Feyisayo, you would have turned 57 today! Today, Dapo, Funlola, Uncle Folarani and the rest of the crew will gather in your honor for your signature Friday night hangout and raise a glass of red wine to you.
You taught me so much about living and that's that is what has been the tool in getting through losing you at this point in our lives. 
You are still very much alive in me and all those who loved you unconditionally. You triumphed over death because your glory continues to shine even more.

Always and forever!

What a blessed day, Good Friday, to remember the birth of dearest Richard. You are missed. I can never be in San Francisco and not think of you; so bittersweet. The music that plays for your online memorial is so fitting, but I can never visit without crying. My prayers are with your family and friends.

Very sad to hear of Richard's passing. Thank you Richard for helping to be a bridge for the diaspora.

Feyisayo, its exactly three months ago today the clouds darkened because you left this earth. I hear it gets better with time, but everyday without you is even more difficult. Feyi, I want to call you in the middle of the day and share the events of the office with you, i want to tell you what i just saw and who did what to me. I want to share those juicy gossips i can share with only you and i keep waiting to hear you
chuckle with your quiet sexy voice. I know im supposed to find solace in the fact you're resting at the feet of Jesus Christ, but Feyi, its all cloudy and gray without you. I need you to send me a rainbow and make it all better like you always do. I love you and i miss you miserably. The rides to work and back is empty and lonely.

Richard, as my family and I enjoyed the fabulous food at Miliki in Oakland, I asked the gracious owner if she knew you. Of course, the answer was yes, and of course she lamented the loss of such a distinguished and valuable member of her community. But you were a member of my community as well -- the community of international trade and business folks who are committed to building global business. Your smile, generous heart and spirit, your commitment, your savvy, all are missed. Your memory is for blessing and I was privileged to know you.

And God shall wipe away all tears 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. Rev 21:4.

Afiyen, rest in peace. Peace and love of God be with your loved ones. Amen

Feyisayo, its exactly 71 days since God called you home to rest. I have to believe it is rest; I have to believe God has a purpose for calling you home at this point, because that is the only thing that keeps me sane and helps me cope with this great loss. The last few months have be a kaleidoscope of emotions. There has been an out pouring of love and support from the four corners of this world and I know it’s only you that can pull that off. You left your mark everywhere your feet trod, every hand you shook and every face you kissed.

We’re still getting cards, words of encouragement, proclamation and everything else only you can pull off. That is Richard, the world traveler, the business man, the social fun guy who put everyone at ease and got a smile out of the most hardened person. But there is a side of you that only very few people knew. The side of you that loved God and was confident in his love for you, the side of you that had a faith stronger than the rock of Gibraltar. The side of you that was grateful for everything. The side that prayed every morning before we left the house and the side of you that gave thanks for getting home. The side of you that did not take the value of the life God gave you for granted, but was determined to make a return on the investment God has poured out in you with your talent and gifts.

What people felt was your weakness, was probably your ministry. You had a thing for single mothers. I’ll listen to your stories about so many of them and I knew you felt you had a purpose in their lives. As is evident in the tributes, You made every woman you came across feel like she was the one, special and valuable, and you did it selflessly. You gave everyone of them a piece of you, because you felt it was what they needed at that point at that place at that time and it was important for you to do so, because you wanted to make it right and undo some wrong. Our peace came when I understood that, even though I struggled with you for many years about it.

Feyisayo, as I lay next to you and held you on that fateful morning of April 20th, I knew we had beat this, because I felt you more alive than ever. I felt the power of your life and I knew you gained that ultimately victory over death, for you had translated into full glory. In your own words, you were already at the feet of Jesus Christ, and you had no worries.

Feyisayo, our love was one that defied every human logic or reasoning, and we both knew it. It is not often you find a mate who fits the various roles in your life. We were best friends, siblings, parents before been spouse, and I think that’s what made us so complex, but as you will always tell me, as long as we knew who we were, the rest of the world can think or believe what they want. The world came against us, and we withstood the pressure of the world and came out with our hand clenched tightly together. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to love you till the last minute and to continue to love you. Just as a part of me died with you, a part of you lives in me. So I continue to do what you will want me to do, push on, keep things in order and continue where you left off. In your usual manner, you left a lot of work for me to do, but not without giving me the tools to do it. 

Sweetheart, I took off my black clothes yesterday, because God said its time to stop mourning and to start doing the work He called both of us to do. As long as I’m alive, so are you. I have yours and my testimony to share; that gift of unconditional love in the face of the fiercest challenges. The love that overcomes every human attack possible, now that’s the power and victory we gained, because even death could not destroy that love! I promise to be strong and do the very best I can, so you can continue to be proud of me. But you must do your part, keep watch, teach, guide and direct as you always do. I can only imagine how beautiful your mansion is.

I’ll see you at the feet of Jesus when the time comes. Until then, keep my place and try not to charm too many of the pretty angels.

I love you. Always and Forever.

"Iya"

Richard came into the leadership of NIDOA at an exceptionally trying time. The Board is greatly appreciative of his candour and maturity. The entire Board and members of NIDO Americas commiserate with his family and pray that the Lord will grant them the strength and fortitude to bear his passing into glory. As echoed in the byline of this posting...DEATH CANNOT KILL WHAT DOESN'T DIE! Richard will forever live in our hearts... ADIEU FEYI! ADIEU RICHARD OMO SOYOMBO!! "...Blessed are they who die in the Lord...for they have gone to rest from their labors..." Sleep tight dear Richard.

On behalf of the NIDO Americas Board (2013-2015)

Feyi,

By the grace of God, you are living in peace in another existence fulfilling another destiny; another plan of God.

You have seen what we are yet to see and your message is loud and clear to those that are ready and prepared to understand it; to "Find peace with God, do good, and hold no grudge".

Thank you for your past friendship and I look forward to a hopeful reunion in the distant future. God will take care of your family.

No more earthly troubles man.

I am still in shock and still finding it difficult to accept that you are gone so soon. God knows best. Thank you for making my cousin so happy. With your love she silently glowed. With you memories she will forever find joy. Rest in the Lord our gentle giant.

My dear brother Feyi,

We would have love to eat our meat longer but for the throat attraction.

We would have loved to enjoy our togetherness and lovely community relation efforts but death deprived us of the opportunity.

We would have enjoyed the fruit of hardwork of creating a better community, but the Owner took you away from us prematurely;

Brother Feyi, we love you and we already missed you from our midst

We love you, but God Almighty love you more.
O di Gbere, o di arinako, o tun di oju ala

Adieu my dear brother Feyi.

Good night and God bless.

Oh God Almighty the care of beautiful children, family members and wife you left behind.

Feyi,

It was hard to say goodnight, yesterday, but God knows best - it is well!

Go well, & rest in the Peace of the Lord

Akin Adegbola

GONE TOO SOON RIP Our beloved Brother Richard Soyombo.
Highly respected for his patriotism ,leadership qualities,respect for others,dedication to duty, courage,confidence,candour,care,concern for others. I first met Richard in London on our trip to represent the Nigerians in Diaspora Conference in 2006 during the President Obasanjo government. Since then we had developed more passion and patriotism for better government in Nigeria. We created with other Great Nigerians Leaders in Diaspora a forum where we had regular Teleconference to promote Welfare services for our people in Nigeria.

Fantastic community champion full of inspiration and Intergrity. So compassionate was Richard that he personally travelled down with loads of Antibiotic medications to help thousands of Nigerian Cholera victims in the Northern parts of Nigeria despite all the challenges  .He was equally fabulous in playing many other noble and humanitarian roles in Nigeria and other countries. He was deeply humanitarian and full of inspiration. His long lists of huge achievements surpassed his age. He was larger than life. I was hoping one day l will be able to visit him in the USA but now it will be to lay flowers at his Grave. What an irony. Here today Gone tomorrow.

As if he knew that he would not be here with us for ever ,he put excellence into every thing he did. May God comfort all members of the family left behind. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May God wipe away all tears and continue to abide with you night and day. His positive legacies should be your joy and pride. 

Richard our beloved brother from Egbaland ,Sun re ooo. O digba lkudoro,omu eni rere lo .Orun rere oo RIP Good night for ever and we bid you fare well on your eternal journey home. You have conquered death and your struggles are now over. Rest in the blossom of God until the resurrection day.  .odun a jina si ara won oo Ani ri akufa oo..You will be greatly missed by all that crossed your path.

Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi ..former Director of Events NIDOEurope

My very dear Richard, we worked together so closely that we felt we grew up together. I cherished your gentleman's approach to issues and life. Your radiated tolerance, fairness, positive ambition, courage, friendship and strength of mind. My worst sadness is that even with the entire overwhelmingly splendid experience of working with you, I didn't see you in person. We always said we need to meet whenever I come back to the US or Nigeria. I can't blame you nor God. I know very few Nigerians like you Richard and i will miss you real bad!!
May the God of mercy and compassion receive your soul and grant you eternal comfort, in Jesus holy name, Amen.
Sleep well my friend.............. Can't stop my tears......... Why? Why? Why? I can't believe I'm writing you a tribute Richard!!
Dr John George (Ex-Chairman NIDO-Europe)

Richard was a great friend at work that I had met at the Universidade de Sao Paulo in Brazil when I was in my B.A. and he is his graduate studies. We met again at Skyline College and have worked together closely in many projects with Mexico, Africa and Brazil recently.

I already miss him a lot. May the Lord comfort the family members and close friends. I know his joy of living will continue in all of our hearts as the great legacy of his life. Luciana Castro, Professor of Spanish, Skyline College

Richard was a gem of a distinguished gentleman. Elegant, articulate, passionate and a leader amongst leaders. I enjoyed and will miss our occasional run-ins and banters about how to make the global society better for all. Richard was a man for all seasons. His charm, ingenuity and compassion for others will be sorely missed.

Rest well, comrade.

Uncle Richie, This is unbelievable. May your gentle soul continue to rest in peace in Jesus name (Amen)... He was a very jolly fellow. I could recall our last business meeting in San Bruno, California, United States. Very exceptional man.
Jumoke, may thy good Lord grant you the fortitude to bear this grate loss.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15 (KJV)

Ah Feyisayo, your sudden departure is a colossal loss to the entire Oyindasola Descendants comprising of the Adepegbas, the Awonugas and the Soyombos.
Our growing up days were wonderful with you, Rotimi and I as a trio. Until your demise we lovingly shared our dreams and injected humour into everything we said.  We will miss your humour, hearty laughter, generosity, politeness, forthrightness and warm disposition to everyone.
May the good Lord comfort mummy, the Soyombo family, the extended family, your loved ones and friends.

You will continue to live in my heart my darling cousin. Sleep on my beloved Richard Feyisayo Soyombo and rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Missing you big cuz. I remember when we'd be at parties, and someone would ask Feyi why wasn't he dancing (or something). So he would stick out one of his legs, and then move his foot rapidly (like a windshied wiper) from side-to-side. Still makes me laugh decades later.

"It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again" Wiz Khalifa

TRIBUTE ON RICHARD FEYI SOYOMBO – (1959 – 2015)
You rose like a colossus and shone bright as the morning star. Yet in a geevalt and like a mist you were cut off the Cosmos. Alas! When we of the great warrior clan, Oyewusi of the Ontoye Compound of Ikereku Idan town in Gbagura, Abeokuta were just getting settled to admire our roots, then the very sad news of your demise cut our throats sore. How painful!; How sad!!; How tragic!!!
We are, however, comforted with great memories of great times you had together among your nuclear and the immediate extended families; the joy, pride and fulfilment you gave our late Uncle, Daddy Femi Soyombo of blessed memory and our loving mama who painfully has had to survive you. Your endearment to your great siblings and immediate family cannot be quantified. We wish them all gracious fortitudes to bear the irreparable loss of such a gem.
We take solace in the assurance of our God, who made us to know and believe that “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints – Ps. 116:15”. We are comforted to know that we shall meet in the resurrection morning and pray that as many of us who grieve over the demise of our dear cousin, Richard-Feyi Soyombo would heed the counsel in 1 John 3: 3; that we purify ourselves just as He is.

From:
Olatunde Oluwatola (Ph. D) & Esther Elemide (Mrs)
On behalf of the Oyewusi Clan, Ontoye Compound, Gbagura, Abeokuta. Nigeria

"...If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life." Khalil Gibron.

Soyombo, as I fondly called you, the news of your death is not only a rude shock, but very sad. You are a good friend, and will be sorely missed.

I will miss getting your out of the blue moon phone calls, and being able to call you once in a while, to chat, and just talk and talk, no matter how far in between those calls were.

Thank you for all the times you advised me like a true brother. Always willing to listen, offering good, realistic, matter of fact counsel, and a cheer. Thanks for all the times you were truly and genuinely happy for me, and the times you lifted the heaviness of my heart with your kind and encouraging words.

You are a wise man, a kind man, and will be forever missed.
May God watch over your family.

I hope you are finally at peace, and smiling in heaven.
Adieu my friend!

Richard Feyisayo Alabi Soyombo …

On Sat. Apr. 18 2015, I replaced, on my “Wall of Fame”, one photograph of you (wearing a Santa hat) with another wherein you were clowning with your cousins who mobbed you at Yemisi’s (Oluwole) graduation dinner (1992); the affection was obvious, the rapport was glaring! Looking at the photographs, I found myself laughing alone! It warmed my heart tremendously – to see you so unexpectedly, remembering especially those happy years we shared in Boston.

You were my right arm – in more ways than I can recount…mentoring your young cousins (about 15 of them), giving them much-needed guidance, leadership, direction and focus as they journeyed thru life; I even envied how they all doted on you despite the tough love you gave them through tender discipline. Your spontaneous selfless support of all family endeavors never ceased to amaze me, relieving me physically and emotionally, sparing me the details. As I mused over the way you touched my life and that of the entire family, I convinced myself that, the family will continue to prosper – with someone like you there!

But Monday Apr. 20 2015 shook that faith! It is yet to sink in that you left with that day’s sunset! Why? Why so soon? If only we are mindful that “Life is brief and Time is a thief”

Despite my tears, I thank God for your life – short but productive, full of love! There was such a sincere simplicity about you that I cannot forget! Son, how I am missing you so much already!

Now I hear your voice even louder – “Feyi Omo Sho” and you would answer me – “Aunty”

What a joy to know you!

Sleep on, beloved!
God Grant you Eternal Rest!

Mrs. ‘Bunmi Oluwole
Cambridge, MA

Richard:
Death is the beginning of immortality.
May your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Sun re o.

Dear Richard, the world loved you but God loved you more so he called you home. The flesh is temporary, the soul is eternal. You left footprints of compassion, generosity and integrity during your journey on this planet. You will be missed. Rest In Peace, kind sir.

Such sad news of the passing of this great and well-respected gentleman. I will most miss his welcoming smile and inviting presence. God benefits now; our memories and Richard's deeds remain.
My heart goes out to his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Richard - intelligent, generous and great sense of humor...
You'll be so missed!!
Ray & Maureen Russell

Feyi Richard Soyombo,
My brother it is with great sadness that I learnt of your earthly exit from the most unlikely of places - your Facebook page. I am writing this tribute in San Diego and I had left messages for you to call me and arrange how we were going to meet on Tango as I am in your jurisdiction. As your classmate in Compro in 1978 we had great fun and since we reconnected about 10 years ago we see at least once in a year either in Nigeria or in the United States. I attest to many of the good things said of you - a man of high integrity,honest,hard working,kind etc. I know of your many aspirations for the country of your birth concerning good governance and human rights. Williams Shakespare said that "the good that men do live after them" so shall it be said of Richard Feyi Soyombo. We pray to God to grant you eternal rest and comfort the family that you left behind. Adieu my friend - Olufemi Fadahunsi ( FADA)

"Rest in peace , Mr. RICHARD SOYOMBO.
May the Lord give your family the strength to bear this hreat loss. You were gone too soon. You were always kind to everybody."

Mian Shahbaz
Pak US Chamber OF Commerce CA
Pakistan Times USA

Uncle Feyi, odigbere, odarinako, otundoju ala! Your sudden departure from this world is unbelievable and shocking! Little did I know that the conversation we had on March 21st would be the last. Your voice still resonates in my ears as you always calls me "Asholly babe t'emi nikan".You are a rare gem, full of life, always make people laugh with your humorous jokes. God our comforter, is the only one that can fill the vacuum created by your departure. I pray that God will give the family and the community the fortitude to bear this great loss.
Adieu uncle Feyi, Rest in perfect peace until we meet again at the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sun re o Egbon mi atata.
Olusola Odumosu

The gardener asked who plucked the flower?
It is I said the Lord and the gardener held his peace.
We all have the same story. RIP my friend, schoolmate (MBHS Lagos) and brother.

Feyi had an outgoing, warm and caring personality that made a positive difference in the lives of those who knew him. I pray that God will comfort his mother, wife and children.

Feyi was a friendly, generous and courageous person with a lot of energy. He made time available for whatever he believes in. He was one of those who made my visit to San Francisco, in 2011, enjoyable. He made time and his car available for my shopping, visits to a sea port, restaurants (on him) and Crooked Street. He was fun to be with. He had varied business interests on the drawing board. His desire for a better Nigeria is unparalleled especially his comments on the 2015 elections. When I called him and we discussed at length, three weeks before his untimely death, he was bubbling with full life. There was no hint of his departure! God will comfort all the loved ones and the aged mother that he left behind. Feyi, we love you but the good Lord loves you more. Rest peacefully in His bosom.

I’m so sad of the news of Richard’s passing but feel so blessed to have known Richard. In the short time that I got to know him, I learned a lot and laughed a lot. His work ethic is incomparable and his intelligence inspiring.

As I drove to work through the fog this morning, I thought about Richard and how passionately he lived. Every action and word was not wasted and intentional in moving a vision into reality so that more can benefit from realizing their potential.

I will miss him but am humbled to have someone of his caliber believe in me.

Richard has always treated me and my wife as family. We owe many of our wonderful memories to his kindness.

I first met Richard as we worked together on an international trade mission including Cote d'Ivoire as well as Bay Area counties. This year we were working together on international friendship and education between Liberian and Skyline College students. We will continue our international involvement in your memory, Richard.

Rest in peace , Mr. RICHARD SOYOMBO.
May the Lord give your family the strength to bear this hreat loss. You were gone too soon. You were always kind to everybody.

Richard always amazed me; he made me laugh, he counseled me on life (tried--ha!), he argued with me, he worked with me to assist clients, he expressed his love for his wife, children, family, and friends, continually revealing a unique, blessed, versatility in coping with life's challenges all the while respecting people's individuality. I knew Richard was special and when I went to visit this online memorial I knew I would read many stories of what a great man Richard was, but I never expected to feel so spiritually uplifted by the words of all the beautiful souls who have shared their love for Richard on this site. I am in awe at what I have read. Blessings to all who knew and loved Richard. My prayers are with Richard's loved ones that soon the fond memories, good times, and love he shared will fill the emptiness that his loss has created. I know my dear friend is in the arms of our Lord.

Bros Feyi dear cousin, you left us suddenly but God knows why. It's not how long but how well - you impacted many lives as shown by the tributes here, other people's encounter with you and my own personal knowledge of you and the stories we shared. We will miss your cheerful, homourous and generous personality, however, I believe that you've gone to a better place where there is no pain or sorrow. Adieu and may your soul rest in perfect peace, amen.

AFIYEN as you are fondly called by compronian we reconnected 6 years ago in lagos after about 30 years disconnection and always kept in touch on facebook. You always say Ayanfo fofo bawo ni. You are a rare gem and a jolly good fellow full of life laughter and humor'
We will dearly miss you but God loves you better. Rest in his bossom my good friend.RIP FEYI RICHARDS SOYOMBO. Till we meet again ADIEU.
Dapo Ogunnowo (AYANFO)

Richard took a bow at a time when he was needed,it is still like a dream playing out sad song. What now happens to his rock? I pray God gives the family left behind the fortitude to bear this loss. It is well. Rest in peace old boy.

When a great soul departs, his memories shall never fade. May the Holy Spirit comfort members of the family. I pray that God will give you all strength and light on your path to guide you through this difficult time in Jesus name. May the soul of the departed rest in peace.

It was too soon Richard but we have no control of when it is our turn.

It was too soon but we have no control of when it is our turn. It is not how long but how well. You touched a lot of lives during this short space of time.
May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord. May your family and friends have the courage to bear this huge vacuum created by your departure.
Adieu Richard Feyi Soyombo
Dr Steve E O Ogbonmwan

I thank the Lord for the opportunity to reconnect for six-months after 38yrs.
I thank you Richard, for the sharing, the encouragement, prayers and especially the friendship that was simple, sincere, humorous and soul touching.
You were not only intelligent, humble and caring but also a man of deep faith. Faith though coated in humour, which became apparent in the last weeks. You were a "beautiful and lovely man" as I always told you though you would laugh.
Remember our last conversation, two Mondays ago when you said" Wemimo be strong and keep praying for me" I prayed Richard, we all prayed but the Lord loves you more and wanted you home.
I didn't understand the "be strong" then but now I do. Goodbye, dear Richard; sleep and take your rest. My deepest condolences to all your loved ones. It is well.

Feyi, what can l say, after 35 years of separation you showed up again like the sun piercing through the clouds and you made the new connection as if 35 years was like yesterday, l will forever cherish our conversations and the love you had for all our old friends and old Crimsonians (Compro) and your desire to unite us once again to see that all is well with each one of us. You stated " I know l have a call of God on my life" which was early this year, yes indeed this was true and you had touched thousands in ways you never knew. It was just recently you got about 8-10 of us chatting on face book after decades of disconnection and we all laughed and laughed and laughed sharing old memories, never to know that was your way of saying goodbye.Thanks so much for your encouragement and support at my dad's passing early this year, give my love to him. I rejoice with you today knowing you are in a better place and back with your maker after fulfilling your destiny and purpose. We want you here with us but who are we to question God. Adieu my brother and friend, I will cherish and miss that voice of yours on the phone calling "Boki Ololo" and may the Lord manifest His presence with your wife, children and family and the Comforter will overwhelm them all the days of their lives in Jesus name.

A rare gem! Adieu

“Afiyen”, As I have always known you going back 36 years at Compro, I was looking forward to a golden opportunity to see you again this year but you fell asleep without saying goodbye. May the Lord bless you and keep you in his care. Until we meet again. Memories of you will never die. Sure o

Earth has one gentle soul less, heaven one angel more. You fell asleep without saying goodbye. Deep in my heart a memory is kept of yoy Feyi and l shall never forget. Will surely miss you. God bless you and keep you in his care.

I only got to know Richard over the past month since joining his division, but, what a gem he was to our community. He was so genuine and funny, the only thing that seemed to keep him going was to see others shine. Our college is a less vibrant place without him. Rest in peace and thank you for making every working day a joyous one. I learned a lot from you.