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Eulogy

August 25, 2009

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

August 24, 2009

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

August 24, 2009

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

Eulogy Of A Bosom Friend

August 22, 2009

         I knew Mr. John Sama not just yesterday. My initial acquaintance with him dates back to the early fifties (1950+) when, as a contemporary with him in that well known citadel of education that is called St. Joseph’s College, Sasse, I used to adore his performance as a goal keeper. His skill in the goal-keeping department of the game of football was so much above the bar of excellence that few students dared to battle with him for the jersey of the junior goal keeper.

      The event that transformed our relationship and catapulted it from the casual acquaintance and comradery that it previously was to the firm and dedicated friendship that it has been for over forty five years had a small beginning. In April 1963, (when I was a Forest Officer in Kumba), John informed me – with characteristic firmness and in a manner reminiscent of Napoleon Bonarpartes style – that he had decided that I would be the Best man at his marriage which was scheduled to take place on 1st June 1963 at the Catholic Church, Fiango (Kumba). In this connection John was then dating Miss Margaret Nkeng and the friendship between them was not just an ephemeral affaire that would wither and die at adolescence; it was destined to mature, blossom and fruictify into Holy Matrimony. I was not unaware of the goings –on between John and Margaret but little did I dream that I would be called upon to play a key role in the event (church Marriage) that would set the seal on their marriage project. In any event, I received John Sama’s offer to me with open arms. From that moment forward, the various happenings unfolding in our lives have gone to ensolidate the friendship between not only me and John Sama but also between me and the entire Sama family. In particular, I did not only serve as best man during the church wedding in Kumba in 1963; during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of their wedding at the Buea Cathedral Church , I also played a non – negligible part.

       Another remarkable thing about John Sama was his ability to develop his talent or potential, through hard work and indefatigable attention to detail, to a level that was far above the ordinary. He demonstrated this ability in the domain of photography where, while remaining, on paper, only an amateur photographer, he raised his production to such an enviable level that classified professional photographers “feared” his presence at any grand occasion that required photographic coverage . Many of the successes he has served in life can rightly be attributed to this ability.

Finally, an even more important element of John Sama’s character was the care and attention that he gave to his wife and children. His home was noted for the presence of an ever flowing current of love among family members. The spring of this love was undoubtedly John and Margaret.

It must have been God’s plan that I should see John alive (even if in a condition of quasi-infirmity) and commune with him spiritually before his death. That must be why when my other bosom friend, Mr. Anthony Mpafe Ngekep, died in Limbe a couple of months ago and I set out from Bamenda to participate in the funeral events relating to his burial, something inside me prompted me to first make a stop – over at the residence of the Samas in Buea, stay a night there, then take John Sama (as my friend) to accompany me to the Mpafe’s funeral the following day. But when I got to Buea, I found John in a pitiful condition of ill-health, almost infirmity as he had lost his power of speech as well as his ability to walk and was only being fed by his ever-caring wife. This grave illness had come – his wife told me – only a couple of days before my arrival. The only thing I gathered myself to do in that circumstance was to join Margaret and the house servants in reciting the prayer for his speedy recovery that a family friend had, thoughtfully, composed. I continued praying for John’s recovery when I returned to Bamenda.

On Sunday morning, 19th July 2009, Mrs. Sama telephoned to inform me that ‘your friend is no more”. So ended the hope I had been fondly nursing and the prayers that I had been heartily offering for John’s recovery. I realized then that, in God’s plan, John Sama’s earthly pilgrimage to the Celestial City has come to the end and his sharing in the life of the world beyond has began.

I extend my heartfelt condolence to his dear wife, Margaret Sama, his children and other family members who are left behind to mourn him. John Sama’s loss has certainly created among the bereaved wife and children a void that cannot be filled but I exhort them to be comforted by the thought that “God always gives enough graces for any trials that he makes us face”

Finally, this departure of John Sama from our midst should recall to us what the poet, Anon, once said in his own sweet way;

                                “Whether we’re old or young,

                                Not one of us can say,

                                Just when will come to each

                                His final earthly day.

                                Thus, while this life is ours

                                Lord, may we now prepare

                                So death may never come,

                                And take us unaware”
                                                                                                                Anon.

                                May his soul rest in perfect peace.

 

                                                       Faay Woo Bamfem

                                                      (alias Dr. Anthony Mapri Maimo)

Eulogy

August 22, 2009

If I had known God, my uncle would not have died; yet there is hope in the ressurection of the dead.  In July 2005, you visited me in Douala while I was carrying out an experimentto look for God; if perhaps I may feel after Him, and find Him, since He is not far; learning the hard way that confession of faults one to another produces healing like medication.  Not being able to share my receivings, findings and openings with you makes me to groan within.  We got along really well for the perfectionist that you were; time has vindicated your actions that I did not understand as a child.  You were a handy source of counsel and I remember how u told me that I lack common sense but surprisingly enough do pass my exams.  I fancy myself strong, yet I cannot keep back my tears.  It was your time; and the exact timing and season were the exclusive prerogative of God.  Your leadership will be missed; you dressed and kept the legacy of the Eyuma'a Sama family for posterity.  When a husbandman, who was made caretaker, turned his back against the children, you did not hesitate to seek legal redress; but at what cost ?

                                                                   Sango Charles ( Nephew )

Eulogy

August 22, 2009

Papa, You have been a true father, and gave me hope and encouraged me on how to move on eve n when all seemed lost.  When I was naughty and made you angry, the next minute you would call me and say: "Anne, go and buy me a small Guiness and Fanta and get one for yourself", and that would end the stalemate, most of the time very short-lived.  Papa, you were an organised person and would ask: "Why is this cup here ? What is this paper doing on the floor ?   You people don't have any common sense."  Thank you for giving me the guide to continue with life without you.  How could I imagine that you were the one calling me from Yaounde to come and give you foof for the last time !  I am happy you died a good death; our parayers did not go in vain.  I know that you are with the Good Lord now.  May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

                                                               Anne SAMA ( Niece )

Eulogy

August 22, 2009

Papa "For All", Words certainly cannot explain why things happen the way they do.  God above has a plan for everything. Yes, Pa John, you were our everything; a dear friend, counselor, a musician and a lawyer whenever there was a problem.  You were a lion and did everything to protect and sponsored not only your kids but everyone who came your way.  Yes the cold hands of death took you away like our Master Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  We know you will always be there for us and we just want to say thank you for being our solid foundation.  May your soul rest in peace.  We will miss you dearly Uncle John.

                                            KEMNGANG ASOMYU M. ( Bro-In-Law )

Eulogy

August 22, 2009

Uncle, as we often called you, you were so dear to us.  You got married to our sister and took us as your own sisters and brothers when our father, Pa Kemngang, died.  In fact, you stood as the family head of our family, and made us not feel as orphans, because you provided everything for us.  We gonna miss your sweet smile and jokes.  Your devotedness and fear of the Lord will remain always in our memory.  Uncle we love you but God loves you most.  May your soul rest in the Lord  Adieu Uncle.

                                        Vessoua Elizabeth ( Sister-In-Law )

Eulogy

August 22, 2009

Uncle,

You were both father and mother to me, as you taught me house-wifery as any mother would do.  You also taught me to consider work undone until perfectly done.  You spoiled to the extent whereby even when I would love to have my willful way, you still loved me.

You sent me to one of the best colleges in this country at a time when girl-child education was a taboo.  You provided me with all that I needed.  But why must I relate all these things which were a matter of course, a pleasure and pride for you ?  It is only to tell you how grateful I am.

After the period of your purification which was hard and long, it is only fair that by divine grace you should now enter into eternal rest, well earned by your good works, selfless life and suffering.  Thank you for the great love shown me.  You will always remain green in my memory.  Rest Uncle, sweetly rest; take your well deserved rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet again at Jesus' feet.

Adieu and God bless your soul.

                                                    NGALIM Grace nee Sama ( Niece )

Eulogy

August 22, 2009

My dearest Papa,

What do I say and what do I leave unsaid ?  You and I had a very special relationship.  I remember all the things you did for me from the time I was three.  You were always there for us.  You are at the centre of all the great moments we ever had in our lives.  We couldn't have had a better Dad.  I am very grateful to the Almighty God for making you our Dad.  I know deep down in me that the disorder is only apparent.  Every flower must grow through dirt - you cannot go to heaven without dying. We all love you dearly and you will forever live in our memories.

 

                                                               Marie-Therese Litumbe

Eulogy

August 22, 2009

Darling, my sweet Darling,

When we wedded in Church on the 1st of June 1963, you not only became my life partner but my father as well.  As orphans, you took care of me and my siblings, with great love, care and devotion; not to talk of the love you lavished on our children.

From the very beginning God Himself knitted both of our lives together; otherwise how can we explain the fact that you were born on 27th June, I on the 9th of June and we wedded on the 1st of June ?  This even earned us the title “ the June Couple” in the SOBAN Association here in Buea, as we celebrated our birthdays and our 46th wedding anniversary respectively this last June.

When you became ill 4 years ago, I called on the Lord to help me and He enabled me to go through the long journey of your illness without stress, the Lord being my guide and strength.

When your last hour came on July 18th at 1:30pm I was glad that you closed your eyes for the last time when your close ones were gathered around you in prayer, as the Lord took you from my hands. I am happy for you because I know that you are now in His bosom.  Rest in peace, Darling, until we meet again.

 

                                                                 Your Darling wife, Maggie Sama

Eulogy

August 20, 2009

Papa it is very difficult for me to put these words together, and my eyes are covered with tears as I carry on.   Even though I know that you are resting, I find it hard to reconcile with the fact that I will not see you when I come back home.   Papa, you were such a fantastic DAD to us.   You taught us to pray and you taught us to play.  You taught us to sing and you taught us to dance.   Papa thank you very much for the wonderful childhood you gave to us.  Thank you for the quality time you spent with us.  The memories will continue to linger on.   You brought us up to be men and women you said you were proud of- your ambassadors as you used to put it.   We shall continue to keep your flag flying.  The day God called you, our family chain was broken but as he will continue to call us one by one, the link will once more be restored.  Papa God shall grant you Eternal rest and perpetual light shall shine upon you. May you rest in peace, perfect peace.  

Lydia (Mami E)

Eulogy

August 20, 2009

"Whenever I was upset, Grandpa came up to me and said are you alright? He was always there for me. Grandpa was very loving and caring. I love you Grandpa"

 Kelly Nsutebu (Grand daughter)

Eulogy

August 20, 2009

Daddy had 4 remarkable characteristics that I will like to talk about.

 

Daddy had a very strong concern about house tidiness, and always stressed that the house should always be tidied from morning when we get up from bed, till night when we go to sleep.  He did not mind even if he had to remind us a hundred times a day about keeping places in order. He strongly believed cleanliness is next to godliness. This has gone a long way to help us implement this idea in our homes.

 

 Daddy had a great taste. All what he bought and all his ideas were highly qualitative. Daddy believed you did not only need to be wealthy to be qualitative but that quality could be achieved through hard work as well. Daddy will go an extra mile at times just to get that quality. The rewards were great as the things he got were durable beautiful and lasted for long.

 

Daddy was a perfectionist. Nothing would please him if it was not properly done. That made him always do most things by himself. Mum would tell us at times to help do his ironing, say. That was usually a waste of time and energy for no sooner had we completed it than he did it again, not really pleased by our outcomes. As for his pictures just he was the king Midas with the golden touch, he will not mind spending the whole day in the lounge fitting the pictures perfectly into the album himself just because he wanted a job well-done.

 

Greatest of all, daddy loved us so much. He provided all that was necessary to make us happy. That sometimes involved him entertaining us himself when we were young with lovely stories, mostly fables and showing us how to dance to certain rhythms. He provided all our needs as we grew up and he still extended a hand even when we were working.

His pieces of advice made us grow into respectful God-fearing individuals. Daddy’s love could still be experienced even when in his sick bed.  Though he could not do much physically in that state, daddy chose to stay alive for the time he did, giving us hope strength and courage to carry on with our activities.  This was wonderful in that we got used to every stage of daddy’s deteriorating health and as he drew towards the end of his journey we could clearly see the path he was taking and we could estimate the distant left. And when he reached the end of the journey we were able to take it with courage.  What else could a dad have done?         

Oh dad thanks so much for ALL

We will deeply miss you so MUCH

 

Ernest  Sama

London

Eulogy

August 20, 2009

Papa, I count myself lucky that you entrusted me to marry and look after your daughter, Lydia. I cannot thank you enough.  Interestingly, Lydia and I are now resident in the town where you studied Printing – Leeds, England. It is therefore not surprising that in many ways you lived your life like an “Englishman”. I have always admired your organised lifestyle, politeness and honesty.   You were always true to your words and you had nothing to hide from anybody. You always tried to do what was right and kept your conscience clean.

We thank the almighty God for your life and the blessings.  Given the life expectancy in Cameroon, you had a long life and we give thanks to the Lord for that. You also had a good quality life. You have seen all your children grow up to become independent and successful adults. In addition you saw all your 11 grand children.  You were remarkably close to your children and they will always cherish the quality time you spent with them as children. 

You demonstrated that it is possible to transform a hobby (photography) into a career. You showed us that photography is an art and the skill and dedication you used to take photos and arrange them into albums has left a mark on many people. You have immortalised many sad and joyful occasions and like most artists and musicians, the photographs you took will always remind people of you. You have left behind a lasting legacy and you will never be forgotten!

Most of all, you lived your life as an exemplary Christian and you died as a Christian. I have no hesitation that you are in the Kingdom of Heaven protecting us and preparing a place for your children.  

Dr Emmanuel Nsutebu ( Son-In-Law )

Eulogy

August 20, 2009

Grandpa was like my best friend. I always followed him wherever he went. He took very good care of me like a father.  He was a very good and hardworking man.

 

God has a reason for taking him away from our midst. May his soul rest in peace.

 

Grandpa we will all miss you !!

 

Paula Sama ( Granddaughter )

Eulogy

August 20, 2009

 

Mokia was a complex man but straightforward and direct in all that he did. He was misunderstood by many but greatly loved by his children. I learnt a lot from Mokia and will never forget the advice that he gave me, especially  during the early years of my marriage.

 

He lived to see all of his children grow up into successful adults and witnessed the birth of eleven grandchildren.  He can rest peacefully knowing that he had accomplished his task here on earth.  Mokia,  you will be sorely missed by us all.

 

May the Lord Almighty grant you eternal rest.

 

Mafany Litumbe ( Son-in-law )

Eulogy

August 20, 2009

"Grandpa was a very loving Grandfather. He always treated us with love and care and most importantly, he was always there for us. Unfortunately the Lord has called upon him. Let’s just hope that God takes good care of him. May he rest in peace"

 

Mafany Litumbe (Grand son)

Eulogy

August 17, 2009

My grandfather was a very caring and loving man.  He took good care of me, my brothers and my cousins.  May GOD bless his soul and may he rest in peace.

I love you grandpa.

 

Embelle Litumbe ( grand daughter )

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