Tribute to Brother Fred (Fredidonald)
Brother Fred was more than a brother to me. He was also my mentor and my friend. We both had many common interests. Church, organ, classical, and choral music. He was passionate about music, was a member of the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos many years ago. He was conversant with the great organists such as T.K.E Phillips, O. O Phillips, Fela Sowande, Kayode Oni and many others, all of blessed memory. I was a member of St Jude’s Church (now Cathedral of St Jude’s Ebute Metta, Lagos) until 1995 when I was appointed Assistant Organist and Choirmaster of Our Saviour’s Church TBS Lagos. We would both sing hymns, chants, marvel at the sound of the pipe organ and the choral renditions etc. He loved Virgil Fox, the late organist of high repute, and we would both watch in admiration, videos of him displaying his skills, especially his variation on the hymn, ‘’O God our help in ages past’’. Bro Fred introduced my family and I to Jazz. He taught my kids how to play some jazz notes on the piano and enjoyed doing so. Hi jazz skills on the piano were phenomenal. We both visited Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral several times while I was on holiday and it was such a rewarding experience to listen to the organ, choir, choral singing etc.
He had a special relationship with my children, loved them so dearly and always engaged them on leisure & serious activities such as table soccer, football, career discussions etc when we come to London on summer holidays. He was so interested in their wellbeing and ready to go to all extent to ensure they (we) all had fun while on holidays. He would always inquire about our plans daily, volunteer to take us to various places and events. Despite coming over with my entire family to stay for 2 /3 weeks, bro Fred was never inconvenienced, even when my children were still quite young. In summary he always ensured we had a great time. We shall all miss him. His love, perseverance, humility, candour, commitment, zeal etc. Summer holidays in London will not be the same again. Brother Fred & I would discuss business, career, everything under the sun. I was always excited to engage him in various discussions, took advice from him on various matters also. He was a socialite, always jovial, lively and would light up any party/event with ‘’jist’, ‘’faboos’’, general discussions on burning issues in Nigeria and globally.
I commensurate with by egbon, sister Jumoke (Jummy), Seyi, Morenike, Fope, and the entire family. It’s sad and depressing to learn brother Fred has gone to be with the Lord just 5 years after our Mum (Mrs G.O Adesola) joined the saints triumphant. He added full value to my life, and the last discussion we had was that he and sister Jumoke were planning to visit us in Dubai once the covid situation is over. A major regret I have is not being able to see him before he passed on, and my inability to attend the funeral activities physically due to covid restrictions, travel bans, and inability to apply/obtain a visa. I’m however just a bit consoled that I will participate remotely, thanks to technology.
Rest in peace brother Fred. I know you’re resting in Heaven and singing with the heavenly choirs. Thoughts of you will always fill my heart. I’m missing you so dearly. Sincere condolences from Chinwe, Damilola (Damo), EbunOluwa and IfeOluwa.
Love, Akinwale Adesola
Dubai, UAE