The shy, athletic, and reserved boy went about his business with a quiet passion. Resiliently pushing ahead with each of his tasks he never let the troubles of the world bother him, whether he was studying or learning a new acrobatic trick in his primary school days in Buea, or diligently preparing for a seminar as a seasoned professional in his later years. Teke Peter Mokube was his name. He became fondly referred to as ‘T’.
He loved humming and whistling to his favorite songs. You knew he was happy then. He took to enjoying everything he did in that same unabashed inner peace and joy; no matter how hard he had to work for it. He was simply and unapologetically grateful for each opportunity. He loved solving Mathematics problems and applied himself with great passion as a student in St. Joseph’s College, Sasse where he steadily built up a belief in his capabilities pushing his way up the academic ladder graduating with his Ordinary Levels G.C.E. in 1983. Not once did he let that belief become a burden to his success but he used it to encourage, push and pull those around him to their own new heights. A true inspiration he was. This is the same passion he gave to his relationships with his friends, family and other loved ones. He was always willing to share his experiences, knowledge, wisdom, enjoyable stories, book smart and anything he had just to make others’ lives more pleasurable or simply take away their worries. His patience and calm demeanor were unprecedented but he put it to very good use as a coach and advisor to others. This was the package of a young man who attended CCAST Bambili in 1984 and graduated two years’ later in 1986 with his Advanced Level G.C.E.
His amazing journey took him to the UK, first to City University in London where he studied Mathematical Science and then to the University of Sheffield where he earned his Masters’ degree. It allowed him to spread his version of good cheer, touching more lives in a very positive way and building more relationships in the process. ‘T’ was one for cherishing and nurturing his relationships. Never one to hold grudges, he would always take the opportunity to meet or greet his ever-expanding army of friends. His loyalty knew no bounds. He was recognized and very admired for that trait. He also maintained the same laid back and unflustered demeanor as a young man. It was tempting to be dismissive about this side of him but with his calmness, he blessed his immediate company and even his worst critics with a sense that all will be well. For sure, his non-judgmental attitude and unselfish ways coupled with his kind heart made him very endearing to those he touched. Post-studies, living in London, he was relentless with kindness and respect in how he treated friends and family. These values extended even to his sports where he would not hesitate to give up his spot in the local football team to others so that they could have fun too. It was rumored that he did not like the cold so stepping out of the field gave him a chance to dress warm and stay on the sideline. The cold was never a hindrance when it came to a healthy scoop of a good vanilla ice cream though. ‘T’ was always sharing and encouraging others but he never let a loss or set back bring down his cheerful spirit.
His choice to return to Cameroon in the early 90’s from a London that was not friendly to his job and career pursuits was a tough one but showed his decisiveness and was as far as his risk-taking would go. He enjoyed a very good stint as an administrator in the University of Buea, becoming very loved by the student body. He continued to do what ‘T’ did best: Be kind, gentle, compassionate, respectful and dedicated. Graduates from that university still fondly remember “that quiet, kind man”. He had grown from the boy ‘T’ to Uncle ‘T’. He was blessed and justly rewarded with a role with the IT Security team working for the government of Cameroon, a role that saw him globe trot across continents. As he expanded his portfolio with his travels, so he did too with the wealth of his relationships. He always stayed in touch with family and friends during all these travels, and enriched lives when he was in their cities. He blessed their homes and hearts by always physically spending time with them, leaving behind a trove of memories and love. One thing he always looked forward to most of all however, was going back home to his beloved wife, Electa and their beautiful children in Yaoundé.
Uncle ‘T’ epitomized what it means to be part of a family or being a friend, loving all equally. He leaves everyone who knew him in awe how one could be so good in this sinful, crazy and jealous world. He lived his Christian faith and walked everyday with the kind of love we all dream about as written in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. “ 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”
From his last travel barely three weeks to his passing, he brought back a tee-shirt for his niece which she wore only after his passing with the words “Wake me up in paradise” where he is now for sure. He leaves behind loved ones dreaming of living like he did. For the lessons he taught everyone he touched, family and friends, it is easy to believe those words Uncle ‘T’ shared although the path is tough to follow. We will all try to live these lessons of love and believe that we will see you in paradise.
