My Father in law,the sad news of your death came to me as a great shock. I could not believe it but after sometime, it dawned on me that the news was true. I acknowledge the battle and struggle through the valley of the shadow of death. But you had to let go because you understood and believed that when the good Lord calls...... all we His children can do is just to comply. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Lord God giveth life and so shall he take back.
When your daughter introduced me to you at the Genesis of our relationship,you received and accepted me as your Son. There on, I knew I have found a Father. And just barely one year after our marriage you are gone.
I will forever miss You  my Father. But I am consoled by the assurance that you are resting in the bossom of the Lord with no pain. I want to asure you that your children and family you left behind are in Good hands covered with the blood of Jesus. R.I.P.
Your son-in-law,
Tara Odi .

Dear Pa Ngale,

It's me Brinsley Ekinde Ekinde your nephew, my heart was broken when I first heard about your demise. Broken for 3 reasons: 1. Because my only uncle, the only one my father had left as his Brother is gone forever, 2. Because I never had the opportunity to enjoy the God-given Uncle-Nephew relationship with you like I should have because of our imperfect human ways, and 3. Because the 1st letter I have ever written to you as my uncle is coming only now when you can no longer respond to me. It pains me more to find out that I can't write as exhaustive as everyone on this beautiful website created on your behalf because of the very little time I spent around you. I could go on and on to talk about my regrets, but that will lead me to no where at this time. 

My last memory of you was in December of 2009 when I was visiting home, my father and I gave you a surprise visit at your home in Cassava Farm which I will never forget because of how good it made me feel afterwards. I can remember the broad smile you had on your face just for seeing me on that faithful day, the warm, welcoming and soothing words that came from your beautiful wife, Ma Joan. Your gesture alone spoke a lot about your character as a loving and forgiving father and as the uncle that I never had the chance to know well. I remember how you were so quick to forgive me when I apologized to you, you opened your arms to me and in your face I saw your heart as pure as any loving father's would be. I am thankful to you and Ma Joan for being so loving and forgiving and may God comfort her and give her strength to go through the pain of your loss.

I have always known you from a distance, from others who had the opportunity to spend quality time around you. I laughed at many of the fun jokes and stories that I heard about you from my cousins. As I heard of some of your gestures, your stylish ways, I found out how similar you were to my father. I watched you from a distance and admired how you carried yourself, how you danced at occasions, I even knew your favorite dance moves and I would often laugh at some of your expressions. I used to accompany Epilonge to run some of your errands in Buea, we read and admired the "short notes" that you wrote, they were always so brief and concise. We thought they were awesome!

I remember one time in 1999 that I bombeb into you at a cyber cafe in Molyko, at that time email was not so popular in Buea like it is today. You told me you wanted to create an email address because you wanted to keep communication with Ngale who at that time had just travelled to the U.S. I sat down and helped you to create one, I remember when I asked you what you wanted to use for your password and you had one of the most hysterical responses that I could have never imagined, we both laughed the entire time. I remember when I helped you to typed out your very 1st email while you dictated and when we were done, I then clicked the "send" botton, your first question was: "So how many days will it take for the letter to arrive Ngale?" You then exclaimed in amazement, with happiness all over your face when I told you the letter was already in his mailbox, you then dipped your hand deep into your pocket, pulled out a 5,000cfa note and put into my hands. At a time when I was so broke Uncle, that came in so handy and I want to say thank you again. 

No one out there can rightly tell our story because it is very complex, some maybe too quick to run into judgement, but I know it is too complex for anyone's understanding except for our creator's. I am sorry Uncle that I never kept in touch after our reunion and reconciliation in 2009. I even heard about your ailment, but I was so naive to think you will always be there. 

You lived a very successful life here on earth through your dedication and hard work and the many seeds you planted in the lives of your children, many family members, and friends. It holds true that "Strong men stand for themselves and stronger men stand for others," you were a stronger man because you stood for many who today are better people because of your benevolence. Even though you are no longer with us, your legacy of family first, hard work, and dedication lives on. We your children, shall walk in unity, we shall do our very best to walk in your foot steps and keep you smiling as you watch over us from your father's Kingdom. 

I bid you Goodnight Uncle, as you lay down your head eternally upon your saviors breast. Greet Bro. Divine and Ebong for me. I love you Uncle and I will miss you.

Your Nephew,

Brinsley E. Ekinde 
Miami, Florida

GRIEF POEM: How We Survive 
If we are fortunate,
we are given a warning.

If not, there is only sudden horror, the wrench of being torn apart; of being reminded that nothing is permanent, not even the ones we love, the ones our lives revolve around.

Life is a fragile affair. We are all dancing on the edge of a precipice,
a dizzying cliff so high we can’t see the bottom.
One by one, we lose those we love most into the dark ravine.

So we must cherish them without reservation.
Now. Today. This minute.
We will lose them or they will lose us someday. This is certain.
There is no time for bickering. And their loss will leave a great pit in our hearts; 
a pit we struggle to avoid during the day and fall into at night.

Some, unable to accept this loss, unable to determine the worth of life without them, jump into that black pit spiritually or physically, hoping to find them there.

And some survive the shock, the denial, the horror, the bargaining, the barren,
empty aching, the unanswered prayers, the sleepless nights when their breath is crushed under the weight of silence and all that it means.

Somehow, some survive all that and, like a flower opening after a storm, 
they slowly begin to remember the one they lost in a different way…
The laughter, the irrepressible spirit, the generous heart,
the way their smile made them feel, the encouragement they gave
even as their own dreams were dying.

And in time, they fill the pit with memories that really matter.
We will still cry. We will always cry.
But with loving reflection more than hopeless longing.

And that is how we survive.
That is how the story should end.
That is how they would want it to be.

By Mark Rickerby

It is about 8:45 pm Wednesday January 30th 2013 in the USA and about 02:45am Thursday January 31st in Cameroon. I am leaving work and my phone rings as always; it’s my husband (Ngale aka jojo). He asked me where I was, I told him I was walking to the car. He said “get in the car”. That was strange, but I said “I am walking to the car.” So in a shaky voice he said “Daddy is gone”. I could not understand what he meant by that, so I asked, “what did you say?” He repeated “Daddy is gone”. At that moment; time stopped, my phone dropped and went off, the ground was still, my tears dropped. It can’t be true, I must be dreaming. How could it be, it is less than a month since we all sat at the table for lunch and less than a week that I spoke to Daddy.

Why…Why…Why? You were my father-in-law, but I called you Daddy. I came to know you through Leslie Ntube, before you were my father-in-law. You were full of Grace and very soft spoken. It was education first and everything else will be added on to you. You always asked Ntube and I about our academic progress and encouraged us to remain focused. As your daughter-in-law you accepted me like a daughter. You were a man of great conviction, your warmth and soft spoken nature was admired by both my family and friends. I remember our last moments back in Cameroon in December, our last meal together with you, mummy and my Dad; the day we had to leave for USA. I wished we could have spent more time at the table but we couldn’t due the time constraints were in. Little did we know that was going to be our last meal together!

My heart is saddened and broken; if only my tears could bring you back. We will sure miss you daddy but your memories will last forever. As one writer said “…and in the end it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years”. You showed strength until the end and still had some enlightening words for us. Daddy, I know the Lord has called you to a better place, beyond those doors, there is peace and I know there will be no more tears in heaven. We will not forget you, nor speak of you with tears, but laugh and talk of you as if you were beside us. Your granddaughter “Queen Esther” will forever miss her “Grandpa”, but your memories will remain with her. We love you, but God loves you best.

Adieu daddy, until we meet again.

Your Daughter-in-law,
Besem Tabe.

Daddy, my family and I were shocked when we received the most dreaded news. I went numb and speechless. I could hardly sleep that night. My chest felt tight and congested due to the pain of your sudden death. My last phone call was a couple of days, and we chatted and laughed as you drew my attention to some important issues and you again assured me that you were okay and feeling strong. If only I knew then that was going to be our last conversation, I really wonder what our discussion could have been. I spoke with mum, four days before you passed on and she was so positive and optimistic about your health. I remember she said she was praying as we were all doing, for God to give you long life so that you could enjoy the fruits of your labour. Oh Daddy, you laboured indeed not just for your children but for the entire family. Daddy, all my wonderful plans for you will never see the light of day. I thought I still had time, but forgot that only God is in control of time. Daddy, I remember the values of hard work, resilience and accountability you instilled in me, and how you constantly encouraged me to strive to do better and never to give up.

I remember our home was always open to all and any who wanted to come in and you did your best not just to educate and provide for your children, but you did so to other family members.

I remember how we will all sit outside in the veranda and watched the world go-bye or in the lounge watching a movie or a football match and some of the remarks you made about a character or player who was not doing well and how we would all laugh.

I remember how you happily and honourably walked with me down the aisle as you wilfully and unreservedly gave me in marriage and how it made mum and you proud. That day will always be a memorable day for me.

I remember how you gladly received your twin grand-girls as babies and how you did your best to give them a clean and safe haven to grow and be cared for and felt blessed to have them in your arms.

I remember how you made it your responsibility to be present when any of us travelled abroad, and to be present when any of us was visiting, making sure that we safely and soundly arrived home. Daddy, it brings bitter tears when I think that you will not be there to receive any of us ANYMORE.  That it is OVER FOREVER. It is very hard to imagine or accept the fact that you will not be at home, asking those your typical questions, wanting to know everything, not wanting to miss out on anything.

Daddy, I appreciate the fact that you were not perfect, that you did make some mistakes as a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. However, you lived a happy and successful life. You worked hard for every penny. You were never lazy and you continued working hard right to the end. I am happy to say well-done for I believe you rightly deserve it.

Daddy, your passing on has left a pain and a big vacuum in my heart that no mortal can feel. For you were, and will always be my one and only DAD.

Daddy I have always loved you and will always do, but I now know that God loved you most.

The Bible says in Eccl 3:1 (NKJV), “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven’’.

I believe it was your time to go home and rest.  With tears I let you go, till we meet in Glory land to depart no more.

FAREWELL DADDY,

Your Daughter,

Mrs Ekane nee Ekinde Patience or “Patty” (as you used to call me).

Daddy, I vividly remember several years ago when I accompanied by my late mum joined you in Buea as a Youngman admitted into UB, carrying a blue Longman box containing my belongings. We were heartily welcome by Ma Nange and since there were no mobile phones at that time, coincidentally a couple of minutes later you drove into the compound with your famous Peugeot 504 matriculated SW585P The reception you accorded us that day has always stayed in my memory and as my grandma will often say “when man give you better welcome e mean say u don give you all thing wey e get’am” meaning you gave us all in one day.

After settling in the behind room with Joshua, barely two days later I was promoted to the next room to join Jojo. You treated me with no iota of discrimination; you gave me the fatherly love I was lacking.

You went further to marry me a wife – Malaika in Bamenda, this reminds me of the role you played as head of that delegation saying to her parents “We’ve travelled across all the hills, rivers and valleys from Kumba in search of this beautiful small lady”. Whenever I glance through the marriage certificate and see your well calved witnessed signature, I recall those old good days of “D.O Ekinde” as you were nick named.

Many family relatives have benefited a lot through you. Yet, some said all sorts of things about you but against all odds you remained nonchalant and still showered them with all love and concern, you remained the “DO Ekinde” I knew, the soft spoken, open minded, the perfect gentleman, our clean and soft daddy. It also reminds me of one day I failed to press your clothes and was dodging away from you and when I got back home that early evening, while peeping from outside the fence I saw some clean, fresh and soft legs as hairy as someone who fell in front of a barber’s shop, I thought it was Mama and I got into the compound confidently just to discover you were the one, hahahahahah.

I still have fond memories of the moments we spent discussing, your advises, telling me so many confidential things about yourself, seeking my opinion on certain issues before arriving at a conclusion, in short, we were more like friends, you were my Personal Person, I’m going to miss you so badly.

I want to wish you a perfect rest and to thank you for a job well done on earth. You were an accomplished man, amongst one of those few parents who lived a comfortable and successful retirement life. 

You won the battle!!!

Rest in Peace.
EPILONGE.

The news took our family by surprise.. when we least expected. As I broke down beside Di,  Jesse and Bisong could only stare and wonder why mommy and daddy were crying uncontrollably. I struggled to explain to Bisong Junior that his only living grandpa had moved on.. kind of hard to explain to a 3 year old that he will never be able to see Grandpa again. Jesse Akale Ngale was named after you. Unfortunately he did not get a chance to meet you.

It was an honor to be your host during your short visit. I learned a lot from you during your short stay. I know first hand how much my wife loved and cared about you. You insisted that we think about investing back home. You always opened your hands and doors to me and have always treated me like your son. You were very appreciative of your abbreviated stay here. You promised to come back. Unfortunately God called you home early. We will greatly miss you.

As we celebrate your life, we try to emuliate the lessons of your life.... family is important and that despite our own shortcomings, we should always make our kids and spouses our number one priority. Thank you for my wife and a good job you did raising her up. I will be forever grateful. Please greet Pa Mbella if you happen to see him on the other side. Till we meet again, adieu.....

MBELLA B. BISONG SR

The news of our in-law, Mr. Ekinde Lawrence’s passing on to the Lord came to us as a shock. We remember how you and your wife visited us while you were in the United States. My husband and I and other members of our family were fortunate to spend time with you as our two families came together as one in marriage. Your warm, soft spoken and caring attitude will always be in our memories.

Your grand daughter Queen Esther who is a great joy to both our families will surely miss her “Grandpa in Cameroon” as she calls it. We will make sure she never forgets her time spent with you and the precious moments through pictures and videos. We will miss you, but you will never be forgotten because of the legacy you have left behind. Adieu until we meet again.

To your wife, children and loved ones, please remember the words of Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength; an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.

Your In-Law,
Patricia Tabe 

Pa Ngale, I'm still to come to terms with your passing. You were such a sweet uncle who always found a way to locate my address be it in Yaounde, Buea, Douala to visit my family and your visits meant a lot to us, but sometimes life challeges got in the way. You met those challenges with unmatched courage and bravery. Today you are gone and we are left with a vaccum in our hearts. My greatest hope is that we (your children and extended family) should come together to celebrate your life in unity and love and most of all I pray for eternal peace and rest, Until we meet again. You will be missed, Adieu! Pa Ngale!

Your Niece
Ida Ngede nee Ekinde 

My father, daddy as I (we the children) usually called him. Who was he? He was a man who was gentle in his ways, yet very hard working; he was a man who was gentle in his speech/words, yet firm on what he said. A man who did everything to maintain a standard of living he had set for himself and his family. I’m an Engineer today because of my dad. He spoke into my life things which are now coming to pass. When I was a little boy, probably about 9 years old then, my brother – Charles – had just left country, I remember sitting with him in the living room (parlor) playing with some of my toys while carrying out a conversation with him. I told him I wanted to be a medical doctor too; as I was aware my brother left the country to further his studies in the medical field. His reply was simply this: “You will be an Engineer; I want you to be an Engineer. Since your brother is going to be a medical doctor it will be good for you to do something else.” The course of my career path, I believe was shaped from that day. I never thought about being a medical doctor anymore. Today, I’m an Engineer. Indeed dad was a visionary. He had a vision for things he wanted to accomplish and things he wanted us to accomplish or fulfill and I believe each of us his children can attest to that. I believe my father through God’s guidance was able to set us in the path God had intended for us to walk in. Indeed, he set a solid foundation for us.

Who was my father, the man you know as Mr. Ekinde? He was the one who began to teach me the value of money. He taught me this in diverse ways. Through several building projects he managed, he always made sure I participated in one activity or another, it could be watering blocks, transporting bags of cement, carrying wood and sometimes acting as a watchman over the workers so nothing gets stolen. I was the general yard cleaner of the compound, I was the errand boy, I was sometime a part time plumber, I knew where all his workers he used on a regular basis lived…the list goes on. My dad was a great bookkeeper. I think he was meticulous in this domain. He could tell you how many blocks you can get from a bag of cement, how many bags of cement you’d need for one trip of sand. He had such details to his fingertip. I never had enough money to do/get what I wanted….and sometimes I’d complain to him about it. His response was usually the same…he’d say to me: “son, you have to learn to use what I give you deliciously. What I give you will never be enough. Even I don’t have enough money to do what I want to do but I manage what I have. You don’t hear me complaining about my money not being enough!” These words have stock with me and they’ve became more real to me in recent years. Back then it never made sense, and the word “deliciously” just threw me off because I thought it could only be used when describing food but oh boy was I wrong…in fact I looked it up and sure enough I began to recognize the profoundness of my dad’s words to me.

Had I known that seeing you this past December would be my last time I definitely would have done many things differently. This is what hurts me the most that I had a subtle opportunity but never took full advantage of it. Oh daddy, I told you I was coming back with a mission in mind and we discussed it. Unfortunately, you won’t partake in it. The Barton you’ve passed even though very cloudy/unclear, I trust God will make it clearer to us so we can confidently walk in it. In spite of your sudden departure I know it is well with us and shall continue to be.

Adieu daddy,
Your son, Ngale (aka Jojo)

Papa, words cannot express the pain I feel in my heart. As much as it is difficult for me to accept that you have left us, I know you are finally resting. You have been a hard worker all your life and I will never forget that. You instilled in us to work and work and then some more. I see you in me in so many ways. I remember you always telling us that hard work pays off and I feel like you never really reaped the benefits of all the seeds you sowed.

You were the one-eyed King in the country of the blind. You kept your doors opened for all that came in: relatives and non-relatives. You sent many to school and you always pushed all of us to go above and beyond to be successful citizens. No one ever left your home without learning something from you.

You have been the father that never wanted to see his kids suffer and strived hard and harder to make sure we had a better life than what you had growing up. Many let you down and I know the pain that caused you. I feel that pain on a daily basis. I’ve always prayed for the good Lord to give you long life for you to see the fruits of your labor but he knows best and wanted you home sooner than we could ever predict.

Papa, you took care of a whole village and I say: “job well done and may you be celebrated” for your shoes are tough for anyone to wear. Now that you are gone, may the blind see what they have lost. Papa, the shock is enormous because you’ve always given us a certain sense of security and so the thought of you not being there right now is frightening and it hurts. I am a strong woman with a passion for learning that never ceases because of you. You have given me the courage to dream; to follow my convictions even when it is tough; and to maintain my integrity and dignity at all times. The tenacity I have to strive to become a better person is all from you. I remember so many times when I came home with a great report card as first in my class and you told me it wasn’t good enough and so I strive to be the best till this day.You have taught me perseverance regardless of the odds that I may face daily. I saw you get back up after being kicked down by life’s uncertainties but you remained a man of honor, principles and power and that, Papa I admire and will truly miss.

I last spoke to you when Ngale was home and you told me you were doing fine. I just never thought that will be our last conversation. The pain is like a rock stuck in my throat that I cannot seem to swallow. I keep asking God why but I can’t seem to find an answer. Well, the bible says that “All THINGS work for good to those that love the Lord and that are called according to His Purpose” and I believe us losing you is not an exception. I trust in the Lord that He has you in a better place. I just hope I can find the courage to accept that you will not be there at least to see my accomplishments for I know how much they made you proud. I just hope you look down and still feel proud. There is one thing I am grateful for and that is the fact that you met your Grandkids when you were here in 2011. They know that you are now their angel watching over them. Papa, you were the backbone and rock of the Ekinde family and it is difficult to imagine our family without you. However, Papa you have taught us how to fish and to have principles and we shall make sure your legacy lives on. I love you Papa and will miss you now and forever.

Your daughter
Evelyne Edibe Ekinde-Souder.

Daddy am still in shock and can’t belief you’re gone. Each time you heard somebody is dead, you’ll exclaim “wonderful eh! You mean to tell me this person is dead?!?” Guess what Daddy, on the 31st of January 2013, as I got the news of your death, the echoes of this your exclamation came back to me and I said to myself wonderful eh is it really true that my Dad is dead?!

You were a Knight; from your youth to your passing, that fought for both your children and family. Though some relatives may not appreciate you for what you did to and for them because they expected more, I do honor you for being there for us. Daddy you were like a Candle in the Wind that brightened not only the lives of your children, but the entire family and relatives at some point in time. I can't count the millions you lavished on me to see that I too should travel out of the country. Little did I know that you will die, just a month after I left the country! Daddy why couldn't you wait just for a while so that I too could spend on you? You've made me ask lots of questions which can't be answered even the first thing you ask me to send to you I have not sent it yet and now you are gone. I’m really hurting right now. I had been there for you daddy praying and fasting all the time, I remember all our prayer sessions and bible studies and when you ask me if I can join you in a fast and I was so happy and we did it together. Everything went on smoothly and you were fine when I left Cameroon in December. What really happen in January daddy? All I think is that if I was there maybe this wouldn't have happened since I’ve seen you in worse conditions. I’m really not happy with myself that I wasn't there to stand in the gap as I did on several occasions. Well the bible says we should thank God in every situation though it pains my heart so badly but God is always right.

Talking about ethics and morals, daddy were a very organized, neat, principled, hard working, strict and cheerful. Daddy you thought me how to be independent because you did everything for us your children and family without any external help. Daddy you were a very good ADMINISTRATOR not only in your professional career but to your kids and family. Truly I’m going to miss all of that. You were able to manage your resources for the future of everyone who lived under your roof including strangers.

I remember how every Saturday morning, you will go around knocking on each person’s door saying "COMPOUND CARE, COMPOUND CARE" this was so annoying to most people since it was very early. Belief me we enjoyed this because it made us laugh and we call you “Works Prefect”. It was like in a Boarding school. Daddy you were so organized that you kept archives of not just things that concerns us like each person's academic records from childhood to university, but also had archives of your building expenses of all your projects. What shock me one day was when my Dad showed me files containing both Water bill and Electricity bill receipts. I could not but laugh until when I asked him why he should waste his time on this and his answer was its good to keep records in case of any problem tomorrow, you will always have prove. You were just so....organized.

Truly Daddy you were a “bull dozer” and a "SPARTAN” who fought till the end. I remember a couple of times you got angry with me because I told my other siblings how you work too much and that you needed to slow down. Today I honor you for following that dream of hard work which pays. For the Bible says a lazy man should not eat "2Thess.3:10". Just like there’s no mortal being without flaws, I use this opportunity to ask for Forgiveness from whosoever my Dad did hurt while alive and may God forgive you as well.

Daddy I want you to know you have instilled in all your kids all these character traits of yours. I do appreciate you for everything you did for me/us as well as pray that the Legacy you've left grows from Generation to Generation in Jesus Name. The Apostle Paul's beginning can never be compared to his glorious ending. That's why he could say" for him to live is Christ and to die is Gain" (Philippians 1:21). Daddy I believe and I know you are happy where you are. Until we meet again. You're the BEST DAD. Love you always.

Your Daughter
Mrs Odi Laura Nzele nee Ekinde

Once I heard someone greeting my late mother, just then I past by and entered the kitchen. The strange young man asked my late mum, “mum is this where you live?” “Yes” she replied. “Is this your daughter you used to visit in Mutengene? Yes, my late mum replied. Where is she now? The man asked. She is in Saker. He turned to me and asked, young girl how are you? I’m fine Sir. How is school? Fine Sir. However from that day I became the dream of your future wife which, by God’s grace came to pass.

There was joy and peace until when the universal enemy (Satan) came in and brought too many problems. In this confused and alarming situation, I started praying but at the same time seeking for human help which never came then. One day, in the cause of my running and jumping I landed on the rock that never fails (JESUS).

As Jesus became master of our lives, he put us in his school of trusting and obeying him in good and bad times, life became worth living again. Restoration came our way. Love and peace became our song and many unexpected good things started happening in our lives thanks to Jesus. Finally though you are no more I strongly believe that God has called you to rest in his bosom until we meet to part no more.

Adieux my love.
Joan Ekinde (wife)

When I beheld the morning sun and understood that you were my dad, I thanked my creator, right from day one, you showered me with such an immersed love.

There was never a day that you gave up on me, for you were there for me during the up’s and downs of my life. I’m so proud of you but now that you are gone, oh!!! My dear daddy, the vacuum your absence has created in my heart can never howsoever be filled.

I will forever love you and remember you. Farewell daddy.

Your daughter,
Ekinde Blessing

A word from the man we (the children of Pa Ekinde Lawrence) know as Grand Dad aka Big Papa.

Lawrence Ekinde was rather a son to me than a brother. Why? Because he did all to me what a son would do to a father. Lawrence was quite an intelligent boy. He did very well in school. He was never found wanting.

My prayer is that, his children and mine should recognize themselves as children from one fold above all; they should be united because unity is strength.

May the good Lord be gracious to him and put him among good people in order for him to inherit eternal life. Rest in Peace.

Your Elder Brother,
Ekinde Rudolph

We grieve today for we all have lost a wonderful dad, granddad, brother, uncle, a best friend and a great man. But I know wherever he is right now he’s happy and contented with what he left us.

Although he might not have had the chance, I think in his own way he was able to show us how important we all were to him. We may no longer see him but we’ll always have these special moments we shared with him. Let’s just be thankful that we knew a special man like dad.

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to spend so much time together with dad and that hurts. No words can really express how I feel. It may be difficult to understand but he will always be my dad. Though his departure will keep us apart, he will always have a special place in my heart. Dear father may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Your Son,
Daniel Musa

I was just four years old, living with my mom and siblings in Kumba, and my newlywed sister and her husband were about to head back to Edéa – where he was posted. The few days they had spent with us during the Christmas holidays made me want to go away with them. And so I threw a tantrum, insisting that I wanted to go with them. And since they didn’t have any kids of their own at the time, my mom relented, and my life changed forever.

I lived with them till I turned 18, from Edéa to Kumba, Mamfe and Bamenda. Daddy Ekinde became my dad, in good and bad ways, or so I thought at the time. In Edéa, I lost my freedom. I could no longer go out and play like I used to in Kumba. Worse still, I had to eat with them at the table three times a day.

There were fun aspects too. I would accompany him to play lawn tennis, with me as the ball boy. I went to school in an official car, and he helped me with my homework. In Mamfe, I even had the privilege of meeting President Ahidjo during his visit to Mamfe.

Daddy Ekinde was a calm, humble and hardworking man who hardly yelled at me or any of his kids. If not of him, I would never have been the man I am today. He was always there for me, even in adulthood, offering advice and performing those tasks such as carrying out my traditional marriage initiation. It was because of his encouragement that I became a top-level soccer player, while still taking school seriously.

It is so saddening that he is no longer with us, but he leaves behind such a proud legacy that my brothers and sisters have to carry on. We will truly miss you every day, and will always carry you in our hearts.

Sammy Ekeme Ndiba
Dallas, TX USA

Senior, Lawrence Ekinde,

The BOBANS (Bali Old Boys Association), Kumba Chapter could not believe it when they learned of your sudden departure on Thursday, January 31st, 2013. Your death has taught your brothers and sisters that our time is in God’s Hands and only God alone knows the number of our days. As such, all of us must “Fear God and keep His commandments” in preparation for this day.

You attended the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF) on Wednesday evening, worshiped and prayed with your brothers before going home to the Lord the next day. The BOBANS will miss your love and all you did to keep the Chapter together. We wish you a safe journey and a nice stay in the Lord’s bosom until we meet to part no more. Adieu, Senior.

Junior, Motangu James
President, BOBANS, Kumba Chapter.

Our hearts were seriously troubled when you fell ill and came close to despair. We offered all we could especially our prayers to Him who is central to our family. Even as the light of your life dwindled to a flicker, we trusted He will do it again for us.

Your passing creates yet another vacuum in our hearts. Yet I am comforted in the Christian knowledge that you and all the other family members gone ahead of you are in God’s safe keeping. May His name be glorified! From September 1988 when I began living with you to January 31st, 2013 when we parted, I found in you not only a father but a friend I could confide in. you assisted me severally and taught me how to face life’s challenges. It is thanks to you and your lovely wife that I am what I am today.

I loved you in my own unique way. I miss you with grief that pierces my heart. Yet I trustfully accept God’s verdict at this difficult time. I pray that nay He be merciful in judging you. I am however comforted with the hope of a glorious resurrection and with the words of Psalms 116:15 that “Precious in the sight of God is the death of His saints.” Rest in peace uncle and Adieu.

Njume Ndape Esq., your fostered son.

Papa we were sheep without a shepherd. You came and shepherd us. You directed and comforted us. But the cold hands of death snatch you away from us. WHY U PAPA? We love you but GOD loves you most.

We MISS you Papa and we shall always live to remember you.... Good Bye...

Adieu. The NKUMBE's FAMILY (Ajang Nkumbe & Co.)

Daddy I am short of words. I never knew this day will come for me to write a tribute for your funeral. The pain you have left in my heart is really hard for me to carry. I’m broken, frustrated, depressed and very sad. On the day you passed, we spoke and laughed and you told me you were doing okay and asked me to extend greetings to my family and to my brothers and sisters. But 4 hours later I received the worst phone call of my life stating that you were dead. Whoa! I am still in shock; it's unbelievable, and really difficult for me to process that until this moment. Our conversation is still too fresh in my memory and all I hear every day is the echo of your voice. Papa you left me in the middle of nowhere, we had an unfinished business. I don't think this was the game plan between us… you know what I am talking about. Daddy my heart is bleeding, having sleepless nights ever since I got that phone call and tears have not ceased from running down my eyes. I wish I knew those were my last words with you, I could have told you how much I loved and appreciated you as a father, but unfortunately I didn't know that was my last conversation with you ever. I was thinking you will be spending summer with us out here so you could see your grandson whom I named after you. It's a pity you didn't even get to hold Ngale and you didn't get to see Bisong Jr. again as you promised him.

Daddy you made me the woman that I am today, you encouraged us to study and work hard in life and you single handedly sent us to the good schools. I remember how you’d drop and pick me up from school every term, how happy you were when I passed my exams, how frustrated you were when I behaved stubbornly and got into trouble at school. You attended all my PTA meetings and were even elected the PTA president in some schools. You visited me on “visiting days” when I was in school and you’d reward me with money when I cooked something delicious. You often defended and covered me against complaints from mummy, you had me on a monthly allowance while at home and when I was to leave the country you dropped me off at the airport and gave me thousands of dollars to cover for my tuition. Wow, daddy I remember how you’d even wait for me on Sunday mornings so we could go to church together and how you’d take time off your busy schedule just to meet a need or request. I can’t even list them all but now I know how blessed I was to have a father like you because not every kid is blessed with a father like you.

There was not a single text book you did not buy; never any issue to pay our fees even if you were going through difficulties, you always made that your priority. Daddy you were our sole provider, you sent us all abroad so we could have a better life. Never did we sleep hungry, in spite of the population we always had at home. Daddy you had such a big heart, you helped almost everybody in the family in one way or the other, you opened your doors to everybody; there has never been a day since I was born that we didn't have family members living with us. Daddy you always used to say "make hay when the sun shines". You were our sunshine and I already feel the darkness now that you are no more. You taught us morals, responsibility, organization etc. You were very strict. I guess that is why I am who I am today.

If there is one person who believed in me, it was you; you went against all odds to please me and that was because you believed in me. You are my hero and role model; your achievements extremely surpass your failures. I love you Daddy and I know you knew that from the bottom of your heart. I just wished you had more time with us so you could still reap the fruits of your labor. I wish you could just wait a little more so I could lavish your latter years and do the things you wanted but the cold hands of death came like a thieve and stole you away. My family and all my friends you met here in the U.S have been grieving with me and they want you to know that you will be missed. My heart is bleeding but I know you are in a better place resting. I just cannot question God; I really can't ask him why? I love you but Jesus loves you even more. Please watch after us and prepare the way for us until we meet again Daddy. You will never be forgotten. Adieu!!

Your Daughter, Dilys Ekinde