My tribute to Dad.
I am not really sure where to start with my tribute but I will try and remember all the many things I learnt and gained from you.
Your love for reading: You loved to read! I know without a shadow of a doubt that my love of reading came from you. I remember all our living rooms having book shelves that held all your many books both works of fiction and numerous autobiographies. I remember you buying me comics from a very early age to stimulate me to read ( at least 5-10) on a weekly basis. This made me into an avid reader something for which I am so grateful today.
Your generous spirit was unparalleled! You opened yourself and your pocket/resources to all. Family, friends, strangers! Everyone who knew you could attest to that, if nothing else! You gave without restraint or concern for yourself. You went above and beyond to make sure that as long as you had the means, we never lacked.
Your charm and friendliness: you could charm the socks off anyone! You easily made friends. You were so generous and loving towards everyone.
Your passion for education: unparalleled! You encouraged me to be whatever I wanted to be! I knew from a young age I wanted to be a doctor. When you discovered I was interested in sciences you were so excited. You had loved the sciences but could not afford to pay for the courses and labs as a young student as your father died so young. You had to settle for less expensive art courses at the time. You were super clever. I remember many times, you teaching me simultaneous equations in mathematics , balancing equations in chemistry and even Shakespeare in English literature. You were an all rounder. You did not hesitate to pay for any extra tutoring or books that I required as long as you could afford it. I always had all my required textbooks.
You were an avid sports fan! My love of sports stems from you. I have many memories of watching countless football matches with you particularly the World Cup. I will never forget our excitement together for Maradona when his team won the World Cup in 1986. I love all sports because I grew up watching everything with you: football, boxing, tennis. You were a passionate supporter of stationary stores football club.
You loved watching movies and we grew up watching many movies including the latest videos etc. I remember our first movies : The sound of music, Chitty chitty bang bang, Bruce Lee (enter the dragon, fist of fury) and numerous other movies over many years.
You also loved music, all kinds of music especially Yusuf Olatunji sakara music and Haruna Ishola. You would buy our favorite tapes: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and would even buy the gospel artists (Sandi Patty, Amy Grant) when my preferences shifted that way.
You loved to cook whenever you could or found time to do so: you taught me to make efo elegusi, gbegiri, Amala, jogi, and so many other foods. You even taught us to make ogi at home as you were not keen on the ones sold in the market. You loved all foods generally and there were many times you would treat us to Chinese food, Terris burger, Leventis suya and many others to name a few.
You were hard working: you were never afraid of hard work. Always willing to fly or drive anywhere to close a deal.
You loved fashion: you loved to dress well, look good, monogrammed shirts, Italian leather shoes, safari suits, sports jackets etc. I learnt a lot of fashion from watching and observing you!
You loved languages! You were fluent in French and could speak some Italian!
I learned many lessons from you, some of which you unwittingly taught. Life is a journey and takes us down many paths. By no means were you a saint, but despite many flaws, you did your best to remain generous in spirit. You were unembittered by life, regardless of the situation. You always believed tomorrow would be better, bringing new and better opportunities.
I love you so much and will miss you. GOD speed and journey well.
