Wilmot you bade us goodbye a year ago but your memories have really been a blessing to all those you left behind especially Bede, your children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and friends.
It shows how important and valuable you were.
We know and accept that you are in that special place prepared for you long time. We shall meet someday on that beautiful shore when we shall part no more in the Sweet bye and bye, sleep and rest forever. Your good friend Kole

Today we remember our dear Uncle Wilmot, my Daddy. What a great , kind and loving person he was. May his soul Rest In Peace and may God continue to comfort us all in Jesus name

Oguntola my brother I miss you so dearly, continue to Rest In Peace till we meet again

TRIBUTE FROM GRANDCHILDREN


“I love my Grandfather and once I heard the news I could only believe that he was finally in a better place. I thought back to my many memories of him and all our exciting times. For example the one time I had a tummy ache and he "brushed" it down for me. I remember following Grandpa on one of his shopping errands and he let me sit next to him because I really really really wanted to be a driver. And while half of my memories may be gone they continue to live on through me because I could see from my young age that Grandpa had a strong sense of family and I intend to show that to my own kids and grandkids. I love Grandpa and I am thankful for all he has done for me and my family. He will be greatly missed because he WAS a great man.” Meiya

“Grandpa was a very good and wise man, he always reminded me of the wise turtle in kung fu panda. He will always be in my heart and may his soul rest in perfect peace.” Jasmine

“Grandpa, you were a wonderful, God fearing man who vastly surpassed the role as a grandpa. You were always so kind to me and my family and always brought the best moves on the dance floor. I remember the time when you came in 2019 to visit us in Virginia. During that time, we went to Washington DC and had a great time seeing all of the sights. Grandpa, you will be missed greatly. “ Jianna

“The Bible says we do not mourn as those without hope. So, instead we celebrate the life of our dear grandpa Wilmot. I am so grateful to have known and spent time with grandpa. Whenever he would visit us, I was always fascinated to hear his life stories and blessed by his words of wisdom. Grandpa always lit up the room with his contagious laugh and youthful dance moves! I still remember when he got me the highest pair of heels I own because he knew it would make me happy. When he visited us in 2019, I was studying for a medical school entrance exam and he constantly cheered me on. And when I received my acceptance into school, he started calling me “Dr. John” and continued encouraging me. Grandpa believed in each of his grandchildren and always told us to do our best for God and to try our hardest in our academics and in all our endeavors. Grandpa was a joy to be around and I thank God for his life. Grandpa Wilmot, you will be greatly missed.” Yasmin

“Grandpa was a man who embodied hardwork and dedication, he inspired me to strive to succeed on everything I decide to focus on. I love him, miss him and hope to make him proud.” Tetteh

“When I think of Grandpa Wilmot’s life, I think first of a full life, a life well-lived. The Bible doesn’t only promise us long life, but length of days, which speaks to a sense of holistic fulfillment with each passing day. It is not easy to accomplish the things that he accomplished. Nonetheless, as opposed to other men whose success may come at the expense of their family or their faith, I am heartened at the fact that Grandpa always placed God and his family at the forefront. I have so many memories of dancing, laughing, and speaking with him. Whenever he’d visit us I was always struck by the genuine interest he took in my studies and passions; we’d talk about politics, poetry, and so much more. I’ll never forget the warmth of those conversations and the depth of advice he gave. And with the same affability and grace that he conversed with me, Grandpa conversed and interacted with so many others. His impact on the lives of others will live long after he is gone, and this too is a mark of a life well-lived. And even now as he is being laid to rest, I implore us all to hold fast to his final words, especially during these trying times: “faith” and “hope.” May he rest in perfect peace.” Nathan

“Though I will miss Grandpa a whole lot, I can so clearly hear what he would tell me to do in this situation. Every memory I have of him highlights his faith, focus, acumen, humility, strength, kindness and love, family orientedness, style and originality - all of which I look forward to passing on to my grandchildren someday if God allows.” Daniel

Grandpa was a Grandpa! Joel

“The Lord giveth and he taketh. All the troubles of this world are over for you now. We would have loved you to be with us around a little more but God had his plans. You lived a rich and full life. I want to personally Thank God for your life on this Earth. Thanks for all the advice and words of wisdom which will remain with me forever. I pray and trust Almighty God will grant you a room in heaven. Till we meet again, Godspeed & Rest In Eternal Glory. Amen.” Ryan

“The grandest of pas, with open arms you received others and showed the love of a father, now in the arms of the Father and eternally loved. You will be dearly missed.”
Kuukua

“I enjoyed my grandpa Wilmot's visits to London and felt glad to have him and Grandma Bede close. I will always remember on one such visit grandpa donning his cap and heading out the front door for a walk around the neighborhood. I thought wow, grandpa has do much strength and energy! Grandpa was also really down to earth, talkative, and cheerful. I wish I could've had more time with him. Still, whilst I will miss him here on earth, I am filled with joy knowing he is with our Lord and Abba Father in pristine robes of white, and that we will surely see him again in heaven. God has taken him home. Shalom.” Ama-sita

Grandpa, from the mouths of those closest, I have heard how you have loved others as you have loved yourself. I thank God for his enablement for you to live and leave a godly life to exemplify. We love and cherish you! Ayeisha and Tochi




Our memories of grandpa Wilmot are filled with warm smiles that made the smallest of babes feel at ease. We treasure your kind nature, and remember your wonderful dance moves and miss you, but look forward to that moment we will all be reunited. Kweku and Fiona

There was a special aura around him if you met him. I interacted with him whenever he visited us at church during his visit to his son Rev Wilmot in Richmond,Virginia. He was very down to earth and once he recounted to me the few years he lived in Ghana during the Nkrumah era studying at the now Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Very affable humble gentleman though he was father figure and one who had walked the corridors of influence. He will be dearly missed by all of us who came close to him.
Rest well Sir Wilmot John in the bosom of your Maker.

My dear daddy and friend, fare thee well, Ghanaian community in the Gambia will forever be grateful for giving us your daughter as wife and your son as a husband. We love you, but God your maker loves you most
May the Almighty grant you eternal rest,

Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. RIP Uncle Wilmot. We will pray for him as he prayed for us. We will never forget you. May God give him eternal rest. It is well.

When I try to single out the one person who has inspired, encouraged, loved and helped me, it is you Grandpa! Who in this world can take your place Grandpa? Your visits to the US were always filled with joy. I grew up without grandparents and never knew the love of a grandfather till I met you. Thank you for taking care of me from afar. I know you can no longer stay with us. You fought long and hard. Although I can't hear your voice or see your smile, I know deep down in my heart that you have not left me "We don't sorrow as others do because we know you have fallen asleep and on that day God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus" (1 thessalonians 4:14) My greatest comfort in this time of despair is knowing that you are now at peace with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So as time passes, my tears will dry, my heart will mend but my love for you will never end. Till we meet again "nelawal bubah". Sleep well!!

Tribute to uncle Wilmot

Dearest Uncle Wilmot, my memory of you goes back to when I was about 4-5 years old. When you married my aunty BD, you embraced her entire family.

My earliest memories of you was of you and our aunty BD taking my sister, Lucy and I to the seaside in Freetown as little children; what fun we had. You were just the uncle anyone would wish for and much more. I could, if I had the space, produce a dossier of the countless acts of love and kindness you showed us over the years.

In time you became the patriach of our 'mama Small family.' We enjoyed many great family times with you and aunty BD coming over to the UK to join us, your children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, for our annual family get togethers. Covid-19 didnt stop you either, you were right there with us on Zoom on 15th August 2020.You were also always active in our family WhatsApp group, blessing us with your quiet humour and wisdom. An amazing human being and role model to us all, especially the men folk in the family.
In the words of Emeasoba George :

"The greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is to positively impact the lives of others. Whenever you add value to other people's lives, you are unknowingly leaving footprints on the sands of time that live on, even after your demise."

Uncle Wilmot, your legacy is your positive impact on so many lives. You have indeed left footprints on the sands of time that live on for posterity.
We will forever hold fond memories of you.
May light perpetual continue to shine on you;
And may God grant you eternal peace

FARE THEE WELL SIR WILMOT JOHN

The late Mr Wilmot John and my late father were best of friends during their secondary school days at the Sierra Leone Grammar School in Freetown. I guess it was no wonder after I was born that Mr Wilmot was picked to be one of my godfathers. His dear wife, Miss Bidi, is my godmother.

As a boy growing up, I visited the home of the Johns frequently and was always welcomed with love and affection and treated as their son. I was too little to have knowledge of the context behind such warmth. Mr Wilmot was always smiling and engaged me in discussions in a jovial manner.

After the family left for The Gambia, Mr Wilmot and Miss Bidi came and looked me up on several occasions when they were visiting Freetown, and I remember very well that those visits were very joyous moments for me; they were treasured.

The friendship between Mr Wilmot and my father continued right to the time of my father's passing 18 months ago, even though both lived in different countries, and by extension our godfather-godson relationship was active right to the
end - more than 60 years - even though we both lived in different countries. He will be sorely missed.

May your beautiful soul Rest In Peace, Mr Wilmot.

My sincere condolences to Miss Bidi, the children and the extended family.

Joseph Roy-Aikins Jr
Johannesburg, South Africa.

In memory of Sir Wilmot Winford Oguntola Benjamin John

Poem written by Kashopeh Thomas, in London on behalf of Biso, Eberunkeh and Catherine (All in London)

When the last bell rings
Uncle Oguntola, we are so far away.
But Jesus is near, to take you there
By his side, where you belong.

When the last bell rings
Uncle Wilmot, we are so far away.
You worked well, as a brilliant economist and an ambassador.
Well done husband, dad, grandad, cousin,uncle and friend.
We all love you,but Jesus loves you best.

When the last bell rings
Uncle Wynford we are so far away
You cared for all and lived a blessed life.
Brought family together, you an anchor of peace. These tasks made easy, your wisdom admired.

When the last bell rings
Uncle Benjamin, we are so far away.
Handsome and manly, always cheerful, you served well and played the game.
The game of life's journey you taught many.
Goodbye uncle, sleep and take your rest.

FARE THEE WELL, SIR WILMOT.
To B D, the children and family members, please accept our heartfelt condolences for this irreparable loss of a great man. He will forever be missed by all; but at the going down of the sun, and the rising up of the same, we must continue to remember him always. Sleep on Willie and take your rest. May the Lord be with you, till we meet again. From Mickie & Rica.

To Grandpa from Jianna

Grandpa, you were a wonderful, God fearing man who vastly surpassed the role as a grandpa. You were always so kind to me and my family and always brought the best moves on the dance floor. I remember the time when you came in 2019 to visit us in Virginia. During that time, we went to Washington DC and had a great time seeing all of the sights. Grandpa, you will be missed greatly. Love Jianna.

Oguntola was a dear brother and friend having known him since we were teenagers growing up in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He was a gentleman of noble character, integrity, dependability, trustworthy, and a sincere and decent person. He had a pleasant personality and those smiles of his is what I will surely miss. Our teenage days were glorious happy days. On behalf of the Macauley family at home and abroad, we extend our deepest and sincere condolences to BD, the children, grand children and the John family of The Gambia.  You are not alone, our prayers are with you. Oguntola, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace till we meet again on that beautiful shore. Sleep and take your rest.
Titilola Macauley Barrow
NC, USA

To Aunty Bidi, Cobola, Aisha and Omar, the grandchildren of Uncle Wilmot, family, our sincere condolences on the passing of Uncle Wilmot. Whilst we morn his passing, we celebrate his life. A life lived helping others, full of joy. A life of distinction. I can always remember his characteristic laugh.
He was a man the likes of whom you ever rarely meet in a generation. He wasn't a man full of airs but full of grace, kindness and compassion. During our school days he would go out of his way to pick us up and rather than use the shortest route to go to Shell where he worked would go through Banjul to drop us off at school.
Indeed I owe my first job to him.
Even during challenging times in my family he was always there, always giving his time and support.
So whilst we morn with you, we rejoice for a life lived fully, for his legacy left behind for us to follow. For great friendships with his Children.
And to Aunty Bidi, we pray God covers you with his wings of love and comfort during this time in Jesus' name.

The Bible says we do not mourn as those without hope. So, instead we celebrate the life of our dear grandpa Wilmot. I am so grateful to have known and spent time with grandpa. Whenever he would visit us, I was always fascinated to hear his life stories and blessed by his words of wisdom. Grandpa always lit up the room with his contagious laugh and youthful dance moves! I still remember when he got me the highest pair of heels I own because he knew it would make me happy. When he visited us in 2019, I was studying for a medical school entrance exam and he constantly cheered me on. And when I received my acceptance into school, he started calling me “Dr. John” and continued encouraging me. Grandpa believed in each of his grandchildren and always told us to do our best for God and to try our hardest in our academics and in all our endeavors. Grandpa was a joy to be around and I thank God for his life.

Grandpa Wilmot, you will be greatly missed.

When I think of Grandpa Wilmot’s life, I think first of a full life, a life well-lived. The Bible doesn’t only promise us long life, but length of days, which speaks to a sense of holistic fulfillment with each passing day. It is not easy to accomplish the things that he accomplished. Nonetheless, as opposed to other men whose success may come at the expense of their family or their faith, I am heartened at the fact that Grandpa always placed God and his family at the forefront. I have so many memories of dancing, laughing, and speaking with him. Whenever he’d visit us I was always struck by the genuine interest he took in my studies and passions; we’d talk about politics, poetry, and so much more. I’ll never forget the warmth of those conversations and the depth of advice he gave. And with the same affability and grace with which he conversed with me, Grandpa conversed and interacted with so many others. His impact on the lives of others will live long after he is gone, and this too is a mark of a life well-lived. And even now as he is being laid to rest, I implore us all to hold fast to his final words, especially during these trying times: “faith” and “hope.” May he rest in perfect peace. 

Uncle Wilmot RIPP.

Uncle Wilmot was a gentleman, caring, kind and lovely. He was a father figure to me.
He offered me my first job at Shell Company. He was a good listener, supportive and would go out of his way to make sure that you are okay.
Whenever they came to London he would always contact me. During their most recent visit to London he contacted me and they came to visit me on the 3rd January 2020, where he met my husband and my daughter. We enjoyed their company so much after such a long time.
Uncle Wilmot was a easy going person who always had a smile on his face - I have never seen him angry.
On behalf of the ELLIS FAMILY in London please accept my deepest condolences for your loss - he will be greatly missed. 
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. Rest Uncle Wilmot in the bosom of God. Till we meet again, Amen!

Indeed, this is a life worth celebrating. A life of simplicity, hard work, integrity and gentleness. This is how a friend of mine who knew him described him when I told her of his passing - “He was such a fine mine”. I cannot agree with her more! So true!
He was a family man and provided the support expected of the head of a family. Your life example speaks volume.
Thank you for the bread supply anytime I was in Gambia, thank you for ensuring the clearing of my car, thank you for your general interest in people and thank you for your smile.
Yes, he did not appear to have been in the best of health when I went to say goodbye before traveling out of Gambia on January 6, but little did I know that that would be the last time we would physically meet.
Sleep on Mr. Oguntola and may the good Lord usher you into His eternal kingdom.

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime
And departing leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time

Wilmot Oguntola is one of the greats that has left his footprints. He was noble, diligent and sincere. He was a friend of the Macauley family of Thomas Street in Freetown.
We shared beautiful times together as youngsters with his wife Bidi, my sister Lola and late Ekow.
I got him interested in photography, as amateurs we had something to discuss about.
Time and distance sometimes separate us but where there is true friendship, we caught up and kept in touch until his demise.
To Bidi and the entire family, on behalf of the Macauley families I extend our sincere condolences to you.
Wilmot may you rise in Christ and rest in peace and may your memories be a blessing to your family.

Sir Wilmot Oguntola W B John, a dear and close friend and brother. A Patriarch. A man of Integrity, Trustworthiness, Dependability and Sincerity. A Decent man. A GENTLEMAN. Wilmot, you will be sorely missed by friends world wide. Rest in Power Oguntola.Sleep and take your rest. Our Love and Prayers go to Aunty Bede and the family. May his soul RIPP & light perpetual shine on him & on the faithful departed.
The Windsor Greene Family
Bambara Spring
Freetown

We will miss Wilmot, a gentle and soft spoken soul. We pray his soul rest in perfect peace, and light perpetual shine on him! May his soul rise in glory. We pray Bede and the family are comforted by the Holy Spirit! Amen!

The SPENCER FAMILY of West Street , Freetown Sierra Leone

FARE THEE WELL, SIR WILMOT

Sir Wilmot Oguntola John was one of the most humble people that I have had the privilege of knowing. A sincere soul who I cannot recall submitting himself to anger. A truly great Gambian who served his country well and asked for nothing in return. A keen observer of all things Sierra Leonean who was steeped in the history of the land of his forebears. An outstanding Regentonian, a fellow alumnus of the oldest secondary school in West Africa. A fellow parishioner at St Paul's Fajara. My mentor at the Banjul Dinner Club and the Rotary Club of Banjul.

He will be very missed, but his destination is certain: to the loving bosom of the God whose people he served with distinction.

Non Sibi Sed Omnibus - Not for Self but for Everyone - this ancient calling and motto of our sister school describes the enlightened and civic life that he lived. 

Fare thee well, Uncle Wilmot: the humble Knight.

Sir Wilmot entered the domain of his Maker on Saturday 27 February 2021 aged 84 years.

From Dr. Omodele Jones Banjul The Gambia and a fellow Regentonian.