By Olive NDUNGO
(Yaounde, Cameroon)
Eulogy for my beloved Brother – Richard TCHOUTEZO (aka, Sir Rich)
Friends, loved ones and family -
It is an honor and privilege for me to pay tribute today to a very special and irreplaceable person, my beloved brother Richard TCHOUTEZO.
My name is Olive NDUNGO and I am Richard's younger sister. I will have to struggle with what to say to you all today especially as I will have to sum up his beautiful life in a short few moments. How could I conceivably communicate what a wonderful person Richard was? How could I explain the kindness in his heart, the contagiousness of his joy, or the depth of his love? I just realized I will never be able to explain how incredible he was, but I think it’s my duty as a loving sister to try.
Richard was remarkable in so many ways. He lived his life to the fullest and touched so many people during his time here with us, as many of you here today can testify.
As I began to reach out for the right words to express my thoughts about my loving and caring brother Richard, I remembered the many valued and meaningful roles that Richard played throughout his life.
First and foremost I see him as the family man. He loved his family profoundly. He was a devoted husband / father / son / brother / uncle and friend. Looking back, he was always a family man.
Richard was a comfort for our mom and dad when they were alive (may their gentle souls rest in peace). He was so devoted to them even at his young age, that I always felt it was OK to run away from home, despite being a girl child. I knew they would not miss me so long as he was around. I always knew he was there watching over them. He was a very respectful, loving and caring young man.
Richard took all of the roles in his life to heart and he strove to honor, support, and guide and most importantly, protected his family. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his family - even during those inevitable tough times that life has a way of throwing at you. His devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions - the anchor that defined and shaped his life.
As I turn the next page of Richard's life, I see Richard - the friend. He was a good friend to so many! He could be counted on, and depended on always. Whether you needed simple advice, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on, companionable silence, a listener if you will, or if all you wanted was a pass time - he was your man; ready, steadfast, willing and good fun with very clever jokes. I remember, many times a few of his friends always called me to say – that your brother, I don’t know how God made him… and I always just replied, we thank God.
It is no doubt that family members and all good friends he shared his life with will miss the friendship that Richard brought into their lives. I'm sure you all will remember him in your very own special way.
As I continue to turn the pages in Richard's life, I see him as a principled young man underpinned by a strong sense of right and wrong. Richard was not a cruel man and he wanted his siblings and children to understand that nothing can be gained from holding a grudge or leaving any issue that was very wrong unclear. He was so generous and kind hearted, loving, caring, understanding, and could always go the extra mile to make others comfortable even at his own detriment. Nevertheless, he spoke out when occasion called for. His strong principles did not allow him to let something wrong stand unchallenged. He never let anyone or anything stand in the way of making things right. We can only imagine how much more he could have accomplished in his life if the Almighty God had granted him just a couple more years. Nevertheless, let His will be done.
Another page is turned, and I see Richard as a respected citizen (both as a Cameroonian and as a British). He shared his expertise with anyone who would listen, he worked hard and consistently and he remained a student of life.
My brother never stopped learning especially through his loving wife and children. He never sat back and became complacent. He led by example as he mentored his children, siblings, nephews, nieces, friends and colleagues; in a way that anyone of them can say that he was an inspiration in their lives.
My brother Richard was unquestionably a multi-talented young man who spotted opportunities and made the most of them. One could say that what he touched turned to gold because he had a vision and his vision prompted him to act. One of Richard's crowning qualities was his intellect, and thirst for knowledge. I remember the endless days of his reading book after book and what he picked out from this was that ‘‘knowledge is power only when applied’’. He seemed to know something about everything. But Richard, by the same token, was not too proud and could seek advice from anyone. He knew that two or three heads were better than one when it came to achieving dreams and/or making things happen.
Richard was one of the healthiest young men one could ever come across. He was so mindful of what he ate or drank, and knew many health tips. To him, living a healthy life was the most beautiful gift one could offer him/her self, and for this, many miss took him for a health expert. One could even say he missed his vocation… I remember the countless times he used to send out messages, emails, and even made phone calls to his loved ones, giving them tips on how to live a healthy life. Talking about health, he always associated it with physical exercise, and did a lot of sports despite his daily tight schedule. Whether he was in the UK or abroad, he always made time to exercise. Little did he know it was the same sport and/or the struggle to live a healthy life that will end his breathe? Oh! Life!
As I turn the page again I come face to face with Richard a man of passion and a dedicated speaker. He remained an icon in the world of personal development. He was the leading Cameroonian and African inspirational speaker and trainer in Europe who travelled widely and trained and addressed thousands of people on different subject areas in many countries. He was truly a gifted Orator.
I have to say though that the page in Richard's life that I find most memorable is the role that spirituality played. My brother Richard loved his God. We all knew him as a very private but loving man whose quiet faith guided his actions, words and deeds. He was a true Christian. He strove always to be the best he could be - family man, entrepreneur, brother, uncle, friend and champion to others.
I am so grateful of the brotherly love Richard personally shared with me. His love for me was way back when we were kids, though at times he would pick on me and give me a hard time - like all older brothers do! But most of the time he just wanted to be my buddy.
Richard was definitely the definition of a BROTHER, and could fight against anything that could negatively affect his siblings. We used to talk about many things that could positively impact our lives: family, professional, social, business and otherwise, let alone, we had so many playful childhood memories. I think back to those little moments only to realize that nothing can replace the love for a sibling or the lifetime of memories we shared. His views and opinions on how he always got things done made me to personally fondly call him Ricardo! A nickname he loved so much but was so short lived. It really hurts to know I will NEVER call that name again…
I was looking forward to seeing Richard this end of April or early May latest this year as he had planned to visit Cameroon after his wife must have put to birth. But little did I know it will never happen. On the contrary, we are here today celebrating his funeral... Hhmm! What a shock? I wonder where he has gone to… So, how can I ever forget my brother??? – My joyous, big brother! Who, when you met him, you couldn't help the feeling that he was someone truly special.
Richard, brother, it is very hard to say goodbye so we will just say so-long. The pages of your book will never be closed, just as the pages of Elena, Mom and Dad's that are not closed either.
We will remember you through the many people still left behind whose lives you touched so positively. You may not realize it, but you leave an amazing legacy behind, three beautiful, handsome and brilliant children, let alone, you missed to have seen your beautiful little Duchess whom you were anxiously looking forward to... They are your legacy! Through them you leave this world a better place than when you found it and for that you have to be very proud.
Richard, brother, we will miss you, but we will always remember you with respect, admiration and love, always, always…
Adieu Ricardo!
