TRIBUTE FROM NEPHEWS AND NIECES

It was such a hard day to behold with on the 9th of May, 2020 following the news of our demised uncle Mr Kofi Poku Mpiani.

He was such a great man, bold, Godfearing, pacemaker, kind hearted, last resort and above all a pillar that supported the family. Such a huge loss has definitely created a vacuum, one that suffocates us every time we think of him.

Uncle kofi known to us as Mp was a devoted Christian, family man, who wished to contribute immensely in the development of his newphews and nieces but wishes are not horses. No words can describe the way we feel as we share this tribute.

We have found so many memories with you that we will cherish forever. He never turned his back on us upon every single request we made as nephews and nieces. He has done so much for us but we just feel that we could not do enough for him, as he spent those painful last days on earth. You will be much missed and we all love you!

Having reached an appreciable ladder in terms of education, our uncle never relent on his efforts towards assisting us to reach same, if not beyond his reached standard in terms of education. Your words of encouragement and financial supports to us will never be forgotten.

We least expected your sudden death but God in His infinite wisdom knows best.
We ask the good Lord to comfort and sustain the family, your wife and children now and always. May God Almighty keeps you safe rest in perfect peace till resurrection day.

Uncle, your nephews and nieces would have wished to carry you on our shoulders and say Farwell to you as you journey to a place which has been arranged by our maker.

Your name will forever re-echoes anytime we mention these your children and grandchildren names : Esther Mpiani, Alice Mpiani, Nana Ama Mpiani, Blessing Mpiani and Kofi Mpiani Junior

Uncle Farwell,Farwell,Farwell. Extend our greetings to our lovely grandmother (Nana, Esther Amoako)

        JAMASIMAN KUO, NORTH AMERICA
          
                 A TRIBUTE

It's commonplace for Ghanaians in the diaspora to form hometown Associations with the sole aim of helping their various towns and cities with development projects. It was one of such Associations that Kofi Mpiani became a member for a brief time before his passing.
Kofi proudly hailed from a town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana called Jamasi (AKA JAMAICA). The Association is called JAMASIMAN KUO, NORTH AMERICA. 
Kofi, you joined Jamasiman mid last year (2019) and the whole membership became so happy because we had only one member from the far West State of California, you became the second member. Our Hope was that you'll find other Jamasi citizens in the California State to join us in our bid to develop our town. This sadly, could not materialize because you were sadly called home by your maker unexpectedly, but it can be aptly said that "God's Time is indeed the best". We are so devastated by your death and in anguish as well because the voice from California (Mpiani) at our meetings ( we conduct our meetings through conference calling) indicated that he will attend our bi-annual convention which was to be held in Houston, TX on the upcoming LaborDay weekend (now cancelled and rescheduled to 2021 because of covid-19). By attending that convention, we would have met you in person to fraternize, take a boat ride on the sea as was proposed and brainstorm on our development projects - what a delightful encounter that would have been. The Bible (NIV) in Proverbs 19:21 says " Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" . Though we are disappointed for not meeting you in person, we are consoled by this word of God.
Kofi Mpiani, we've fondly learnt of the lovely family you left behind, your beloved wife, Gina Mpiani and your adorable daughters, Alice and Nana Ama - our sympathies go to them and we encourage them to stand firm in the name of the Lord. We assure them of our support day or night, rain or shine, in good times and in bad times. We leave the family with this quotation in Rev. 21: 4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away"
Kofi, we thank you immensely for the patriot that you were for Jamasi. You wished you had known about the association earlier than you did but we are even marvelled by the attempt you made. Even though your membership was brief, you made a mark and your name will never be erased from our records.
RIP Kofi Mpiani
Kofi Da Yie
Kofi Onyame mfa wo nsie dwoo dwoo.

From George Manu
PRO.

TRIBUTE FROM FORMER POPULATION IMPACT PROJECT (PIP) COLLEAGUES:-

Akrasinana Barima Kusi; Prof. Francis Owusu; Michael Owusu; Dr. Kobena T. Hanson, and Emmanuel Boadi

“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God”,
(Romans 8:28)

MP, as he was affectionately called, was an invaluable member of the Population Impact Project (PIP) of the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon.

MP joined the PIP office in 1988 as a National Service Personnel after completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Cape Coast. At that time, computers were not very common and very few people knew how to type on the computer, let alone use the complex applications of the PIP office. He quickly learnt all the computer programs and took on responsibilities as an Office Manager.

He was an important asset to PIP and contributed not only to the success of the office but also the professional development of the National Service Personnel who went through PIP. He made efforts to transfer his knowledge and skills of the “wonder” machine to us whenever the Professors were not around. One day, one of the Professors returned from launch earlier than he normally did and when he saw one of our colleagues sitting in front of the computer remarked, “the computer says it fears you”. This remark put fear in most of us, but it didn’t deter MP from his commitment to teach us how to use the machine.

MP was good at languages and without him, most of our writings would not have seen day light. He was patient but firm and was willing to work long hours just to satisfy our “two bosses, the Professors”. We all benefitted from MP in diverse ways. He was a jewel in the crown of PIP -- an unsung hero really.

Our colleague was a devoted Adventist and observed the Sabbath religiously. Because of the nature of work at the PIP office, the “Professors” requested us to report to work on Saturdays to enable us meet deadlines. But MP never honoured any of the Saturday call to duty with the excuse that it was his holy day and should be observed as such.

When some of us joined PIP later in September 1989, MP was very welcoming...and immediately made us feel a part of the team. Though our time at PIP was brief, his endearing character always stayed with us. He was a colleague, friend and brother.

After his 2-year national service, MP left PIP and joined the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as an Administrator and later Volta River Authority (VRA), as the Secretary to the VRA Board.

For a very long time, after his sojourn to the United Sates, most of us lost contact with MP. The sad news of his passing, therefore, came to us as a BIG shock.

MP, we are still searching for answers to your painful departure. From our limited perspective, we are unable to understand it. We are, however, consoled by the assurance in the Book of Romans (8:28) that it is always for good.

MP, we are still searching for answers to your painful departure. From our limited perspective, we are unable to understand it. We are, however, consoled by the assurance in the Book of Romans (8:28) that it is always for good.

We further take consolidation from Prophet Isaiah who reminds us in Isaiah 45:8 that “Our thoughts are not his thoughts, nor our ways his ways”.

MP, we are even more comforted by the promise of our Lord that “[his] presence will go with you, and He will give you rest” [Exodus 33:14]. Yes, may the presence of the Good Lord be with you on this journey and may He give you eternal rest.

Our brother, friend and colleague, you have fought a good fight, you have finished your race, and you have kept the faith. Your former colleagues at PIP -Akrasinana Barima Kusi; Prof. Francis Owusu; Michael Owusu; Dr. Kobena T. Hanson, & Emmanuel Boadi - bid you farewell – we wish you safe journey. We trust that the Good Lord gives you the crown as His word assures us. May your soul rest in perfect peace

Our condolences to your wife, Gina, daughters and the entire family. 

May the gentle soul of our dear brother and friend rest in perfect peace.

Jamasi MP, rest well with the Good Lord till we meet again

Oh my God, we are already missing you.
You brought your family here from Ghana, and the expectation is that you will go back together.
Now that you’re gone ahead, who should take care of Gina your dear wife? Who should take care of Nana Amma, your beloved daughter?
And who should be the father of the home?
You brought your family from California to visit us in Ohio in August last year. We attended a party together, ate and drank together. You insisted that the two of us take a picture together. Now I know you wanted to give me a picture I can never forget. I will forever cherish this memorable picture with you.
Gina, stay strong
Nana Amma, stay strong.
May the Joy of the Lord be your strength.
Fare thee well my brother till we meet again.
~Michael, Lydia, and the Oteng family.

I'll forever remember the year 2005, when I came to the US. You showed me great kindness by accommodating me for 5 months. I'll also forever remember the hometown buffet and the cinema that we went to with Nana Ama. All I can say is , may the Good Lord grant you perfect rest, Dear MP. Adieu...

I am saddened to see the passing of my friend Kofi. He was more of a brother to me than a friend. Kofi was patience in his assessment of issues, practiced kindness as a Christian and loyalty and trustworthiness in his personal relationship.

Kofi and I worked together at the PaGAF Executive secretariat from 2014-2016 and I always enjoyed his diligence in documentation and reportings.
Gina, Alice and Nana, no amount of words can express the sorrow and sadness for the passing of your Husband, Dad and my Friend. I do share all the tears, emotions and the loss with you.

It is my prayer that the Almighty God will give you and all family back home in Ghana the strength, courage and comfort in such a difficult time.

May the Lord continue to abide with you.
With much love.

PHB 647
Mama Gina, Yesu nkotoo na wo ne no betu kwan ebre a etesei mu. I pray for the grace of God upon the entire family. May the holy spirit comfort you and give you strength. Accept my deepest condolence.

Uncle I still can't believe I am writing a tribute because of your passing. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life as 'your own child'.
You touched so many lives by your selfless and countless acts of kindness, always giving and never expecting any favors in return. Your dedication to a cause was what set you apart. For every institution you worked for, you laid the path for others to succeed.
The benefits of your hard work is a living testimony for the so many young men and women you look under your wings as a personal and professional level. Uncle, you were and will always be an inspiration to myself, the entire family and anyone who stayed or worked with you. You have left a void in the family that will never be filled.
While we mourn you, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on Earth would have been fulfilled. We thank that the Lord for your life and bade you farewell until we meet again on the resurrection morning. Your nephew,'cousin' Kwasi.

MP was to me a brother and friend. We first met in the USA and bonded immediately. I loved his company as we shared thoughts on many topics of mutual interests every time we were together. We spent time to laugh, pray, and studied the Scriptures together. MP always had a contagious smile, and he will forever be missed. I still hasn’t come to terms with the fact that he is gone. The consolation for all of us is that he will rise up for his reward at the appearing of his Master—Rev. 14:13. May he Rest In Peace until we meet again.

I am truly saddened about brother Mpiani’s passing. He was a wonderful person who was energetic and always bore a smile. He never hesitated to assist when in need.
I recall once when my husband Doug had his graduation party and the host or MC was late or so and how Mpiani just stepped in and hosted it excellently and made the event even more memorable.
My heartfelt wishes goes to Gina, Esther, Alice and Nana Ama. Praying for God’s continued love and mercy to the whole family. Bro. Mpiani! da yie! Rest in perfect peace from Doug, Kim, Jason and Nathan.

Tribute from Degaulle (Brother-in-law)

It is with a heavy heart that I write these words to my bosom brother and friend.
How can I live all by myself in a Magnificent house you put up to house me?
It is too much for me to bear Mr MP.
Who am I to question God on why he has taken you from me so suddenly?
Honesty and integrity were your hallmark.
My last WhatsApp message sent to you was on 2nd May, and you did indicate that you have been very sick over the past few days, but that you were getting better.
Little did I know that your condition was deteriorating.
Mr MP, I do not want to say that you are gone but rather you have moved on.
Your smile will forever be remembered.
I cherish you and say A BIG THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!
Mr MP, Da yie!
Due ne yade3
Onyame mfa wɔ nsie!!!.

I want to start of by giving me deepest condolences to Mr. Mpiani’s family. I’ll start this off in the year 2000 when I was one of the lucky students to be in his third grade class. He shared all the love he had with all his students! I will never ever forget what his did for me and my family movies, six flags, Christmas presents! I got really close to Nana since we are the same age. They use to pick me up and take me to their home or she will go to mine I always felt welcomed and love in his home! When my little brother was born he went to my house and brought diapers for him ! Knowing we were a low income family he always tried to help!!! He is and will always be my favorite teacher !! I’ll never forget his smile !!! R.I.P The best teacher ever!!!!!!!

TRIBUTE FROM ABRAHAM MANU OPOKU
 
  I find it very hard in adding my tribute.Everyone will understand how l feel for missing a good brother like MP. We were two males among six females.Now Yaw is left alone. My tears overflow all over me.
  Mr Kofi Poku Mpiani did so much for our family and even non family members.
  As a sole brother , l would have wished to bid my dearest brother a befitting farewell to eternity but this COVID 19 has cancelled all plans.
  MP, Your brother Yaw has a lot to say about you but all l will say is THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL WHAT YOU DID FOR ME AS A BROTHER. THE GOOD LORD KEEPS YOU IN BOSSOM TILL WE MEET AGAIN.
   It is true that a great man is forever missed.

A TRIBUTE FROM GEORGE MANU, A HOMIE AND A HIGH SCHOOL MATE.

I Mourn your painful departure from this world because I know the depth of your intelligence, wisdom and the academic power that you wield.
I mourn your demise from this world because I am a living testimony to your nobility and your obedience to God, mankind and to authority.
I got to know your wife and children only last year (2019) and I am yet to come to terms with the fact that you are gone forever away from them, but It is my fervent hope that the non- forsaken God will provide them with all their needs according to His riches. As a friend and a school mate, I remember the first time I made a call to you when I arrived into the UNITED STATES, you had migrated the previous year. We had a lot to talk about and made a lot of jokes. We couldn't stop laughing when we discussed our challenges especially in Form 3 and Form 5. Thank God all those challenges became life lessons upon which we built our adult lives. Your family visit to Columbus Ohio in 2019 fortunately coincided with the Ghanaian community annual get-together event dubbed Ghanfest. It brings so much memories, in fact unforgettable ones so numerous that they cannot be exhusted here but I can say with all certainty that that visit brought us closer building a strong bond not only between the two of us, but between our two families. Though you are gone, we promise to keep the bond stronger and stronger. We and the Jamasi guys you met in Columbus are indeed shattered by your passing, we however draw consolation from the fact that you made a valuable contribution to your families both in the US and in Ghana, your community and to the world at large. In short you paid your dues.
I will never forget you because your face always beamed with a smile so infectious to get everyone to smile too. I will remember you fondly because you infused brilliance with the will to help others, you were not far-fetched when a friend or a mate was in want.
Until we meet again, Rest In Peace in the bosom of the Lord.
Nante yie, Kofi.

Tribute From PaGAF
“And I heard a voice from Heaven saying. Write this down. Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now. Yes says the Spirit. They are blessed indeed, for they will rest from all their toils and trials. For their good deeds will follow them”. Revelation 14:13
On behalf of the Executive Committee, member churches, and the members of the Pacific Ghanaian Adventist Fellowship (PaGAF), we pay tribute to our dear brother and Church Elder of the Los Angeles Ghanaian SDA Church, the late Kofi Mpiani.
Indeed PaGAF has lost a great leader, a fine gentleman, and a wonderful member of our church family. He played a pioneering role in PaGAF and served as a leader of the Los Angeles congregation. He served on the PaGAF Executive Board as the Associate Secretary from 2014 to 2016.
Words are not enough to express our deep gratitude for his role as a servant leader in both PaGAF and the Los Angeles Church. Kofi, while you did not live to see the full bloom of the seeds you sowed in Los Angeles, you will always be remembered by the light you kindled in that great City of Angels.
Today we mourn the loss of our brother, but we have this hope that burns within our hearts – the hope of the Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection. When the trumpet is sound and the roll is called up yonder, we will hear the name Kofi Mpiani. We will see our dear brother again.
Rest in Peace Kofi!!!

From the Ghanaian Seventh Day Adventist Church Los Angeles

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words”.
~1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Elder Kofi Mpiani was an active and dedicated member in the Ghanaian Seventh Day Adventist Church in Los Angeles. His love and zeal for God’s work was unmeasurable. He was a sabbath school superintendent and deacon at Berean SDA church for some years until 2013 when we started the Ghanaian SDA Sabbath School branch at Breath of Life in Inglewood where he became an elder.

Together with other founding members, they worked tirelessly to make sure the Ghanaian SDA Sabbath School branch expanded and flourished. Elder MP as he was known, played a vital role as the treasurer and leader of the prayer group. He encouraged the younger generation to partake in church activities. His contribution during Sabbath School Lesson (Bible Studies) was very eloquent and he articulated the gospel in such a way that made it easy to understand and stay engaged. He will be missed greatly during Sabbath School.

The passing of Elder Kofi Mpiani has brought sadness and void to the LA SDA church community. We’ve lost a father, uncle, friend, and a great leader but we know he is laying peacefully in the bosom of the Most High. To Auntie Gina, Alice, and Nana Ama we are here for you all and we will do our best to support and be there for you. Our deepest condolences and may God comfort and take care of you in this difficult time.

“When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again”. SDAH 350

MP Dayie,

Damifira Due,

Rest in Perfect Peace Elder Kofi Mpiani

Until we meet again!

From The Appiah Family

A word to describe the great life that Kofi Mpiani lived would be: faithful. Knowing Kofi has been a blessing for my life, as was seen in the friendship and brotherhood we forged over the years together. Kofi was a sounding board, a friend that I could bounce ideas off of and come up with solutions for the better.
He was an accomplished academic and teacher, even tutoring my children when they were young. His faithfulness was also evident in his commitment to God’s work and to his family. My brother was an extremely dedicated and devoted father that loved his family with all his heart.
May we all continue to wrap our arms around his family during this difficult time.
We thank God even for the short life that was shared with us.
    God be with you till we meet again.
     Damirifa Due, Due me Amanehunu!

My name is Victoria Terjanian and I have worked with Kofi since 1997 at Arlington Heights. This year we have been grade-level colleagues. We have gone to workshops together and worked collaboratively to implement our 2nd-grade curriculum. Our classes have performed together during assemblies. I have had the honor and privilege of getting to know him more and sharing the commonality of our Christian Faith.
I wanted to express my deepest condolences to his family and my prayers go out to you. My solace is knowing that he is in Heaven Rejoicing with Jesus Christ Right Now. I would like to share an acrostic poem I wrote for him using his full name. I know in my heart that he would greatly appreciate it. 

KOFI POKU MPIANI

Kind, caring, and considerate was he,
Offering his help and advice effortlessly.
Friendships he cherished forevermore,
Investing his time, love, and energy to those he adored.

Politeness and respect he always addressed,
Optimistic and positive attitude he possessed.
Kindred spirits he cherished most of all,
Undying love for his family was his beck and call.

Many lives he has touched throughout the years,
Producing great fruits from the labor with his peers.
Illuminating young minds with tenacity,
Accomplishing his goals virtuously.
Nurturing, building good morals and character.
Influencing future generations forever and ever.....

Rest In Peace, Mr. Mpiani.....
God Bless you and your family.....

My gratitude, respect and admiration for Mr. Kofi Poku Mpiani will be shown in different ways as I teach students and interact with staff members and parents, so they will remember him daily at Arlington Heights Elementary School. 

While I teach I will smile also like Mr. Mpiani. He smiled most of the time. I think he use to tell himself inside jokes while he talked and listened to people.

Mr. Mp use to say to his students, " Ago" that means are you listening. His students would reply, "Ame" which means you have my attention. I will begin each lesson with that fun strategy. 

Mr. Mpiani's knowledge that he taught to his former students will forever be on earth, because he has educated so many minds. I never watched him in action in a classroom, but Ms. Brenda Choe a teacher at our school mentioned that Kofi had a very organized class filled with second graders who were very kind hearted. Organization is always a great way to keep your classroom; that is the way I like mine.

Kofi voiced his opinion at our staff meeting, so when I voice my opinion I will say on behalf of Mr. Mpiani....then I will voice my opinion!

Mr. Mpiani spoke Spanish to our Spanish speaking parents at our school; I will remember Kofi when I speak Spanish to them. 

Mr. Kofi Poku Mpian will live in our HEARTS at Arlington Heights Elementary School! 

Rest in peace brother, forever and ever, Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

From Brothers and Sisters,

In times like this we need a Comforter.
In times like this we need a Redeemer.
In times like this we need a Savior.

Your departure from us sounds like a dream for we never thought this could happen at this time. We all had in mind that you would live to be a hundred years old. Death has really deceived us by taking away our precious relative and brother. Mr. Kofi Poku Mpiani (affectionately called MP) was among eight siblings born to Obaapanin Esther Amoako and Opanin Paul Opoku (all of blessed memory) of Jamasi, Ashanti, Ghana.

Mr Mpiani schooled at Presbyterian Primary and Middle schools (Jamasi), Adu Gyamfi Secondary School (Jamasi), Prempeh College (Sixth Form) and University Of Cape Coast.

Our brother was kind to everyone and willfully opened his arms to all, even non-family members. We were counting on when we would see you again in Ghana, but this untimely death has cancelled all plans. You will forever remain in our hearts. Your brother, Yaw will find it difficult to seize shedding tears, but the Good Lord remains the Great Comforter.

MP, MP, MP, Mr Mpiani, the Lord will surely keep you in His Bosom till we all meet again in the Heavenly Kingdom.
DAMIRIFA DUE. DAMIRIFA DUE.  DAMIRIFA DUE.

First of all, my sincerest condolences to Mr. Mpiani's family.

Mr. Mpiani was a serious teacher and staff member. He was dedicated to the education of his students. He freely expressed his opinions at staff meetings and I admired him for that.

Personally, I will remember his humorous side. He loved a good laugh. Many afternoons, he would play ping pong with Mr. Chan in the parking garage (before the charter) and I would stand there and talk with him. A group of us played Scrabble after school,when our work was finished (of course). Mr. Mpiani was hilarious, always. He was kind and respectful. He was smiling and happy.

Mr. Mpiani, Rest in Peace. We will miss you.

Sincerely,
Barbara Franker

Mr.mpiani is very hard to believe you left. I’m one of the parents of my child Matthew C. He was a very good teacher very patient to teach the second grade class smart and very respectful teacher , always with A smiley. Since u were my child teacher for almost this year 2020 me and my child like to have u as a teacher specially my child like how you teach , how you were playful with all the class at Arlington heights . My child was happy to have you as a teacher since the first day he started second grade he even told me on first day of school he like his teacher mr. Mpiani and lucky to have him as a teacher and that mpiani was fun and funny . Also he like mr . Pianni because he was very understandable fixing kids problems and teach very good to kids. Now my child said that his not here any more he will missed him so much And missed that mr. pianni will never thought him all he did in the rest of this year. My son felt very sad that he would never see his favorite teacher again. My deepest consolation to all his family especially daughters and wife may god give you lot of strength to live in this hard day and always. We will missed u forever. Rest rest in gods peace mr . Mpiani.  Missed alway and forever . I’m very thankful parent to have u as my child teacher.

Dear Mr. Mpiani...
Wishing your family to rejoice in the love and memories you all share. You always had a warm smile and kind words towards our students. You will be greatly missed at Arlington Heights.
We shared birthdays... and I know you will redefine what a really CINCO DE MAYO PARTY should be. Gone too soon... God will be happier with you on his side.

From Pastor Eugene J. Hamilton, Breath of Life SDA

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” Psalm 116:15

As a church family, we are all thankful for the time spent working with and collaborating in ministry. His dedication, talents, his love for God, his love for the Ghanaian Fellowship and his genuine care for all of God’s children, has blessed us greatly.

While his untimely passing leaves a great void in our lives, we are deeply comforted by the reality that he is no longer in pain and is now asleep in Jesus. We take great consolation from our shared Christian hope and know that we shall be reunited again when Jesus returns!

From Dionne Lambert,

Kofi Mpiani began his teaching career in July of 1998. Kofi taught second grade for all of his teaching career. He impacted the lives of many students through the years by setting excellent foundational skills in math, which enabled his scholars to be proficient in math as they progressed through elementary school. He was also instrumental in promoting students to reclassify from limited English speakers to fluent English speakers as he himself was fluent in Spanish, French, and several African languages. Kofi was also an excellent storyteller with his students adding excitement and animation to every story.
Kofi taught at Arlington Heights Elementary school for 24 years. While at Arlington Heights, he met and maintained a lifelong friendship with Silver Chan and Dionne Lambert. Kofi was widely respected for his strong work ethic, compassion for his students, and his no nonsense approach to teaching basic skills to young children.

Kofi was a kind and loyal friend. He enjoyed attending cultural festivals, concerts, museums, movies, art galleries, and yearly agricultural conferences in the Bakersfield area. He will be greatly missed.

Eulogy to my Dear Brother
Damirifa Due Asuo!
Kofi Mpiani, I used to call him “Asuo”. He was a brother, a good friend and a great person. I’m confident that he is now in the arms of our creator, “MP” you will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for making me and my family part of your life’s journey over two decades. “Damirifa due, due, due, ne amanehunu!!!!!!!
Kofi and Caroline Antwi.

From Nana Ama
Dad, where do I even begin? From infancy until this current stage, you have been there for me. As a toddler, you coddled me and took me out to the park for quality time. Although you left for the United States when I was quite young, you provided for all my needs. Upon reuniting in America at age seven, we picked up right where we left off. You would discover events catered to children all over Southern California. There was always something to look forward to every weekend. You were a fun-loving and supportive father.
While you were fun-loving, you were also strict and held high standards for me. Education was important to you, as you would often remind me of how it transformed your life. With every academic year, you guided me, answered all my questions, helped me with difficult assignments, and encouraged me to pursue excellence. When it came to school, you did whatever it took to ensure success. It also helped that I had a natural affinity for learning, a characteristic I strongly believe you passed on to me.
I knew I could always count on you for anything. If I had a school event early in the morning, you would sacrifice sleep to make sure I arrived on time. No matter the circumstance, you always showed up and you never complained. From coaching me on how to ride a bicycle, to teaching me how to drive defensively, you trained me to never doubt my abilities. Aside from life lessons, you taught me about God. Those valuable lessons about faith are what sustain me today even after your passing.
It’s hard to imagine life without you, dad. I will forever cherish the memories we created while you were in good health. Even as your health declined, you did your best to manage the pain unless it was completely unbearable. Your last days were the darkest for me. It was difficult to see such a strong man fight through excruciating pain and discomfort. Despite this void, I take comfort in these words from 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
I am confident that we will be reunited one day. Farewell, Dad. Rest in perfect Peace.

From Alice MpianiDear Dad,
You are everything a person could ask for. The person I am today is because of the unconditional and tender love you have shown me every day of my life. Because of your love, I became strong and confident in who I was and what I could do with my talents, my opportunities, and my dreams. You have shown me through your own actions how a man can be strong and resilient but have the tenderness of heart to be kind, patient, and gentle to those he loves. For this, I am so thankful, as it has given me standards from which to build my own relationships. No matter where I go or what I do, there is always a part of you in my heart. I want you to know that no matter how old I am, I will always need you, dad. Now that you are in heaven dad, I know you will continue to protect me. Thanks for being my DAD. I will always love and miss you until we meet again. Rest In Peace!! -- Alice

TRIBUTE TO MY BOSOM FRIEND AND DEAR HUSBAND
by Georgina Mpiani
MHB 376: Now the labourer’s task is over
          Now the battle day is past
          Now upon the farther shore lands the voyager at last
          Father in Your gracious keeping, leave me now Thy servant sleeping.
I vividly remember in 1991, I went to visit my sister-in-law at Legon and when I was returning, I met you around P.I.P (Population Impact Project). You directly walked up to me and said that you wanted to marry me. I was a bit surprised because that was my first time meeting you so I brushed it off. After some time, my cousin Adobea, another person, and I visited the Madina S.D.A. Church. You saw and approached me again, making the same statement. I did not show any interest but Adobea admonished me to accept your proposal.
I was then working at the School of Management in Kanda as a matron. You happened to visit me and afterward went to introduce yourself to my uncle, Dada Jones, at Adenta. The traditional marriage came off on 15th August 1992, and we settled in Mamprobi.
After your National Service, you worked at CSIR as an Administrator and a few years later, you moved to V.R.A. Out of the five hundred applicants, you were the only individual selected to be employed at the company. This showed how smart and brainy you were. You again had the opportunity to travel to the U.S.A. and so we had to bless our marriage in 1995 before you left.
MP, (as I affectionately called you) you were a gem and a responsible man. You did everything for me Nana Amma. There were no cell phones then but we frequently communicated via collect-call. You visited us in June 2000 and we later joined you in November, that same year. Our stay in the USA was very comfortable because you provided us with everything. You bought the groceries and paid almost all the bills. Now that you are gone, who is going to do all this MP? I will forever remember our holidays to Las Vegas and other places of interest.
You had a major surgery to correct an illness that was bothering you in 2005. You survived going through such excruciating pain these last three years. Since last November, you had been going into one emergency room after the other. You endured all this pain until on the 9th of May, in this year 2020, you breathed your last. You really cared for Nana Ama and I ; THANK YOU FOR THAT. You entrusted our house in Ghana to my brother DeGaulle and I thank you for that too. I never lacked anything and I thank you for that. Alice thanks you for bringing her to the US. I miss you already for the good things you did for me and for the amazing man that you are.
Life without you will be very difficult but I am consoled and comforted in the Good Lord and I know He will see me through this turbulent period. I bid you farewell today with a heavy heart, my love. Your memories which are forever indented in our hearts with precious stones will be very hard to erase.
Da yie, dear MP…
Rest peacefully with Your Maker. Till we meet again

Oh! gone to soon, what happened this time was my cry and scream when I heard Bro Kofi passed away.
Bro Kofi loved his wife and girls so much. I remember when his daughter Nana Ama was born and he came over to my house to share the good news with me. He talked affectionately about his wife, Gina as he calls her. He introduced me to all his three girls and the dreams he had for them.
I remember when I first came to Los Angeles, he gave me a ride through Santa Monica and introduced me to exciting places. Thanksgiving was when we used to spend long hours together. We ate and had long conversations about family, work, games and politics. He loved the Lakers. He cared about voting and in 2018 when his wife had to visit Ghana he was worried about her not being able to vote.
Bro Kofi, we missed you already, Nana Ama will be graduating again and presidential election is in November. Bro Kofi Dua Dua Dua
May your anxious fears subside, death of death and hell’s destruction, land safe in the saviors arms
Rest rest Bro Kofi rest.
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