Tributes
Leave a tributeFrom Sama Ernest
My beloved, rest in Perfect Perfect Peace
RIP Papa
heavenly kingdom where l pray we meet to part no more.
daughter Marie
The memories you deeply engraved on me remain my strongest defense in this challenging world of turbulence and deceit...
RIP
Leave a Tribute
From Sama Ernest
Eulogy
Papa, you were a friend of mine right from my infancy. You called me “Jabisco” as all attempts to make me say “Robert” only ended up in “Jabot” from me ! You as a Dad were a STAR ! Key phrases like “Never take things for granted”, “No condition is permanent”, as well as “It is foolish to be wise, where ignorance is bliss” will always linger in my mind.
Your fastidious desire for perfection took us from “good can be better” to “better can be best”. We sometimes even accused you of only seeking the “hole in the picture”. Even in the kitchen, a domain where most men dread stepping their feet in, you were a culinary star ! I can still smell the flavours of your shrimp stews with rice, and well-garnished scrambled eggs which served as filling.
You taught us how to dance “mbolo-mbolo”. As we formed a circle, you dashed into it and in a rhythmic style twisted your waist and “gave” it to one of us to continue in like manner. How much fun !
As a photographer you were a camera-Star. Those whose occasions you covered were the envy of those who went elsewhere for coverage. “Mr Sama, the photographer” was the common appellation in the Buea neighbourhood and beyond. Your clients will preserve your handiwork as souvenirs.
You took your time in most of the things that you did. You even took your time to leave us ! Come to think of it: three months chronicled your coming into, living in and departing from this world…You were born in June, you died in July and are to be buried in August ! You are a legend ! You’ll always remain in our minds.
May Christ receive you in his Heavenly Bosom. May His will in us be done. Adieu Papa.
Robby
Eulogy
Papa, you were a very special friend of mine. You called me the “Mafor” and constantly reminded me of my enormous role in the family as your first daughter-in-law.
Your last visit to Atlanta gave me the occasion to appreciate your steadfast urge to see things done the right way. You hated intrigues and would stress on the need for one to be realistic in decision-taking. You spent quality time with your grandchildren and made them veritable play-mates. Your friendly, down-to-earth disposition with children gained you their fondness and love. How can I forget the pieces of advice you gave me ? One thing I demand from the Good Lord; to wash you clean and preserve you in a special mansion of His. Your greatness will be ever remembered, Papa. May you rest in Christ’s Love.
Patience ( Daughter-in-Law )
Eulogy in loving memory of a divine parental steward gone unforgotten
Uncle Sama Successfully Arrives Home After Crossing ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’
A Life Short-Lived but Long-Remembered and Forever-Secure
He was a simple man but yet someone below the surface of whose simplicity was a profound depth of esteem, confidence, and reassurance. Few took his humble approach to life for granted but many wondered at the results of his wisdom. Some doubted the sustainability of his lifestyle after a conspiratorial, pre-induced, early retirement from the civil service while still in his mid-50’s - retirement he prematurely earned despite several years of fervent, distinguished service at the Government National Printing Press, both in Buea and Yaounde. But moving on with life as a passionate photographer, no one would dare question the source of his strength: God. A man constantly on the move! A man determined to achieve whatever goal he set forth, regardless of impending danger. A man endowed with interpersonal skills and the ability to resolve conflicts without miscarriage of diplomacy. A distinct individual in his own right who under no circumstances would ever compare himself to any other individual for any reason other than to appreciate someone else’s gift. He was a man who faced challenging feuds unduly caused by others, especially some close to him. And the list goes on.
My pleasurable experiences with Uncle Sama may never be fully described as best intended, given the subjective appreciation beholden to me. To say the least, I wouldn’t be what I am today if it weren’t for his devoted parental stewardship and training. And the lesson learnt cannot be overstated. But truth be told that I have benefited so much from our close-knit relationship than I have from any other person in a leadership position.
Our relationship all started in the early 60’s when I could barely crawl. Married to my most senior sister and next-of-kin, Margaret, while still in her early 20’s, Mr. Sama (also in his late 20’s) didn’t just become my brother-in-law. He exceeded the expectations of the entire Kemngang family and rather assumed the responsibility of an unbiased “Uncle.” As I watched his every move, all I saw was someone readily available to solve any problem in the family with humility and respect. He spoke what he believed to be helpful, and usually his truth would go unnoticed until something to contrary occurred.
A few years before getting married, Uncle had just graduated from Government Technical College, Ombe, with unmatched skills in machinery. And after a short employment opportunity with the local government, he earned a scholarship for further training in Britain, where within a little less than a year he got news to return to Cameroon due to a family crisis. As I reflect over this painfully, what vividly brings me to laughter and admiration is how meticulous Uncle Sama was and how, within his short time in England, he was able to return evermore polished. At a period when owning a camera remained rare, let alone a radiogram and a tape recorder, Uncle Sama brought home to his children these simple, but unforgotten, gifts. He was a family man entrusted with huge responsibilities, including taking care of two family estates: the Kemngang and the Sama. Under his watch, the entire Kemngang family enjoyed the stewardship bestowed upon him. Yet, under his watch, the entire Sama family appreciated his endurance amid occasional crises.
The question is what next, now that Uncle is gone. Simple but obvious answer: God is in control. To his beloved wife, my sister, I say be internally strong and externally focused. To all my nephews and nieces, I say thank you for the courage. To both the entire Kemngang and Sama families, I say unity and mutual understanding should prevail. It’s been a difficult journey for Uncle Sama here on earth. But what other way to get to heaven than through the peaceful channel of death! Bye, bye Uncle. Our interaction was short but the memory lives. Thank God for you are forever secure.
ALEX KEMNGANG, M.S., Struc. Eng.
Maryland, USA