Mazi Okechikere

Taken from the world, but not from our hearts.

Such a sad occasion; for a loved one to part.

We still have things to do, and words to say

But for now, farewell Okechikere.

Your body no longer lives, but your soul is alive

And in our hearts and minds, you still survive.

To a man, who would always answer “Kedu?” with “Adema”

It is difficult to say the last au revoir.

I think of the things that I did not do

And the words I did not say

As I weep for you

And tears trickle down my face.

You have served your purpose and done your part.

So it is not unjust that your soul had to depart

However there is a piece of us that cannot let you go

Even though deep in our hearts all of us know

That we will see you, again one day;

But for now

Farewell Okechikere

Mazi Okechikere

Papa was a very peace loving and quiet person. His unique soft spoken firm voice has a way of driving his point home in a very clear way. In his quiet way, he was always able to understand people and maintain a healthy relationship with them.

Papa always stood for the truth even in obvious difficult situations. He appreciated every little thing that is done for him and always said “thank you” each time. Papa was a fine gentleman that always treated people with respect and so got a lot of respect back in return. He was a true head of his family even to the end.

I believe Papa would have been a good writer if he took to writing. He continued in his daily entries in his diaries to the very end. In occasions when he stayed in our house, I noticed how as part of his daily routine, he makes his call to his darling (this is what he always called my mother-in-law) and then make his journal entries.

Papa was very proud of his grandchildren who are all doing well. Needless to say he was even more proud of his children who are the parents of these grand kids. One of the most difficult task I had to perform as a parent was breaking the bad news of papa’s passing to my children. My children upon my return from the hospital on that faithful Sunday July 28th 2013 asked me “how is grandpa doing”. First I lied to them and said not very well. Adaeze then insisted that I must take her to the hospital the next day so she could see him. At this point difficult as it may be I had to tell them grandpa was gone.

Papa we all miss you. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord. Rest in Peace.

Dr. Nneka Uchenna Madu

Papa I did not have the opportunity to be at your bedside on the last day but I had the opportunity of being your son for over forty years of my life. I had the opportunity of being there with you during the last few months. I had the opportunity of learning and understanding what is important and what is not, about life. I had the opportunity of observing how peaceful you and Mama lived all these years. I had the opportunity of being scolded and redirected every single time I stray. Until death you continued to be selfless, preaching for peace amongst everyone and the use of dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving issues.

You thought us (your children) a lot. You were a great father and granddad to my kids. The lessons we have learned are those that are not thought in any school or church. They are personal experiences that are very unique to you. Most times they were not communicated by speech rather by your presence and actions.

Even though you were very successful and rich, you have never used those influences to cut corners for any of your children. You had always insisted on hard work and had pushed for our individual excellence. I will never forget at my younger age (early elementary) when I refuse to go to school and would rather stay at home and cut classes. It was you Papa who took it up and made sure I was in school even with my tears. I still come home at the end of the day appreciated and encouraged by you and mama. At the time, I was not doing very well in school, you gave me hope. That hope lived on in me and has translated to success for me and my family. What I have learnt from you I am trying very hard to pass on to my family and kids trying to follow your footsteps.

You have left the family in peace and unity. Papa, you were the most humble and God fearing father. You have left an indelible mark, a legacy that will live on. Adieu Papa!  We miss you!

Upon your last wishes on earth, we will continue to take care of Mama and the family will always be together. We love you. Rest in Peace.

Uchenna Madu (5th Son)