On this short journey of my life, I have encountered several men, but there are very few I can comfortably call, father.  I hold precious memories of you that I will cherish for a life time.  

You, the father who chauffeured me back and forth from school, assumed parental responsibilities over me when I was just a friend to your daughter.   Through the years I have experienced your love, under your patient watch, taken bold steps into an unknown future. How could I appreciate you?

You did not hesitate to extend your shoulder for me to lean on in my darkest hour, even when you knew it was ailing and could barely support the weight of my grief. I watched you struggle to take a step, yet, you, papa, kept saying, “my daughter I am here, never feel you do not have a father.”   

How do I thank you and how do I thank God for giving me the chance to know you?

I cry, yet celebrate a life that is hard to replicate.  That you have found eternal rest, and in a beautiful place, gives me the courage to take my steps gingerly with a calm assurance that you are right here by me keeping the promise of a father.

Rest you well, papa.

I first met Pa Abam in Denver when he came to visit his kids. Eventhough I grew up in Bamenda and heard a lot about this remarkable owner of City Chemist, I never actually visited the chemist or interact with him.
When i finally met him, I couldn't believe that the man I heard so much about growing up was so simple, unassuming and down to earth.
When I hosted the Cameroon Grand Parents visiting with their kids in denver, he and abot attended and we had a great time together.
The last time he visited Denver, his health was already giving out. daniel dropped him off at my residence and we spent a day of quality time.
Growing up in Bamenda, I heard stories about how Azire Credit Union came into being, how the pioneering work of City Chemist inspired other pharmacists in the North-west Region to set up shop as well as his political involvement with the SDF political party as its treasury for many years. This is just a dusting on the many accomplishments of an unselfish giant who touched may lives and making a difference in the lives of the multitude he touched.
Above all, PA Abam was a devout man of faith, a family man of the first calibre and he leaves behind seven biological children and a robust Abam family of grand children, brothers, sisters, cousins and nephews to celebrate his life. All that he did for family and fellow humans will all go to waist if we cannot continue his legacy by following in his foot steps. REST IN PERFECT PEACE. ADIOS AMIGO.













 

Tribute by Derrick Abam (Nephew)

We have lost a great father, leader, brother and to me, an idol in Pa Abam. "Pa for Metta Quarters" as I grew up to know him and eventually call him was an epitome of kindness and grace. He was so very soft spoken that one could miss the times when he actually meant to be stern. I could go on and on about Pa but truth is I hardly know enough to say about his long illustrious and well-lived life. To Pa: "You were always so kind to me and had the softest words of advice I could ever hear. I looked to you and saw the possibility of one day being even if just a fraction of the person you were and what you have accomplished. I don't know how you did it but in my eyes, you defeated your illness. Your demise isn't a loss but it is you again leading the way as always to go prepare another "Metta quarters" for us all. We shall meet again soon. Let the heavenly hosts have a chance to enjoy the grace of your presence." May the soul of Pa Abam rest in perfect peace. 

DERRICK ABAM (South Africa)