I wish to say a big thank you to Aunty Angela and her children (who I would
prefer to refer to as my siblings), for giving me this great opportunity to say
this tribute. I have known uncle Loloh for well over ten years. I first met him
when my first son who is now almost 11years old was just two weeks old.
And from that day on, he became a very integral and important part of my
family. He became granddad to my sons, and a fatherinlaw to my husband.
He was a true hero to us. He attended parent’s teachers meetings and also
accompanied us on family trips. He was there during bad and good times.
He was at the bedside with my second son, Che(whom he fondly calls
Cheko) during all his protracted stay in hospital. I was at peace when I knew
the kids were with their granddad. For those who know me well, one of my
greatest weaknesses is my inability to entrust the care of my children to
anyone.. He was that one person that I truly trust with all my heart. I will
greatly miss that. Granddad, what can I say. The list is exhaustible.
He was such a straightforward man who demanded little from those around
him, and who expected only the best from those he love. Provided he heard
regularly from us all – and saw us whenever possible – he was content. And
although in his final months/years, most of those he loved had all moved on
to different parts of the world, that bond was never broken..
To me, his finest quality was his patience: an inherent ability to listen, to
absorb and to offer a point of view based on quiet, measured wisdom. That,
to me is the legacy he left behind, and I pray that those that were close to
him would carry on with that legacy of his. I’ll never forget the time when I
expressed my fears about going back to the University with two little children
who called him granddad: Being the person that he was, I went and sought
his advice. I expressed my concerns, and he said: “Do what you feel, what
you believe is right. Follow your gut, your heart, and you can’t go wrong. I
know whatever you decide, would be good in the end” I went ahead and
enrolled, knowing that I had someone who was going to be there for me right
to the end. AND, he never failed me. His sense of humour was second to
none. I remember him on many occasions trying his best to speak Sierra
Leonean pidgin, because to him it sounded so much like Cameroonian
pidgin. It wasn’t his best craft to say the least, but he made me laugh.
It’s difficult to imagine him not being around and I’m not sure how we will all
cope. My children, the grandchildren, especially Che and Shibong will miss
him dearly. It’s strange to think that I can’t just give him a call. He never
succumbed to ill health even right at the very end. We spoke to him on
father’s day, and the following Wednesday, my husband spoke to him, and
he was gone the next day. How can anyone digest this is still beyond
comprehension. He was an imposing figure of a man, tall, dark, handsome
character whose reassuring presence we all felt during difficult times.
As we gather here today to remember and commemorate his life, let’s bid
him farewell as we mourn the loss of a lovely, dignified soul. I wish to cease
this opportunity to say to his lovely children Tonye and Adrian, his wife Aunty
Angela, his sister Aunty Blessing and son that you are our only link to uncle,
and please let’s keep that bond by communicating with one another. He was
a soul that brought joy and fulfilment to many, and whose legacy will live on
forever. Granddad you will be missed. We love you but sure God love you
the most. R.I.P