Bob, we never thought of writing this so early but God who created us knows why it is being done now against our expectations.

You came into our lives, touched us with your kindness, care, love and peaceful nature.

You played positive roles filled with love in the life of everyone that came across you during your life on earth.

Your life was not defined by what is etched on a tombstone but was defined by what is etched in the lives and hearts of those you've touched.

Your death has made us to remember these words of J. Furniss:

“Never forget that you must die; that death will come sooner than you expect... God has written the letters of death upon your hands. In the inside of your hands you will see the letters M.M. It means "Memento Mori" - remember you must die.”

No doubt, you will surely be missed. We will always remember you in our prayers.

Rest in Peace, Bob.
Chudi & Ify Muotanya

To Aunty Aku and the Odinkemelu family, May God continue to grant you all the strength to weather the journey through the grief and pain of losing Uncle Bob. May all the sweet memories you shared be a comfort to you all. 

My condolences goes to the family of Noble Sir Robert Odinkemelu, and entire Portharcourt grand commandrey of Knight of St. John Intl, Eternal rest grant unto Noble Sir Robert Odinkemelu, and let perpetual light shine upon him . Amen.
From: Sir/Lady Peter Claver Unakalamba and family.

“ Uncle Bob” We’ll miss you

Ugogbuzuo!
Engr. Sir. Robert Okechukwu Odinkemelu
Fine and refined quintessential gentleman
Ezigbo Di, Nnaa, Nwanne, Ogo, enyi!

‘Uncle Bob’, as we fondly call you,
Though shocked at the uninformed timing of your departure
You live-on and your memory stays.

The memories of your time and work still impacts
The impact that glares in the lives you touched
Those kind words, advices and generous gestures we still replay
We are very sure of no dull moment with your presence
You make the occasions livelier than the planners
And when you step, perfect to the rhythms of the oldies and
Yet allows the contemporaries to enjoy the stage with you
It’s evident that you left every contact smiling and the joy rejuvenates

Disciplined and dedicated to every course with no shadow of a boss
Dearest ‘Uncle Bob’ you fought a good fight, Yes, you ran your race,
You have left the shoes of a perfect and supportive gentleman,
So big a size we desire and aspire to increase and that we think! Hmm!
These irreplaceable roles are so hard to find and that pains!
The pain of the reality that you are … (can’t even say it again) because it shocks!

For all you have been to us, it is evidently obvious you were here
You lived, you loved, you gave and left your mark on every mind you impacted.

For the memories we shared, we’ll miss you.
For the joy you brought to our lives, we’ll miss you.
For the knowledge that you are resting peacefully, we shall be comforted
Till we meet again, know that you live on
And in this comfort we say;

Jebezie!
Odogwu di ora nma, nabazie!
Ugogbuzuo na Awo, ije-owelle!
Ezi Dim, Nnaayi, Nwannem, Ogomu, Enyi-ora, Je nke oma.

Collated by;
Simeon Nnamdi Ugbaja

Hearing about your demise was a huge shock to me. I wish the sad news was not real. The little time I knew you speaks volume of you.

Noble Brother Bob, you are a bright star that shines everywhere there is darkness. The testimony of your life is worthy of emulation. You uplifted, motivated and touched several lives and as such you're a Colossus of our time. I missed you, we the KSJI missed you. Catholic church missed and we all missed you.

May you be comforted in the Lord vineyard. May the Lord grant your soul eternal rest. Adieu Bro. Bob! till we meet to part no more.

Dear Uncle Bob.....

We had our inside joke "C'est ne pas"...
You were very fun loving and cheerful to be around.
My fondest memories of you as a happy go-lucky Uncle Bob will always be in my heart. You were the husband of my boss that quickly became my Uncle Bob!
Thank you for being my fun and cool Uncle!
Aunty Aku, Didi, Ezi, Bobby and Sibby will be just fine. God has them all sorted, they will all continue to make you proud.
Rest on dear Uncle with your Lord....

This huge shock that turned to reality!

Bob, you are a bright star that is shinning somewhere else now. You uplifted and touched several lives and certainly had a great life. You are sorely missed.

The Lord comfort, bless and keep Aku, the children and entire family in Jesus name Amen. Adieu Bob!

Oh dear, what a loss. Very painful to hear. Your gentle smile, ever knowing, strong yet quiet presence will forever be missed. I know that you are in a great place and God knows best why he takes lovely people early. That we followed after you at 3 Parkway remains engraved in our mind. Rest In Peace. Your loved ones will be strong in the knowledge that you are with our God. We will see you in Heaven.

My dearest Aku, please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beloved husband. May his beautiful soul rest in perfect peace, and he is now safe in the arms of the Lord. I pray that our God Almighty will give you peace that passes all understanding at this trying time. God bless you and your family abundantly.

A letter to my dearest In-law
My dear Bob
 This is a letter that I never expected to write. It is not the usual quick SMS or the more popular WhatsApp message. This is a letter you may never read or who knows you may! Will I get a reply? Only God knows!
 Ugogbuzuo, many decades ago my little sister Aku called me to say that she wanted to tell me about her friend!I knew straight away that this was serious business because I do not discuss boy friends with my sisters or my daughters! On further questioning she revealed that the guy was named Bob Odinkemelu. The most familiar Bob I know is myself and the only Bob Odinkemelu I knew at time was your dear father Ogbuagu Robert Odinkemelu! Aku informed me straight away that she was getting married to you and that she needed my approval. I know my sister as somebody who does not make hasty decisions. I asked a few questions, confirmed that she had been to see Onwelunmadu and Ihedigbonma with you and had their approval. I of course I had no objections.
Ugogbuzuo since you came into our family you became our brother and not our brother in law. You became a son to our parents and not a son in law and above all you became a friend, a confidant, and someone totally reliable. We knew we could call on you at any time for assistance with one thing or the other for advice on one thing or the other. You never complained.
You and Aku made your home in PortHarcourt our transit camp! I cannot remember when last I passed through the chaos called Lagos on my way in and out of Nigeria. You and Aku provided accommodation, good food, transportation, security, diesel, generator, A/C and even a chef to make sure our stay at home was as comfortable as possible. Bob, when I needed a new Nigerian passport you took me to the passport office and I got one within a few hours. Ugogbuzuo we ate out of the same plate, we slept on the same bed we danced together, we cried together in times of sorrow and we had deep belly laughs together in happy moments. We played scrabbles together and watched Premier League soccer together.
I will for ever cherish the times we spent in Arondizuogu, in PortHarcourt, in Alain in the UAE, and in Regina Canada
 With all her sons in the diaspora you were the son that Mama saw on almost daily basis. You and Aku provided for her needs physically and emotionally. It was very hard to break the news of your demise to her.
 Ugogbuzuo, it is painful and sad to see you go at such an early age. Aku, Ezii, Didi, Sibby and Bobby have lost a doting and loving husband and father. We will all miss a brother and a friend. It’s sad to say goodbye. You will be sorely missed but your legacy will endure.
Brother Oguguo Sylvester Ukabam

How do I write a tribute for Bob Odinkemelu? Our very own MR B and Aku’s bubbles?
This has come as a shock to all of us, but when God calls a man, who are we to resent HIM?
My memories are many and stretch far back to GTBANK days in the 90s. Aku just adopted me and that made Bob adopt me too.

Bob, I remember how you would come to the bank when we were working late and instead of ranting and being angry that Aku was still at work, you would bring Suya and drinks. You were so full of life and tried to make everyone happy!
The very first time I had a sit down discussion with you - I had brought a credit memo to your house on a Saturday for Aku to read, you asked me if it was urgent and I said no. You asked if you could read it and comment and I said yes.
You took time to read through the entire bulky memo, you made corrections and commented on my style. You praised my work and told me I had done a good job.
You boosted my confidence big time that day. I kept hearing your voice tell me - Good Job ID! You encouraged everyone and in all the years I have known you, never put me down.
There are too many memories and not enough space. You just accepted me, accepted my siblings and when I got married, accepted my husband and eventually children. You shared your resources - your home, your siblings and your family became mine too.
MR B, thank you for making life easy and comfortable for everyone who encountered you. Big, small, rich, poor - it didn’t matter to you. Thank you for being a phenomenal husband - Aku soared because of your unrelenting support. Thank you for being a dependable Daddy to Didi, Ezii, Bobby and Sibby.
And thank you for being the best big brother this side of eternity. I couldn’t have told you often, but thank you.
In heaven tell God for us that we will trust Him as long and as much as we can until our own change comes.
May God bless and comfort your family and repair every broken heart you left behind.
ID

Joining the knight of St. John international, was an opportunity to meet an awesome guy Noble Sir Bob Odinkemelu. Cheerful, adorable, lovable and most cherished.
Admired by all who knows him. He was a god; I mean a being to imitate. Full of wisdom and adorned with integrity. I was shocked at hearing the news of his demise. We will miss you greatly.
Rest in peace my Oracle!

Sir. Felix-Acata

Ugobuzuo,

When I read the message on the Odinkemelu platform that you had turned the corner, I remember pounding the air with clenched fists with gusto and great joy. The news from my oldest sister, Sister Ngozi, couldn’t have been more perfect. You were on the mend.
Nothing could take this moment of absolute joy away from me. It felt as if I was riding high with joy. But when morning came and the curtains were drawn, you were gone.
I still remember my last conversation with you and I can still hear your laughter fill the room. It was a week to your last day on earth. While that conversation was brief, you memorialized it with your laughter, as if, if nothing else, remember this moment we shared as brothers.
Okey, you see, my childhood will not be complete without you. You showed me the prisms through which to glimpse the world, and how to navigate this world. You were that light on my pathway; the voice that reminded me who I am.
You were a friend to many; a brother to all; and a loss too many.
You are my brother, my friend and my father. I will miss you.

Ifeanyi Odinkemelu, CPA, CMA

Bob, your demise is shocking (just putting it mildly). However, I have a feeling that you are resting in heaven.

Bob,

I can't believe I'm writing a tribute to you. While you were in hospital you were still cracking jokes with me and I was waiting for you to come home for me to give you a big smack for stressing us while you were in hospital not knowing that I will never see you again. It is unbelievable! You came into our family as a brother in law but ended up as a brother to us and a son to my parents.

Thank you for all your help and support, especially to both my children. Thank you for your generosity as your house was our 'cross over motel' and thank you for looking after our Mother who you called 'The Landlord' and now you have left her mourning your loss.

We cannot question God, He gives and He takes away. Sleep on and sleep tight in the Lord. Until we meet again. Love Sister Cordelia.

Mrs Cordelia Onyiuke (nee Ukabam)

Adieu Uncle Bob.
Such a great and humble man. There is this aura and positive energy you transmit with a wide smile anytime we meet. I remember not long ago you were passing by my office on your way for a business engagement, you called to know if I was around. Then you stopped over and we chatted for some minutes before you continued with your journey. That was remarkable because we were not peers in any form or shape but that humility in you, makes you relate effortlessly with everyone. Some years back, you attended my wedding with everyone in your house and spent the whole day with us. Though most of us got to meet you through our boss (Aku), but once that connection was made, you took it to the next level by nurturing and sustaining the relationship.

Uncle Bob, you have fought a good fight and what awaits is the crown. Rest on!

It was a rude shock to learn of Bob's passing while I was visiting Nigeria. I haven't seen Bob face to face in years but we have communicated through phone calls and social media as time permitted. On the news of his passing, my mind immediately started playing back our interactions over the years; from the first time we meet in California up to the last time we physically met when we were visiting from the US, and drove to PH just before Christmas to visit with Bob and Aku. Aku was stranded at ENUGU but we continued to Port Harcourt and spent the night with Bob and the boys with our children. He played dad and mom that short period and when we were leaving the next morning to go to Achi for Christmas, he escorted us to the outskirts of PH.... What a guy..We thank God for Aku and Bob and your friendship, but saddened at your loss. Your life was impactful, and in a land of boistreous noise and charlatans, you remained understated in everything you did. The Lord will continue to grant Aku, Didi, Bobby, Sibby, and the rest of the Odinkemelu and Ukabam families succor, and the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. On behalf of the Uzo-Diribes, may the Lord continue to keep and protect you all. ENUGU, 3/22/2021.

Who would think that we’ll be at this rather confusing moment, pondering and seeking answers to the most difficult question; WHY?

What we do know is that if it was for prayers or the overwhelming love of family/ friends or your relationship with God; you’ll be with us today. But we choose to be consoled that God has only taken one of his own.

Many years ago, a random conversation with you contributed greatly to a life changing decision I am currently reaping from. I shared an idea with you which you replied “ ujo atulagi” - don’t be afraid.

Your kind, simple, divinely selfless and dispassionate outlook on life always caused us to rethink ours. You never looked down on anybody and this drew a lot of people to you.
I get goosebumps just remembering your deep laughter.

Uncle Bob, while you’re making your new rounds in heaven, please keep an eye on us.

You will be deeply missed.

Uncle Bob, is such a humble, simple and jolly good man. Uncle Bob, could impose his influence to shunt the lines when ever he came to my Bank’s Branch/Office... but he never does.

I remember having to repeatedly appeal to him to come seat in my Office while his transaction is processed & only then would he oblige.

He & his dear wife, Madam Aku were clearly a loving couple. It was always a beauty to watch them dance together at events & functions.

My prayer, is that our dear God should grant his bereaved family the fortitude to bear this loss.

May his gentle soul Rest In Peace because he really was a gentleman per excellence.

My dear sister Aku, please accept my heartfelt sympathy! Bob’s call to glory came as a rude shock to me. He was a good man, a gentleman to the core. May the memories he left for you and your entire family help you in filling the vacuum his passing has caused.
I pray that through the intercession of our Mother Mary, Bob is granted kind admittance into heaven and may God give you the fortitude to bear this very heavy loss.
Ndo nwanne m.
Eternal rest grant unto Sir Bob Odinkemelu and let perpetual light shine upon him.

My darling Aku. I'm utterly and totally heartbroken to see your message. Words fail me. I know too well the anguish you must be in. I'm sorry you have to go through it. And I feel for the children. May his beautiful soul Rest In Peace. May the Almighty continue to be with you, to comfort you and the children, for this is truly truly an irreparable loss. My love always Hassana

Bob. A life well lived. After the war, y'all moved into 3 Parkway after we moved out of it to Abakaliki Road on the other side of GRA, Enugu. Enyinnaya was my classmate so there was in my mind a connection between our families. And then you married Aku, my classmate, friend and sis that has always had my utmost regard. In my sadness at your sudden transition, I find a sliver of gladness going through the gallery at the awesome memories you both created together and the beautiful family that survives you. Go well, bro. May the Lord receive you in His Kingdom. Rest in peace

Take a bow consummate gentleman

Uncle B,

Words distort thoughts. You were the last person I saw as I left Nigeria after my holiday. As characteristic of you, we had a very refreshing time. It was therefore a brutal shock to learn of your sudden passing on. It didn't make sense.

The young Hamlet echoed this frustration in Shakespeare: “What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an angel! In apprehension, how like a god! The beauty of the world, the best of species - and yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust?”

Yes, that we ultimately end in dust makes no sense. But that’s where our faith prevails, assuring that: “For God’s faithful people, life is only changed not ended, when the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven!” The martyrs bet their lives on this because the resurrection of Jesus is the indisputable proof.

The thinker Jonathan Swift was right to reckon that “It is impossible that anything so natural, so necessary and so universal as death should ever have been designed by Providence as an evil to mankind.” Death is therefore “not the extinguishing of the light but only the putting out of the lamp because day has come.” Your day has dawned Uncle B.

When they mourn that you should have stayed to enjoy the fruits of your labour, I wonder how the enjoyment of rice and beans compares to banquet at the table of the Lord. When they lament that you should have lived longer, I wonder how living to a hundred years compares to living in eternity. Methuselah who lived 969 years was mentioned only in one paragraph in the Bible while the whole of the New Testament was about Jesus who lived only 33 years.

You were among the nicest of men I've encountered. Indeed “length of days is not what makes age honourable, nor number of years the true measure of life; understanding, this is man’s grey hairs, untarnished life, this is ripe old age” (Wisdom 4:8-9).

Rest on good man until we meet at the resurrection morning.

Dear Uncle Bob or Ugobuzuo as the adults always called you. I will always miss and remember you. You were always so happy and cheerful infact it was always pure vibes around you. You treated everyone properly like the true knight you are. You joined our family and accepted us with open arms. I’m happy I spent your last days with you. I know you’re resting with the Lord and we shall meet again in a place where there is no pain. I love you uncle. Rest In Peace.