a crossroads with my career paths, God used Papa to help sort things out for me. It was at the beginning of my doctoral journey in professional counseling when one night he sat me down for a serious talk. You see, I had completed my seminary training with a Master’s degree in pastoral counseling back in 2008 and had shortly been ordained as a Pastor. Pa Ade had rejoiced greatly to have his last son ordained as a pastor.

With the strong sense of my pastoral calling, I just couldn’t say no to invitations to conduct weddings and funerals in Maryland – four hours from school (Liberty University). To my detriment, I was torn between the world of professional counseling studies and my devotion to pastoral ministry. I would frequently travel, preach and return to Lynchburg for school late into the nights. Upon my arrival at their home that night for a scheduled preaching assignment the next day, Papa had to sit me down and say: “Focus on your Ph.D. and many preaching opportunities will come when you are done!” That piece of straightforward advice opened my eyes to the importance of focusing on one thing. That prediction has come true since I finished my studies. Pa Ade my guidance counselor.

On Papa’s last day with my family in Virginia, the evening of December 28, 2020 (just before his hospitalization on the 29), Papa reminded me of the importance of prayer. On Christmas Eve morning, he called all three children downstairs to his bedroom for a blessing. Excusing the others, he laid his hands on each one of them and privately prayed a blessing – beginning from Alfred.

As we got ready to take him back to his Washington DC home the kids were already outside. He was feeling weak by this time. He hadn’t really enjoyed the Christmas celebration and had spent most of the time sleeping. But he still mustered the strength and leaned against the guestroom door and called everyone back into the house. He wrapped his arms around us all and once more prayed a short but profound prayer of protection and blessing. That was his last prayer with my family and the last time the kids saw him. He left us with an unforgettable lesson on the importance of calling on God no matter what! Pa Ade my spiritual counselor.

Papa am so heart broken that you are no more . I thank God for the privilege of having you as my father in-law. The day I married your son I did not only gained a husband but I also gained a father. Papa You loved and treated me as your own daughter. The first time I met you was when I visited the house in Great Soppo Buea. You did not interview me like some parents will do if an opposite sex visits their son. I made a sign of the cross and took a deep breath. I thought the reason you did not interview me was because you were stepping out and probably rushing. But it was actually love at first sight. Shortly after you travelled to the US. When I came to the US you were living with Julius Ade at the Piney Branch apartment. You loved my cooking and many at times you will ask me to cook for you especially okro and fou-fou or boiled cassava and drop a table spoon of palm oil. Till date, I don't know the rationale of dropping palm oil in boiled cassava. You also asked me to clip your nails and iron your uniforms (then working as security officer). I am not a fan of Ironing and you could tell because you made me iron one uniform over and over. When my husband joined us in the US ,Papa you were so excited. One day you called me in your room and told me that you would love for us to go to school. Papa I'm happy your greatest wish was accomplished. You were able to see your son go through school and graduate as a Doctor of Pharmacy. Thank you Papa for raising a son who is a dedicated father and a devoted Christian like you. Papa you left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide. Papa I love and will miss you. Rest well until we meet again in heaven.

Our memories: By Kiki Ade

Our memories together will never be forgotten. We always remember the time we spent our thanksgiving in our house and you would sometimes spend a night or the weekend at our house and when we found out that you passed away we did not know what to do. So we want you to enjoy your afterlife in a much better place.

-Rest in peace, Grandpa.

When I was informed of your sudden exit from this world, I was heartbroken because I couldn’t wait to resume working with you after your discharge from the hospital. I miss you Pa Ade. I will miss your singing of praise and worship songs every evening.You were a good man, good father and kind to me for the short time I was assigned to your care. May your gentle soul Rest In Peace.
Martha Benyella

Dear Grandpa, It feels like just yesterday that I saw you last. I was so sad to hear that you had gotten sick but in my mind I knew you’re strong and you were going to make it through. But you didn’t and I don’t want to say you lost this battle because in the end you were surrounded by the people you love and you’re going to meet God. So maybe you did win. I know we did not spend too much time together but I will always love you. I miss you grandpa. Love, reeves jr.

Papa,
You were the best in this world. Your training from my childhood, was an example to emulate.
I will greatly miss your love, care, advice and corrections at all times. You were the best to me.
In fact, it was my prayer to see you and hold your hands again...Unfortunately, God decided otherwise.
Weeeeh, Papa! You fought a good fight, but the Lord loves you more...
Go well my darling father.
May your gentle soul Rest in Perfect peace, Papa.

Your daughter,
Isabelle Lum Ade

Mughuh, Ndembeng. I want to give God the glory for giving rest to u at this time of lent.Sure u are journeying with Him as He holds ur hand over the river Jodan.
 U were my first twins Nji and Che,s God father and u were a wonderful Godfather for u were so God fearing even till ur last breath.We honor God for this.Tnk Mami Mary , my grand daughter and myself as we just visited it,s not been long.
 Papa safe journey,say hi to mami and ur cousin Zacheuas for sure u,ll meet. Rest at His bosom Papa.

Pa Ade , a warrior as I have come to understand, was a very dedicated son of the prestigious Chomba where he came from.I call Pa a warrior because of all the health battles that he won until his creator decided that it was time for his servant to get a well deserved rest.In reference to what the bible says, Pa to me, is a solid example of one who has finished the race and kept the faith.He was not only the host for our CHOMBA Monthly meetings for decades but also a very active participant amidst his health challenges.Pa is an epitome of hard work, deligence, love and selflessness.He was God fearing above all.Pa, you will be dearly missed but your legacy lives on.Adieu Papa!

A few are lucky enough to roam this world to full term & thats clearly the case here. Thus, the Ades should count their blessings, and consider this as a celebration of a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers with you all.
May his soul rest in peace.

Pa Ade as I called you each time I visited as your home care nurse, you will forever be missed. I was opportune to be your visiting nurse between 2015-2017. During that time, though I visited to provide care and education on your care, you were always a father to me. You told me stories about your life. I remember being amaze by the many trophies you had in your home and you told me some of your grand daughters took after you. Pa Ade, You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7. You will forever be missed and your memories will remain with us forever
Your nurse
Dr Renata Nkeze.

May God Almighty hold your hand and lead you, and light your path as you travel home. From Debra Tahsoh and Ma Mado Asongwe.

Papa
You lived a good life and fought a good fight. You were such a sweet soul and welcomed all those who came around you. You will be missed by all of us Papa. Look for your brothers and sisters who went ahead of you to share your experience of how you made it through to them. 
Papa until we meet again, Rest on Papa!! Heaven gained you.
Adieu Papa.

Hello Bro. Willibrord, Julius, Arllen, Reeves, and the rest of the Ade girls- Siblings, Spouses, and grand children, please, accept our heart felt CONDOLENCES.

Indeed Pa has gone thhrough a lot, thanks to his athletic RESISTANT BODY; for he was able to fight off a lot of serious illnesses that befell him.

Arllen, Willibrord, Julius Arllen, Reeves; and all the Ade Siblings, and their spouses, and grand children, AGAIN, accept our Condolences; and my SISTERLY word of gratitude to you all is that; While Pa will be resting in peace; all of you, Pa children and your spouses should be applauded, for I have personally watched all of you at our Silver Spring Presbyterian Church taking VERY GOOD care of Pa, and driving him, in and out of church on most Sundays for service, ever since his dear wife, your mom, Mammy Ade, (as we funly called her in our CWF group), passed on; so untimely.
I admired Pa's closeness to all of you, especially to her death dear daughters.
Pa will be resting and thanking God for his great kids who lived up to God's expectations for children in parent's lives, (of our Cameroon/African definition of 'a child'), being there emotionally, physically, financially and other wise for their parents, at their time of need/helplessness.

Pa Ade, we the members of your church, will miss you, just as your immediate family; for when we saw you sitting in church every Sunday, despite you, struggling to walk, was a very reassuring sign for us, that there was a God, and that you were truly God's son, still serving him, even with your last breath.

Your calmness; and gentlemanly way of speaking and greeting your church community, showed how much grace you had; and no wonder you brought some very respectful children into the world, who watched you growing up; and have all turned out to be like you, knowing the worth of parents, and taking good care of you through thick and thin; (as portrayed in your hospital pictures, posted about 2 days ago on facebook, encouraging you to eat), and not neglecting you even one bit, until your last breath.

Rest in perfect peace Pa Ade, and we will miss you, a lot.
Queenn Kwende.

Papa I will for ever miss you. I will miss the times we spent together. Papa whenever I visited, you smiled throughout my visit. Even when you were very sick, you smiled when you saw me and then asked how I was doing.

All of our conversations were in the dialect. In every encounter you asked if I spoke with those back home, especially my late mother. Papa you were always there for me when I needed a father to talk to and you supported me when I was down.

When I grew my beard, you asked me to shave my face. Papa in the midst of adversity you still cared for the family. I know you are in a heavenly place with your ancestors. May your crown on earth be bigger in heaven in Jesus mighty name.

Papa,
As you were fondly called by all you lived up to the true meaning of the name PAPA...a father to so many and the best grandpa to so many...I remember the born house you and aunty had for me when I had my son samuel...and till date u never forgot his name anytime we had the opportunity to talk the first thing you asked was how for samuel...I was so very surprised at how you never forgot his name even though we were far away in Nigeria.
Thank you for everything no greater joy in life than to live it in the service of God an humanity and in those two arears you did exceptionally well ...I can see your creator beckoning on you to come and take your crown of glory with the saints...for you have done well...
From my mum Ms Rose Likap , she says a big thank you for everything, for all the love , care and support...from far away Nigeria samuel and I say a big thank you

Tribute to Pa Esau Ade

Life gives us two celebrated outcomes: one comes at the start of life, and one comes at the end of life. Of the two outcomes, what matters more is not how life starts, but how life ends. If any sociologist were invited in the 1950s to study and predict how young Esau Nji’s life was going to turn out, the sociologist would have concluded rather pessimistically that Esau was not going to go too far in life. Here was a young man who’d lost his biological father at a very young and tender age. His widowed mother had not been to school. She had no monthly income. With no source of income, how was Mama Rosa going to raise six children – two of whom were twins? 
​While having twins may be a blessing, when it comes to raising them it becomes a double challenge. Raising twins means the doubling of everything you do for them: the doubling of babysitting costs; the doubling of shoes and clothing; the doubling of school fees. Even vacation travels – say from Kumba to Bamenda – would require the doubling of transport costs. 

​These are the realities that define Pa Esau’s Ade’s early years. One does not need to be a sociologist to see that the chances of breaking through these challenges and making it in life were woefully limited for young Esau and his siblings. But then, who are we to prejudge destiny? Who are we to doubt or underestimate the divine powers of the Almighty. Just as some among the children of Israel doubted and castigated Moses for taking them to embark on a journey through the Wilderness that may never get to the destination, our 1950s sociologist was misguided in casting young Esau’s lot entirely on the alter of mundane social science projections. 
​If the phrase that says “man proposes but God disposes” is true, then the pessimistic prediction that the sociologist made of Esau Ade in the 1950s was disposed by God. From very humble beginnings, Esau would be anointed to rise and rise steadily to fame and to exemplary parenthood. 

​As a parent, Pa Esau Ade did everything he could to give his children what he did not have growing up. He invested in their education. Even if it meant he had to go without food, he made sure he sent them to the best secondary schools in the country – all seven of them. He sent them to the best schools not because he had money, but because he had faith. In the end, his faith did not let him down. 
​As in the parable of the mustard seed, Pa Ade’s faith took him, along with everyone that he’d anointed, to heights of accomplishment that are revealing of a divine hand: Two entrepreneurs (Willibrod & Julius); two doctors (Reeves & Arllen); an intercontinental Sports-Mom (Cecily); a university graduate (Isabel) and a healthcare professional (Roseline). These are accomplishments that will be hard to match even in families where children are born with a silver spoon in the mouth. With faith all things are possible. You have proven this to us, Brother Esau. 

​May the faith that guided you through life continue to guide your children and your children’s children for generations to come. 
​​​​​​​​​Brotherly yours,
​​​​​​​​​​ ​Ta Fobanjong

Tribute to Pa Esau Ade

Our Number 1

The number 1 is more than just a number. 
It is the number that tells who is the first, the best, and the most exemplary
Brother Esau, you were and will always remain our #1
In everything you did, you always had family, church, education, career as your #1
In making everyone and everything else your #1, you in turn became Our #1

You turned down opportunities in your youth that many young people would die to have
You turned down repeated offers in the 1970s and 80s to become a Germany citizen
You made family your #1 and placed the interest of the family over your personal interest
You saw better than anyone else that life without your family was life not worth living
From the top of Mount Judea, you looked down and said no to all the temptations and proudly returned home to your family

As one who was born into a Christian family
At a very early age you discovered “the way, the truth and the light”
The way, the truth and the light was the path on which you chose to raise your children
You raised them to always regard the church as their second home
You raised your children to never miss a single Sunday of church
The fruits of your faith are all there for the world to see
They see Sunday school teachers, choir masters and an ordained minister

Wherever you’ve lived, you’ve always made church your second home
As we mourn today, churches on three continents are mourning with us
As we mourn today, the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon is also in mourning
As we mourn today, the Presbyterian Church in Germany is in mourning
As we mourn you today, the Presbyterian Church in the United States is mourning with us
They are mourning the loss of a devout Christian, they are mourning the loss of a favorite chorister

Your drive and passion for education was unparalleled
Growing up, your dream was to obtain a medical degree and practice Sports Medicine
You redirected your dream to athletics when you abruptly lost Tata Chimenang in the 50s
You got into athletics and quickly rose to the top – to the very top
You were by every measure the Roger Miller of distance running in Cameroon 

Two decades before Roger Miller appeared on the national scene, you’d already won and brought home international honors for your country
You brought home multiple honors from Mexico and from Germany
Two decades after you, Roger Miller brought home just one honor from Italy
But while Miller was appointed Roving Ambassador of Sports and given an office at the Presidency, you were denied the salary you were entitled to as a German educated coach
Even as you went on retirement, you were denied the right to your pension benefits

The betrayal and letdown were alarming and scandalous
But like a good sportsman you took it all in good stride
Like a faithful Christian you knew God had a better plan for you
Faith and patience took you and your church-raised children across the River Jordan
This was to be the beginning of your earthly rewards
Before long the rewards started streaming in:
Two entrepreneurs, two doctors, one Sports-Mom and a healthcare professional
As you move upstairs to the higher gates of heaven, I am convinced that the angels at heaven’s gates are ushering you in and giving you a welcome party


Back here on earth we shall honor and hold your name up high through the generations
For generations to come you shall be celebrated as a role model of a father
The E in your first name shall energize generations of your offspring for years to come
The A in your last name shall inspire your children’s children to always strive to achieve an A in everything they do
Brother Esau, you are and will always be Our NUMBER ONE

​​​​​​​​​​Ta Fobanjong

Papa,
You were a very good man! So, gentle, kind, God fearing, and soft spoken. It is sad that you left us so suddenly, but your love and peaceful memories will remain with us forever.  

I will miss your warm presence and beautiful smile in every family gathering. I enjoyed how you protected all your grandkids. You would even scream at me if I dare raise my voice at your grandkids.

Many thanks to you for welcoming me warmly into your family. Your exceptional jokes, shall never be forgotten.

You were a legend and I am proud to have named my only son after you.

Your endless love will continue to bind us together as a family. One day I believe we will rejoice with you in heaven.
May your soul rest in perfect peace!
Bye bye papa!
Your daughter in-law
Your last wife
Beulah Ade.

To My Hero!!!
My dearest Papa,

It’s been so hard to accept that you’re gone. I’ve been asking myself, how can this be real? You had fought every illness or health crisis that came your way, from stroke to cancer; heart surgery, and back to back brain surgeries. With every illness, I watched in awe, how you smoked them one by one. Your health victories always reminded me of that great fighting spirit from your athletic background and the champion that you were.

You had been my Superman and I believed you would make it to 100.
As I wrote in one of my new songs for your funeral:

‘You fought the greatest battles
You gave it all you had.
So many health crises - you endured
You went through pain and suffering with a great smile on your face.
You beat all the odds predicted, when doctors said you would not make it.
You defied prognosis given
And you gave us many more years to be with you’.

Thank you for staying alive for us papa.

The past four years, you appeared so stable heathwise, until your unexpected departure.
How could I have known that when I picked you up, the day before Christmas, to go and get your covid test done, that it would be the last time I would drive you around? Oh! How I felt blessed to be around you for all these years!

I remember you struggling to walk to the car and I made a joke about how you used to smoke everyone on the track during your heyday, but now, you were slow and feeble. In response, you gave me a little smile.

During your first week in the hospital, you promised that you were coming home. You instructed me to make certain changes regarding your care at home, as we spoke over video zoom call. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to get close to your sick bed due to COVID restrictions.

During the last Thanksgiving celebration at Reeves’ and Coretha’s home, I had composed this song titled ‘I cherish every moment of my life’. As I sang it on that day, together with Arllen and his family, all I could think of was how much I was cherishing that moment with you and the rest of the family. I wondered during that performance, how many more Thanksgivings I was going to have with you.

The first time Reeves and I were allowed to visit you in the hospital during this last bout of illness, I had the opportunity to sing another song I had composed for your birthday titled: ‘A prayer for grandpa’. Unfortunately, I didn't get to sing it to you on your 80th birthday, since the event was canceled due to the Corona virus pandemic. This time around I was singing it for your 81st birthday, which you celebrated on your sick bed.

As the words of the song go, especially in verse 2;

‘In his time of pain and suffering,
Grant him healing, comfort peace.
Heal his body, make him whole.
Take his affliction away.
Father Lord hear my prayer to thee,
For your son, our father and grandpa’.

I sang this piece over and over by your bedside and I could tell you greatly enjoyed it.
I believe God answered that prayer in His own way, by calling you home.

I remember you telling me late last year when I had stopped by to see you, that it had been long that you had not seen me and I had to remind you that you had seen me just over a week earlier. It seems like you knew your time was near and you had hoped to spend more time with your beloved son. Papa, if I knew what you meant exactly, I would have visited you everyday.

Papa, you loved me so much and you put so much responsibility at times on my shoulders, which has molded me to be who I am today. Papa, I gave my time and my all to you as a son and my hope is that I had done enough.

Thank you so much papa, for bringing us up in a Christian way and introducing Christian music to the family. I will miss your great tenor which you managed to sing under your breathing mask while on your sick bed.

The last opportunity I had with you was when the doctors had said, you were not going to come out of this. Even though I had believed God for a miracle, some part of me told me to pour my heart out to you because I was not sure if I was going to have another opportunity.
In tears, I thanked you for bringing me into this world and for molding me to become the man I am today.

In tears, I sang a whole lot more for you, some of your favorite hymns and some of my compositions. I told you that you are a good man, with a great heart. I thanked you that I had picked some of your good qualities. I told you that if I had another opportunity to pick who my father will be on earth, I will pick you again.

Papa, I miss your frequent calls demanding that I should come and see you in DC.

I miss you more than anything papa. I miss all your funny jokes. I miss taking you to your doctors visits. I even miss being by your bedside every time you fell ill.

Papa, you have left a great void that I don’t know how to fill it, but I believe your spirit will continue to watch over me, protect and guide me and the rest of the family.

Your grand kids are really missing you.

Chloe believes you’re coming back. She and your namesake Prinz-Jordan Nji Ade, have cried a lot, especially when I’ve been composing all these songs for your funeral.

I thank God that I’ve been able to express my pain and sorrow through music which has given me some comfort. Like I wrote in one of the songs I composed for you:

‘You gave us great memories and showed us how to live.
We will cherish all those moments that we shared.
You lived your life with honor, gave so much love and care.
The heavens will be rejoicing, with shouts of alleluia.
Angels welcome you to glory as God finally calls you home’.

Thank you, for naming me after your late father ‘Chimenang’. I will try my best to keep your legacy alive.
Adieu Papa!!
Julius C. Ade

Un monde merveilleux sans douleur , maladie ou souffrance .
Aujourd'hui pa'a ADE tu reposes en paix accompagné des tiens. Que le Seigneur t'accueille dans son merveilleux royaume .
Ce n'est qu'un aurevoir .
Repos eternel .
Agnès DJOBO

Papa, though absent in the body, we know you are present in the spirit. You are greatly missed but your legacy sure lives on. You left so many behind to celebrate your life and we will do just that. You are loved. Good night father to many.

A great fighter has fallen,indeed Papa you fought a good fight,you preached with examples which is true of what you left behind for generations to came will forever celebrate you and wife,you deserve a better rest in the Lord,to sing His praises with your beloved wife...Papa may your gentle soul rest in the peace of the Almighty Father till we meet again.

Papa ADE ,
Repose en paix dans la terre de nos encetres, et que tes oeuvres te suivent la haut pres du Seigneur DIEU vivant que tu as servis toute ta vie. Aurevoir papa.

Papa Ade,

One word describes you, STOIC!
You were a good man.
We will greatly miss you.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of your Creator.

Caroline Ade, daughter-in-law.

Grandpa!
I remember times when we went to church in Silver Spring afterwards we would come to your house just to visit and see how you were doing. That house in D.C holds a lot of memories because we would often gather there, whether it was a birthday or Christmas day.
I wonder what it will be like when we gather there again; if it will still have the same feel like it did all those other times.
I will miss you, grandpa.
Williet Ade

Papa was more than just my father in-law, he was my dad too. He welcomed me from the first day we met and never for once made me feel out of place.
He loved his children and grand children, and he genuinely showed me love as his son too, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more from him. I miss you and thank you for making me your best “Baber”.

Darlington Onyia, son-in-law.

My father the resilient man…
My name is Roseline Onyia, the last of Pa’s seven children. I was named after my paternal grandmother, and was fondly called “Mama” by him and all of his siblings. I had this particularly special bond with him because of that. It is not an easy task to capture someone’s life in a short write up, especially someone like my dad, who was a man of many facets. With all the stories I remembered my dad telling me, of some of the obstacles he had to overcome to achieve many of his accomplishments in life, I can proudly say he was a man of resilience. Besides the stories he told me, I was privileged to experience his resilient nature first hand, when he battled one health challenge to the next over the course of ten years plus here in the US, and overcoming despite all the odds that were against him. I remember him fondly always saying to me when he was facing a health crisis, “Na me this I di cam die me wey a nova see you graduate from college.” Usually I will laugh it off and tell him he is not going anywhere yet. I remember the huge smile on his face when he finally got to see me graduate from college. My dad could also be very straight forward in a loving kind of way.  One was such experiences with his straight forwardness was when I introduced him to my husband, during our courtship days. My dad was undergoing rehabilitation at a facility after his second brain surgery when I set up a video call, so he could talk to him. After the video call ended, my dad told me with a straight face, “I no like men with beards.” I smiled, and decided to ask him why? And he boldly stated, “I no trust them.” His candor was funny to me, so I burst out with laughter, and told him that he should give him a chance, and I believe he will like him. Despite my father’s opinion as concerns men with beards, as a loving and considerate father he was, he decided to give him a chance, going past his looks. It was just amazing to see the bond and the relationship that ensued between my husband and father, when we had to move in with him because my sister and her family relocated to France. My father will regularly ask my husband to go into his closet and chose whatever suit he wants, which will sometime tickle me, considering the fact that they did not wear the same clothing size. My dad always insisted my husband be the only one to shave his head and his chin, because, apparently my husband did it just the way he wanted, without trying to argue with him. 
What saddens me most today is, my father did not live to carry the “twins” he had asked my husband and I to kneel so he could pray for us for this blessing. I know that even while he was lying on that hospital bed, asking us to fight till the end, and also holding on to life, he probably was thinking about my wish, and the desire I had for him to carry my children. He was a considerate and loving father. His desire was probably to grant his “Benjamin” (me) this last wish of carrying my children. Papa, I know you are at the feet of Jesus looking down on us, and I know you will have a brilliant smile on your face when the Lord decides to bless me with the “twins” you prayed for a few months ago. Adieu papa, love you now and always.

Roseline Onyia, your last daughter and child.

A tribute to Grandpa

One thing I will never forget about Grandpa is that he was a fighter. No matter how many times he was in the hospital I can say I’ve never seen him in a wheelchair, he either had someone help him walk around or used a cane or walker.

When I first got the news I couldn’t stop crying, I couldn’t understand why he had to die when I thought he would be able to leave the hospital. But it was his time, and I am forever grateful that I was able to spend almost twenty years of my life knowing him.

I thank God for allowing him to live to see 81 and I am happy that he was reunited with Grandma in Heaven.

I love and miss you so much Grandpa.

Your grand daughter,
Margaret Ade

Dear Uncle (Papa Esau),

It is really sad to think you've left us - though to be with your creator who knows all things.

But l can't forget the good memories when you and mama Anastasia will pay us a visit in Bamenda, during the Easter holidays. Your coming was always showered with much love from a father and uncle. Not only that, you brought your German friend who also loved us so greatly by showering us with gifts.
I could also remember how you gave us tennis rackets and a baseball in exchange for the basketball that washed up by our house. But as children, we felt happy that an uncle could also take from us, something valuable in love.

So too, you and your twin brother (my dad) showed love among yourselves. I can remember how you fondly called each other "Nji" and "Tse", in a lovely tone, till your old age.

Oh, how l wish this same love and concern dwells among us, the children, in an even stronger way!

Permit me to say, Papa Esau, this is a legacy you and your twin brother have left for us the children, grand children and great grand children. This is true philia love.

Adieu Papa Esau N. Ade

Your niece,
Anna N. Ade

Tribute to my Uncle

Guess it was between the years 1991 & 1992, but what I remember and which has never left my memory, it was early in the morning in grandma Rose Ateh's 3 room hut. The four brothers sat on the table, I could call a dining table, though it was the lone table in Mama's house. It was kind of a routine that most summer holidays, even after Mama had long passed on, her children came together, even for a week or two, in Chomba.

At 11 years, I loved the adventure of going over to Chomba and it was such fun. Here they were, Mama Rose Ateh's boys arguing this morning. They kept raising their voices and in my "stubbornness" which I was known for, I jumped from the room to the palor and spoke in a tone, too high for my age, asking the four brothers - Pa John, Pa Jacob, Pa Tom & Pa Esau, why they should be quarreling instead of taking advantage of the time they have sacrificed to come together & show love to each other. They were all quiet, I guess asking themselves how a little child could have the courage to talk to her fathers like that. However, they knew they were wrong and instead of scolding me, it was Pa Esau who broke the silence and said "we were looking for a lawyer in this family, Sirri, you will surely be one."

That is a prophesy that came to pass in my life and Pa Esau, I am glad you spoke those words that day! You were not just an uncle to us, but maybe because of your "twinness" with my dad, the connection was stronger; you were a father to us!

You will be missed always, Pa Esau!!

Barrister Sirri Ade
Bamenda, Cameroon

Tribute to my late Uncle - Pa Esau Ade (My dad's twin)

Uncle, my memories of you bring this grins and smiles when I remember your constant visits to Bamenda. Growing up as a young girl and being the eldest daughter, I was always there besides my Mom to prepare meals for you and most of the time, because my Mom had to go to the farm, I did the cooking. How you always enjoyed your meals and appreciated the meal was remarkable, because it was not common to have a Father thank you after eating your food (as a young girl).

When ever you came around, it was never as though an "Uncle" was at home, but a "Father". You scolded when you had to and there was never an attitude of "it's not my business" with you. Home was fun, whenever you were around as your presence mitigated my own Dad's usual "harshness". You even scolded him when you saw he was going overboard with his sense of discipline either towards our Mom or us, his children. Mami always left their bedroom for you two brothers to occupy and you were always welcomed.

I can go on and on recounting memories of you, but the most remarkable one was your last visit to Cameroon - to Chomba in particular, which coincidentally was around the period of your 76th birthday. Pa Tom's (your twin brother) children and grandchildren seized the opportunity to celebrate your birthday on January 11th. I guess, for the first time in your later years and as far as we can remember, with both of you physically present. It was a small, but memorable event. We invited your Sister, Mami Pauline Fonteh, and she came all the way from town. All your other sisters/cousins in the village were present. We even brought one of the Pastors who is a friend to the family to pray for you. We trusted and prayed to God, that you will both reach 80 years, despite the health challenges you were going through.
Papa Esau, our fond memories of you will linger on. Adieu, Papa!

From Blessing Yaya
Bafoussam, Cameroon

Malkia Ngounoue
Ever since grandma passed away, I became your laughter. I became your smile . I knew you were in pain so I tried to take it away the best way I knew how; with humor. And being your oldest grandchild I felt it my duty to maintain your mental health.
But mostly because I love you.

You believed in me and saw me through all of my trophies, my tears, my triumphs, and losses. I continue to chase those dreams so that one day you would see me on TV, holding the trophy as high as the heavens, over my head, continuing in your footsteps.

You were the heart of our family. The bone of our body. I’ll miss you so much grandpa, and hope that I am making you smile up in heaven. I love you grandpa ❤️❤️❤️.

Clèrvie Ngounoue
I remember when I won my first national tennis tournament. Grandpa was so happy when we called him that day. He didn’t say much but the whole call he had a smile on his face and kept telling me how proud he was. He didn’t smile all the time so when Malkia or Carel and I were able to get one out of him it felt like an accomplishment.
I feel like he was more of an all or nothing type of person. When he was happy, he’d laugh at everything we did. He’d smile at the smallest things. And when he was moody or sad you would definitely know it. You’d say something and he’d look at you like you just threw his food on the floor. I say he was an all or nothing type of person mostly because if you didn’t put two full spoons of sugar in his coffee, then he wasn’t going to drink coffee that morning. As baffling as it sounds, when grandpa did something, he would do it wholeheartedly.
He contributed to our church whenever he could. If we won a tournament he would take whatever little money he had in his pocket at that moment and give us all of it. He didn’t care if it was all he had because deep inside his heart he had so much more to give, and he was a giver.
He was a fighter. He fought till his last breath. And even though I couldn’t see him in his last days, I am forever grateful for the days that he fought just to see us succeed. Because those days where he was fighting sickness, and even death; those days turned into weeks, months, and eventually years. I thank God for Pa Ade’s genetics, because a lot of people have asked me if I run track, even though I am a tennis player, and now every time I hear that, it’s a reminder for me of his presence.
I thank God for his love, his generosity, but most importantly, I thank God for Pa Ade’s life and legacy that will live on in all of us. I love you and will miss you so much ❤️❤️❤️.

CAREL NGOUNOUE

My Grandfather was a very strong man. He was as strong as solid rock, and was never afraid. But what amazed me most about him, was the strength that he had on the outside and the inside.
Everytime I think of him, whether it is in tennis competition or in daily life, I could always hear him say, "keep fighting, stay in it." That strength took him all the way to 81 years of age, and I loved everyday, and every second that I got to spend with him.
So today, I choose not to think of him in vain, but instead celebrate him, his life, all the strength that he gave me, and still gives me. Thank you so much Grandpa. I love you and will miss you.

My dearest Papa,
It’s still so not real that you’re gone. I watched a video of you dancing bottle dance not long ago with your limited movement and you enjoyed it so much, it’s hard for me to comprehend that you’re gone. Your resilience especially from the time you had a stroke till about 14 years after, shows us how we ought to proceed in life and I pray we have the strength to emulate you. Like the athlete that you were, you fought a tough battle in sickness and never gave up till your last breath. This has truly motivated us and especially our athletic children, to never give up. In music your beautiful tenor voice would never go unnoticed. Even in your dying bed you joined my sister and myself to praise God. Thank Jesus for your life ! Thank you Papa for your exemplary service to God and to us. I will remember and miss you always, especially when I sing. Your legacy lives in us all and your grandchildren. Oh how I wish you lived to see the greatest achievements of your grandchildren but I know you’re cheering them from high above with Mami. I love you Papa. You and Mami live on in me❤️❤️. I miss you both so dearly .

02/25/2021
Memory of a Champion

   Papa, you were a true champion. The impact you made in my life is being manifested as I’ve grown to be the kind of person you expected to be. It all started over four decades ago when I was growing as a little boy, I saw you get up very early in the morning each day, put on your sports outfit and go for a jog before going to work. Your resilience and hard work as an athlete led to your award of several medals which you showed me when I was growing, you told me about your participation at the Olympic Games in Mexico and Munich (Germany). Around the early 80s, I saw you participate in the Mount Cameroon Race. You were already in your 40s during that race and most of the participants were in their early 20s or less. I remember some of your friends telling you not to venture, that it was too risky because of your age and that they didn’t ’t think you’ll make it to the summit. Despite all odds, you did not only make it to the summit, but came back before more than half of the participants. I remember when the famous Zachary Nkuo of blessed memory announced your entry into the municipal stadium In Buea town heading to the finished line, a bunch of people including myself were running behind you to escort you to the finished line. It was truly a remarkable moment. A few years later, I saw you training some famous long distant athletes like Lekunze Thimothy also of blessed memory who later became the champion on multiple occasions of the mount Cameroon race. Papa, you did not only impact us and your grand children but also people you did not know.
   When you were awarded a scholarship by the Cameroon government to study coaching in Germany, you took upon yourself to study sports medicine as an addition. While you were in Germany, I became a very stubborn kid hanging out with bad friends. Mum reported me to you and I remember you wrote a letter to me telling me that there will be no room for me in the family if I didn’t change and start behaving like a gentleman, you also reminded me in that letter how I could become worthless in future if I decided to take that path and not study hard to prepare for my future. I grew up with those words in my head even as you continued reminding me every step of the way.
   One of the most exciting moment I had with you was when you came for holidays from Germany unannounced in the mid 80s, you and mum gave me a surprise visit while I was in school in Limbe. I remember screaming and jumping when I saw you for the first time since you left for Germany, the ambiance was too much amongst my peers and it made me feel so blessed. When I was looking for a wife, you advised me on how to choose a lady that would make a happy home for me and give me happiness for the rest of my life and when I finally presented my partner to you, there was an automatic chemistry that attracted you and mum to her. You were part of our wedding and I saw so much joy in you on that day.
   When we all migrated to the United states, you made it clear to me that it was your wish to see me have a university degree and when I told you that I had plans to go to pharmacy school, you encouraged me not to give up my dreams. I have since become a doctor of Pharmacy and when I showed you my certificate, you blessed me and raised your hands saying “Thank you God” if I happen to die now, I’ll know that you achieved my wishful you.
   Thank you papa for having champion my path for success as you lived by example. You fought relentlessly even in your sick bed on multiple occasions when even the health care practitioners said you were not going to make it but you proved them otherwise. I will live the rest of my life knowing that I was raised by a champion and try to emulate your examples.
   Rest well papa until we meet to part no more.

A Tribute to my father, Pa Ade Esau Nji

Pa Ade Esau Nji was my father. A kind-hearted father, loving, self-controlled and humble. That was Pa Ade.
I thank you for receiving me into your home as your own daughter. You showed me love, you took care of me and protected me. You didn’t have silver or gold to give me, but you loved me as your daughter.
Papa, thank you!
Thank you, for the moral upbringing. You taught me love, respect, humility and self control. Above all, you taught me the fear of God.
Papa thank you. As a child growing up, I saw you as and called you “Papa”. Thank you for the fatherly love you showed me - You paid my school fees, you gave me food, shelter and protection as your own daughter.
Papa, you fought a good fight. You finished your race and you kept your faith. We love you, but God loved you more.
Adieu, Papa.
Rest in Perfect Peace.

Your daughter,
Therese Tassi
Limbe, Cameroon

TEMOIGNAGE

Mon beau-frère,
J’ai eu le privilège de te côtoyer quand tu étais à Buea. J’ai observé en toi le souvenir d’un homme souriant, aimant et rassembleur.
En ce jour, je suis durement éprouvé par ta disparition, mais ce qui me console est la pleine conviction que tu as achevé ta tâche avec amour. Tu étais un père digne.
Repose en paix et que tes bonnes œuvres t’accompagnent auprès du Christ, notre sauveur.
Ton beau-frère,
Tonton Joseph Moumbe
Edea, Cameroun

Papa,
You overcame daunting odds to make it in life. You were the personification of endurance and patience. The fact that you made it this far speaks to the greatness of the God we serve.
Thank you for teaching me how to be a man and a father. I will cherish the many conversations we had and do my best to live up to your expectations.
Rest in peace, Papa.


A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER:

My earliest memories of Papa date back to the late sixties when he was at the prime of his athletic career. He was hardly home for up to three or four months without traveling to take part in an athletic event somewhere. He always brought back souvenirs for my mom and I (I was a lone child for about five years before my cousins, Therese and late Walters, came to live with us). He would also tell us stories about his experiences out there. Since there was no TV in Cameroon at that time, he had to vividly describe what happened and as a result, he became a very good storyteller.

These stories were often accompanied by pictures of the event such as: those of the opening ceremonies, showing all these athletes from different countries matching and waving their country's flag with pride. The most memorable ones were the ones with Papa standing on the podium, smiling from ear to ear with an air of accomplishment and kissing the medal he had just won. I always felt a childish sense of joy and pride that my father was a winner. I would proudly wear the souvenir he brought for me - a baseball cap or a T-shirt emblazoned with the name of the country or event that the particular item memorialized.

After every trip, Papa always took the time to tell us stories about that particular event. That’s how I first learnt about the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and the challenges he faced during the competition as a result of the high altitude of the city. It is the same way I came to know the name, Joseph Bessala, Cameroon’s sole medalist at those games. When he returned from the Munich Olympic Games in 1972, he told us about the attack on the Olympic village, by gunmen (which I later learnt were members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization).

Maybe as a result of his many travels, he developed a penchant for keeping abreast with world events. He did so by reading newspapers and listening to the news on the radio - from the BBC, Radio Nigeria - Calabar and of course, Radio Cameroon. So, news time was an important time in our household and I started following the news on the radio and reading newspapers, at a very early age. This has become almost second nature to me, to this day - keeping up to date with developments in and out of the country through the news media. As a result, I have become something of an eclectic.


Our parents always wanted the best education for their children and did their best to provide that for us. Being the first child, I am the one who benefitted the most, in terms of the implementation of this grand scheme our parents had in mind. From private tutors to help me at home while I was in primary school, to making me attend evening classes after school, when I was in Bilingual High School, Molyko, not forgetting the fact that they sent most of us to Christian primary and secondary schools, our parents gave it their all.

Papa, I will always cherish the solid foundation you gave us: the Christian education, the regular words of wisdom and support, when the going got tough. You taught us to be compassionate, determined, patient, tolerant and forgiving. You inculcated a high sense of moral responsibility in us and showed us how to carry ourselves with dignity, even in the face of adversity. You raised us to be truthful at all times, regardless of the consequences. You were not just a teacher, you were the ultimate life coach.

Papa, you will be greatly missed! We will miss your gentle nudge, your caustic humor, your generous smile and your refreshing though sometimes embarrassing, candor.

I just pray and hope that we will be able to transmit those values you taught us, into our children - your grandchildren, and by so doing, continue your legacy for generations to come.

May God almighty, receive you into his kingdom.

Farewell Papa! Until we meet again, to part no more.

Willibrord Ade