This memorial site was created in memory of our loved one, Mr. Willy George Etchu Tabi who transitioned to eternal rest on Friday June 14th 2019 in Boston, MA after long battle with diabetes and end stage renal disease.
Born in Besongabang, Manyu Division, he is predeceased in death by both parents, Pa Hans Tabiayukaya and Ma Lucy Enowagboraraw, his brothers, Mathias, Ivoh, Eyong; sister Rose Etaka Tabi and daughter Cornelia Tiku-enoh Tabi. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Becky Tabi, children; Stanley, Gerald, Lambert, Germaine, Noella & Cecilia and 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, four brothers, an extended family and friends to celebrate his life. The brave and legendary W.G.E TABI now trails in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior. We will remember him forever.
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FUNERAL PROGRAM - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2019
AIRPORT INFORMATION: Both Airports at equidistant to hotels and event sites
** Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
** Manchester Regional Airport (MHT)
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HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BOSTON-ANDOVER (RECEPTION SITE)
Address: 123 Old River Rd, Andover, MA 01810
Please use reservation link to book for overnight accommodations. http://group.doubletree.com/tabicelebration
Or call the hotel directly at 978-975-3600 to make reservations with the Front Desk. You can use code ‘TAB’ or reference the Tabi Celebration of Life.
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COURTYARD BY MARRIOT BOSTON-ANDOVER
Address: 10 Campanelli Drive, Andover, MA 01810
Reservations - Tel: 855-270-4661
Group Code: TABI Celebration of Life for discounted rates.
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LAQUINTA INN & SUITES
Address: 131 River Road, Andover, MA 01810
Reservation: Tel: 978-685-6200
Group Code: TABI Celebration of Life .
*************************************************************************************************
SONESTA ES SUITES BOSTON-ANDOVER
Address: 4 Tech Drive, Andover, MA 01810
Reservation - Tel: 978-686-2000
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FAMILY CONTACTS:
Becky Tabi: 508-521-5677 Pa Ngasu E.B: 770-925-5041
Stanley Tabi: 617-388-1260 Kareen Tabi: 219-902-4809
Gerald Tabi: 617-276-7542 Magdelene Tabi: 617-276-7541
Lambert Tabi: 617-785-7312 Maggie Takang: 346-218-6587
Ruphous Takang: 617-319-8444 Benen Takang: 617-319-8445
Trevon Takang: 857-505-5970 Esther Takor: 857-928-6761
Elza Tabi Etchu 857-615-5712
Born in Besongabang, Manyu Division, he is predeceased in death by both parents, Pa Hans Tabiayukaya and Ma Lucy Enowagboraraw, his brothers, Mathias, Ivoh, Eyong; sister Rose Etaka Tabi and daughter Cornelia Tiku-enoh Tabi. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Becky Tabi, children; Stanley, Gerald, Lambert, Germaine, Noella & Cecilia and 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, four brothers, an extended family and friends to celebrate his life. The brave and legendary W.G.E TABI now trails in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior. We will remember him forever.
*****************************************************************************************************
FUNERAL PROGRAM - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
- VIEWING: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019
- Faggas Funeral Home, 553 Mt Auburn Street, Watertown, MA
- Time: 4:00PM EST
- WAKE & VIRGIL: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23rd 2019
- Hellenic Cultural Center: 41 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854
- Time: 8:00PM - 1:00AM
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2019
- Venue: Eliot Presbyterian Church; 273 Summer Street, Lowell, MA 01852
- Church Viewing: 2:00 PM EST Service: 3:00PM
- REPAST DINNER
- Venue: Doubletree By Hilton Hotel: 123 Old River Road, Andover, MA 01810
- Time: 6:00 PM EST
AIRPORT INFORMATION: Both Airports at equidistant to hotels and event sites
** Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
** Manchester Regional Airport (MHT)
****************************************************************************************************
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BOSTON-ANDOVER (RECEPTION SITE)
Address: 123 Old River Rd, Andover, MA 01810
Please use reservation link to book for overnight accommodations. http://group.doubletree.com/tabicelebration
Or call the hotel directly at 978-975-3600 to make reservations with the Front Desk. You can use code ‘TAB’ or reference the Tabi Celebration of Life.
**************************************************************************************************
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT BOSTON-ANDOVER
Address: 10 Campanelli Drive, Andover, MA 01810
Reservations - Tel: 855-270-4661
Group Code: TABI Celebration of Life for discounted rates.
**************************************************************************************************
LAQUINTA INN & SUITES
Address: 131 River Road, Andover, MA 01810
Reservation: Tel: 978-685-6200
Group Code: TABI Celebration of Life .
*************************************************************************************************
SONESTA ES SUITES BOSTON-ANDOVER
Address: 4 Tech Drive, Andover, MA 01810
Reservation - Tel: 978-686-2000
*************************************************************************************************
FAMILY CONTACTS:
Becky Tabi: 508-521-5677 Pa Ngasu E.B: 770-925-5041
Stanley Tabi: 617-388-1260 Kareen Tabi: 219-902-4809
Gerald Tabi: 617-276-7542 Magdelene Tabi: 617-276-7541
Lambert Tabi: 617-785-7312 Maggie Takang: 346-218-6587
Ruphous Takang: 617-319-8444 Benen Takang: 617-319-8445
Trevon Takang: 857-505-5970 Esther Takor: 857-928-6761
Elza Tabi Etchu 857-615-5712
Tributes
Leave a tribute
December 5, 2022
December 5, 2022
Dad to my good friend and classmate, Dobell - I want to guess you don’t know Stanley’s Grammar School Mamfe nickname is Dobell. I was never privileged to meet you but I have since after your transition to the world of your ancestors learned a lot about you and your loving wife and the family you left behind. All say you were a great humanist, loving husband and father and we - those who knew you while on earth and those like me who’ve come to know you after your passing, will forever remember you as such. You are forever missed!
June 14, 2020
June 14, 2020
. I cannot say how much we miss you. It’s 1 year today since your departure. Continue to Rest In Peace with our Holy God. You fought a good fight until the end. Pa, please continue to be our guiding angle , watching over this family. No weapon fashion against this family shall ever prosper In Jesus Holy Name. Protect all grand children in the family. Guide them, keep them safe from harm. Until we meet again. Papa. Light your light, and continue to shine with those who’s lives you touch and made a difference.
August 16, 2019
August 16, 2019
Most people called him Mr. Tabi, W.G.E but I called him Brother Willie and he called me Sister Ann. Brother Willie was a hard-working, intelligent, caring, respectful and very thoughtful person and faithful husband. He was very close to her friends and family. I remember as we were growing up how he took care of his step brothers/sisters as if they were his kids and his step mother Mama Lucy. Brother Willie was loving and real. He was a wonderful husband to his wife and father to their children and laid a strong foundation full of values for them.
In 1987 when I heard he has come to the US and was in Ohio, I was so excited because that was the only close relative I had here at that time. Our very first reunion was unforgettable. After his undergraduate degree, in Ohio, he moved to Indiana a neighboring state to Illinois where I lived. While at Indiana State University we spent most of the holidays together in Joliet, Illinois. He taught me some things like how to balance career and family. But one of the most important thing/value he taught me was how to love and be there for your friends/family and also to give/share the little you have. With his salary as a teaching assistant at Indiana State University, he was always ready to buy new/fairly used clothes, shoes, and books for his wife, children and family. He loved his wife and children so dearly. I remember one Saturday we went to this huge open door garage sale and most of the things he bought were for his wife, Sister Becky as we call her and the kids. As we walked to another shade, there was this beautiful purse that I also liked and he bought it for his wife. I then turned to him and said, what have you bought for yourself so far? And he replied “Becky is suffering so much at home with our kids so this is the least I can do for them”. Those words brought tears in my eyes and stuck in my mind for years. Brother Willie, I can still see the boxes and bags of clothes, shoes and books in our basement as if it was yesterday.
He loved to dance and have a good time as you can see in some of the pictures we had together. I and my friends loved to have him around because of his talents, charismatic nature and contagious smile and laughter. His quest for knowledge at his age inspired me to be where I am today academically. He was always willing to give advice and share his personal experiences back home and in the US with us. I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.
I hope he forgives me for not being there during his last days/challenging times. I and my brother Simon planned to go visit him in April 2019, but it never materialized.
He fought a good fight with love and care from his wife, children and family. His beautiful spirit will live on through his children/grand children, and they will always know how much he loved them. He tried with all his heart to stay for them, but God called him and he had to go. His magnetic smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Brother Willie, I will miss you forever and never forget all of the time we spent together.
Sister Ann Assam.
In 1987 when I heard he has come to the US and was in Ohio, I was so excited because that was the only close relative I had here at that time. Our very first reunion was unforgettable. After his undergraduate degree, in Ohio, he moved to Indiana a neighboring state to Illinois where I lived. While at Indiana State University we spent most of the holidays together in Joliet, Illinois. He taught me some things like how to balance career and family. But one of the most important thing/value he taught me was how to love and be there for your friends/family and also to give/share the little you have. With his salary as a teaching assistant at Indiana State University, he was always ready to buy new/fairly used clothes, shoes, and books for his wife, children and family. He loved his wife and children so dearly. I remember one Saturday we went to this huge open door garage sale and most of the things he bought were for his wife, Sister Becky as we call her and the kids. As we walked to another shade, there was this beautiful purse that I also liked and he bought it for his wife. I then turned to him and said, what have you bought for yourself so far? And he replied “Becky is suffering so much at home with our kids so this is the least I can do for them”. Those words brought tears in my eyes and stuck in my mind for years. Brother Willie, I can still see the boxes and bags of clothes, shoes and books in our basement as if it was yesterday.
He loved to dance and have a good time as you can see in some of the pictures we had together. I and my friends loved to have him around because of his talents, charismatic nature and contagious smile and laughter. His quest for knowledge at his age inspired me to be where I am today academically. He was always willing to give advice and share his personal experiences back home and in the US with us. I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.
I hope he forgives me for not being there during his last days/challenging times. I and my brother Simon planned to go visit him in April 2019, but it never materialized.
He fought a good fight with love and care from his wife, children and family. His beautiful spirit will live on through his children/grand children, and they will always know how much he loved them. He tried with all his heart to stay for them, but God called him and he had to go. His magnetic smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Brother Willie, I will miss you forever and never forget all of the time we spent together.
Sister Ann Assam.
August 12, 2019
August 12, 2019
The product of a tree or plant tells a story of how good or bad the tree or plant was. Pa'a offsprings are a testament of who Pa Tabi was. A loving, caring kind-hearted and family-oriented man is the description that fits Pa Tabi as I knew him. I remember his counsel to me about the importance of education while in Cameroon. Pa admired my football playing skills but cautioned me that I will not achieve anything playing football. I learned a lot from Pa when I spent over a year with him at our home in Georgia. Pa stressed to me the importance of family and narrated stories about our families in Mkpot quarters in Besongabang. My family enjoyed Pa short stay with us in GA. Pa charming smile was something that lit a room. My entire family wishes Pa to rest in perfect. TheTabi family should stay healthy during this trying period, and be comforted by Pa's achievements because he fought a good fight. Pa rest well till we meet again.
August 4, 2019
August 4, 2019
Tribute to my Father-in-Law
“Pa”, as I called him was one of the warmest and kindest people I have ever known. In the 13 years that I've been his daughter-in-law, he was always warm and lovely towards me. Whether it's extending greetings or engaging in conversations, he did it with a smile. During our moments alone together from the chatter of family members, during our drives to dialysis in Weymouth, our drives to appointments in Boston, etc, he would delight in discussions about numerous topics from his grand children to his time in Jackson Mississippi. He was incredibly easy to talk to and a gifted listener.
My fondest memories in our conversation have always been about your stay in Jackson, Mississippi. He was very open-minded and inclusive. He made us, especially my late mother feel comfortable and welcome. Pa taught me to enjoy life everyday, show people you care and seek sunshine wherever I go. Pa, your grand children (Arianna, Ethan and Briella) miss you everyday. They ask after you from time to time and would often say “grandpa is in heaven with granny”. We love and miss you very much. Thank you for the love you showed my kids and I. Sleep well!
Magdalene Tabi
Daughter-in-law
“Pa”, as I called him was one of the warmest and kindest people I have ever known. In the 13 years that I've been his daughter-in-law, he was always warm and lovely towards me. Whether it's extending greetings or engaging in conversations, he did it with a smile. During our moments alone together from the chatter of family members, during our drives to dialysis in Weymouth, our drives to appointments in Boston, etc, he would delight in discussions about numerous topics from his grand children to his time in Jackson Mississippi. He was incredibly easy to talk to and a gifted listener.
My fondest memories in our conversation have always been about your stay in Jackson, Mississippi. He was very open-minded and inclusive. He made us, especially my late mother feel comfortable and welcome. Pa taught me to enjoy life everyday, show people you care and seek sunshine wherever I go. Pa, your grand children (Arianna, Ethan and Briella) miss you everyday. They ask after you from time to time and would often say “grandpa is in heaven with granny”. We love and miss you very much. Thank you for the love you showed my kids and I. Sleep well!
Magdalene Tabi
Daughter-in-law
August 3, 2019
August 3, 2019
Pa,
You were a great man from the greatest generation. A father who lived his values, teacher of all things with a simple methodology. You lived and taught by example. Your character is the foundation of our consciences. You had endless teachings to us and those around you. You were strong in body, spirit and commitment. You did your best and fulfilled every obligation you undertook and you were responsible to the very end. You engaged everyone and the world as a man who would be its master. You were a man with a quiet dignity, respecting yourself the way you respected others. You were the rock of the Tabi family and shoulder we leaned on. You loved a good joke, including every imaginable kind of ethnic joke; yet, your humor was never mean-spirited nor designed to hurt or humiliate, You never treated anyone of any station with anything other than respect and kindness. A loyal and faithful father especially to important people in your world. You were a father who didn't make an enemy. Even though you most surely came across people you couldn't countenance, you had the medicine to their problems and always gave them the right dose. We feel so blessed to have you as a father and we graciously thank you for the wonderful life you gave us. Get well-rested knowing fully well that you accomplished your work on earth. Until we meet to part no more, we got nothing but love for you Pa.
It's me you son,
Gerald A. Tabi
You were a great man from the greatest generation. A father who lived his values, teacher of all things with a simple methodology. You lived and taught by example. Your character is the foundation of our consciences. You had endless teachings to us and those around you. You were strong in body, spirit and commitment. You did your best and fulfilled every obligation you undertook and you were responsible to the very end. You engaged everyone and the world as a man who would be its master. You were a man with a quiet dignity, respecting yourself the way you respected others. You were the rock of the Tabi family and shoulder we leaned on. You loved a good joke, including every imaginable kind of ethnic joke; yet, your humor was never mean-spirited nor designed to hurt or humiliate, You never treated anyone of any station with anything other than respect and kindness. A loyal and faithful father especially to important people in your world. You were a father who didn't make an enemy. Even though you most surely came across people you couldn't countenance, you had the medicine to their problems and always gave them the right dose. We feel so blessed to have you as a father and we graciously thank you for the wonderful life you gave us. Get well-rested knowing fully well that you accomplished your work on earth. Until we meet to part no more, we got nothing but love for you Pa.
It's me you son,
Gerald A. Tabi
August 2, 2019
August 2, 2019
Pa Willy George Tabi, your smiles, calm demeanor and gentleness always illuminate me whenever I am around you. For all the years I have known you never knew you were my namesake. I am proud to know now that I shared the same name with such a gentleman who always speaks impeccable English. Pa Willy George Tabi, we will you a peaceful repose in the bosom of the lord. Adieu Pa!!!
July 2, 2019
July 2, 2019
Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return...Genesis 3:19
Pa as I fondly called you. you have left us with unforgettable memories. Jayden, Aiden and Braden wishes their farewell. All the little treats and time spent with them (grand children) will be greatly missed. You have fought a good fight and you are now resting peacefully in the bosom of the lord. Adieu/fare well papa/grandpa until we meet again.
Pa as I fondly called you. you have left us with unforgettable memories. Jayden, Aiden and Braden wishes their farewell. All the little treats and time spent with them (grand children) will be greatly missed. You have fought a good fight and you are now resting peacefully in the bosom of the lord. Adieu/fare well papa/grandpa until we meet again.
July 2, 2019
July 2, 2019
To the ETCHU TABI family at home and abroad, please accept the sympathy of the entire Besongabang community at home on the transition of your beloved father and our son, Willy George ETCHU TABI. His prolonged suffering from ill-health is now over. May he rest in peace with our Lord. We are confident that your family will continue to wax strong in perpetuation of his cherished legacy.
June 29, 2019
June 29, 2019
To: The Tabis
Accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dad. We will never forget that smile, that voice and conviviality of W.G's. May you find solace in the wonderful moments you enjoyed with him during his life on earth. RIP, W. G. E.
Accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dad. We will never forget that smile, that voice and conviviality of W.G's. May you find solace in the wonderful moments you enjoyed with him during his life on earth. RIP, W. G. E.
June 29, 2019
June 29, 2019
Popsi, as I always call u,words can't express the emptiness I feel but I know you are resting in the bossom of the Lord. You have always been an inspiration to us ur children. That beautiful smile that glows and melts our hearts even when we are angry. Ur dreams to go further ur education can not be over emphasized ,one thing is for sure,where u stopped we ur children shall continue from there. I would have
never wished for a better father than you. U are one great fighter I haven't seen, u fought the good fight of faith but for the fact that no one can beat dead.I love and will for ever love and miss you. You are my super HERO.REST WITH THE LORD Dad. Adieu papa . (lots of love. Son. Lambert tabi
never wished for a better father than you. U are one great fighter I haven't seen, u fought the good fight of faith but for the fact that no one can beat dead.I love and will for ever love and miss you. You are my super HERO.REST WITH THE LORD Dad. Adieu papa . (lots of love. Son. Lambert tabi
June 26, 2019
June 26, 2019
Thank you for all the preliminary knowledge that you instilled in us that went a long way to make us who we are today. You were a prolific literary teacher, you treated students like your own kids. We are going to greatly miss you. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the good Lord . Adieu.
June 23, 2019
June 23, 2019
From: NGASHU/EBAI family
To: TABI family
On behalf of the Ngashu & Ebai family, I wish to express my condolence to the Tabi family. Our hearts are deeply saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
To: TABI family
On behalf of the Ngashu & Ebai family, I wish to express my condolence to the Tabi family. Our hearts are deeply saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
June 22, 2019
June 22, 2019
Thank you for all the memories and smiles. Mr Willy was a charming and welcoming man,father,husband and grand dad and who will be sorely missed.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
December 5, 2022
December 5, 2022
Dad to my good friend and classmate, Dobell - I want to guess you don’t know Stanley’s Grammar School Mamfe nickname is Dobell. I was never privileged to meet you but I have since after your transition to the world of your ancestors learned a lot about you and your loving wife and the family you left behind. All say you were a great humanist, loving husband and father and we - those who knew you while on earth and those like me who’ve come to know you after your passing, will forever remember you as such. You are forever missed!
June 14, 2020
June 14, 2020
. I cannot say how much we miss you. It’s 1 year today since your departure. Continue to Rest In Peace with our Holy God. You fought a good fight until the end. Pa, please continue to be our guiding angle , watching over this family. No weapon fashion against this family shall ever prosper In Jesus Holy Name. Protect all grand children in the family. Guide them, keep them safe from harm. Until we meet again. Papa. Light your light, and continue to shine with those who’s lives you touch and made a difference.
August 16, 2019
August 16, 2019
Most people called him Mr. Tabi, W.G.E but I called him Brother Willie and he called me Sister Ann. Brother Willie was a hard-working, intelligent, caring, respectful and very thoughtful person and faithful husband. He was very close to her friends and family. I remember as we were growing up how he took care of his step brothers/sisters as if they were his kids and his step mother Mama Lucy. Brother Willie was loving and real. He was a wonderful husband to his wife and father to their children and laid a strong foundation full of values for them.
In 1987 when I heard he has come to the US and was in Ohio, I was so excited because that was the only close relative I had here at that time. Our very first reunion was unforgettable. After his undergraduate degree, in Ohio, he moved to Indiana a neighboring state to Illinois where I lived. While at Indiana State University we spent most of the holidays together in Joliet, Illinois. He taught me some things like how to balance career and family. But one of the most important thing/value he taught me was how to love and be there for your friends/family and also to give/share the little you have. With his salary as a teaching assistant at Indiana State University, he was always ready to buy new/fairly used clothes, shoes, and books for his wife, children and family. He loved his wife and children so dearly. I remember one Saturday we went to this huge open door garage sale and most of the things he bought were for his wife, Sister Becky as we call her and the kids. As we walked to another shade, there was this beautiful purse that I also liked and he bought it for his wife. I then turned to him and said, what have you bought for yourself so far? And he replied “Becky is suffering so much at home with our kids so this is the least I can do for them”. Those words brought tears in my eyes and stuck in my mind for years. Brother Willie, I can still see the boxes and bags of clothes, shoes and books in our basement as if it was yesterday.
He loved to dance and have a good time as you can see in some of the pictures we had together. I and my friends loved to have him around because of his talents, charismatic nature and contagious smile and laughter. His quest for knowledge at his age inspired me to be where I am today academically. He was always willing to give advice and share his personal experiences back home and in the US with us. I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.
I hope he forgives me for not being there during his last days/challenging times. I and my brother Simon planned to go visit him in April 2019, but it never materialized.
He fought a good fight with love and care from his wife, children and family. His beautiful spirit will live on through his children/grand children, and they will always know how much he loved them. He tried with all his heart to stay for them, but God called him and he had to go. His magnetic smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Brother Willie, I will miss you forever and never forget all of the time we spent together.
Sister Ann Assam.
In 1987 when I heard he has come to the US and was in Ohio, I was so excited because that was the only close relative I had here at that time. Our very first reunion was unforgettable. After his undergraduate degree, in Ohio, he moved to Indiana a neighboring state to Illinois where I lived. While at Indiana State University we spent most of the holidays together in Joliet, Illinois. He taught me some things like how to balance career and family. But one of the most important thing/value he taught me was how to love and be there for your friends/family and also to give/share the little you have. With his salary as a teaching assistant at Indiana State University, he was always ready to buy new/fairly used clothes, shoes, and books for his wife, children and family. He loved his wife and children so dearly. I remember one Saturday we went to this huge open door garage sale and most of the things he bought were for his wife, Sister Becky as we call her and the kids. As we walked to another shade, there was this beautiful purse that I also liked and he bought it for his wife. I then turned to him and said, what have you bought for yourself so far? And he replied “Becky is suffering so much at home with our kids so this is the least I can do for them”. Those words brought tears in my eyes and stuck in my mind for years. Brother Willie, I can still see the boxes and bags of clothes, shoes and books in our basement as if it was yesterday.
He loved to dance and have a good time as you can see in some of the pictures we had together. I and my friends loved to have him around because of his talents, charismatic nature and contagious smile and laughter. His quest for knowledge at his age inspired me to be where I am today academically. He was always willing to give advice and share his personal experiences back home and in the US with us. I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.
I hope he forgives me for not being there during his last days/challenging times. I and my brother Simon planned to go visit him in April 2019, but it never materialized.
He fought a good fight with love and care from his wife, children and family. His beautiful spirit will live on through his children/grand children, and they will always know how much he loved them. He tried with all his heart to stay for them, but God called him and he had to go. His magnetic smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Brother Willie, I will miss you forever and never forget all of the time we spent together.
Sister Ann Assam.
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Tribute to Brother Willie
August 16, 2019
by Ann Assam
Most people called him Mr. Tabi, W.G.Ebut I called him Brother Willie and he called me Sister Ann. Brother Willie was a hard-working, intelligent, caring, respectful and very thoughtful person and faithful husband. He was very close to her friends and family. I remember as we were growing up how he took care of his step brothers/sisters as if they were his kids and his step mother Mama Lucy. Brother Willie was loving and real. He was a wonderful husband to his wife and father to their children and laid a strong foundation full of values for them.
In 1987 when I heard he has come to the US and was in Ohio, I was so excited because that was the only close relative I had here at that time. Our very first reunion was unforgettable. After his undergraduate degree, in Ohio, he moved to Indiana a neighboring state to Illinois where I lived. While at Indiana State University we spent most of the holidays together in Joliet, Illinois. He taught me some things like how to balance career and family. But one of the most important thing/value he taught me was how to love and be there for your friends/family and also to give/share the little you have. With his salary as a teaching assistant at Indiana State University, he was always ready to buy new/fairly used clothes, shoes, and books for his wife, children and family. He loved his wife and children so dearly. I remember one Saturday we went to this huge open door garage sale and most of the things he bought were for his wife, Sister Becky as we call her and the kids. As we walked to another shade, there was this beautiful purse that I also liked and he bought it for his wife. I then turned to him and said, what have you bought for yourself so far? And he replied “Becky is suffering so much at home with our kids so this is the least I can do for them”. Those words brought tears in my eyes and stuck in my mind for years. Brother Willie, I can still see the boxes and bags of clothes, shoes and books in our basement as if it was yesterday.
He loved to dance and have a good time as you can see in some of the pictures we had together. I and my friends loved to have him around because of his talents, charismatic nature and contagious smile and laughter. His quest for knowledge at his age inspired me to be where I am today academically. He was always willing to give advice and share his personal experiences back home and in the US with us. I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.
I hope he forgives me for not being there during his last days/challenging times. I and my brother Simon planned to go visit him in April 2019, but it never materialized.
He fought a good fight with love and care from his wife, children and family. His beautiful spirit will live on through his children/grand children, and they will always know how much he loved them. He tried with all his heart to stay for them, but God called him and he had to go. His magnetic smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Brother Willie, I will miss you forever and never forget all of the time we spent together.
Sister Ann Assam.
In 1987 when I heard he has come to the US and was in Ohio, I was so excited because that was the only close relative I had here at that time. Our very first reunion was unforgettable. After his undergraduate degree, in Ohio, he moved to Indiana a neighboring state to Illinois where I lived. While at Indiana State University we spent most of the holidays together in Joliet, Illinois. He taught me some things like how to balance career and family. But one of the most important thing/value he taught me was how to love and be there for your friends/family and also to give/share the little you have. With his salary as a teaching assistant at Indiana State University, he was always ready to buy new/fairly used clothes, shoes, and books for his wife, children and family. He loved his wife and children so dearly. I remember one Saturday we went to this huge open door garage sale and most of the things he bought were for his wife, Sister Becky as we call her and the kids. As we walked to another shade, there was this beautiful purse that I also liked and he bought it for his wife. I then turned to him and said, what have you bought for yourself so far? And he replied “Becky is suffering so much at home with our kids so this is the least I can do for them”. Those words brought tears in my eyes and stuck in my mind for years. Brother Willie, I can still see the boxes and bags of clothes, shoes and books in our basement as if it was yesterday.
He loved to dance and have a good time as you can see in some of the pictures we had together. I and my friends loved to have him around because of his talents, charismatic nature and contagious smile and laughter. His quest for knowledge at his age inspired me to be where I am today academically. He was always willing to give advice and share his personal experiences back home and in the US with us. I always admired how he never judged or forced his opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that I will surely miss.
I hope he forgives me for not being there during his last days/challenging times. I and my brother Simon planned to go visit him in April 2019, but it never materialized.
He fought a good fight with love and care from his wife, children and family. His beautiful spirit will live on through his children/grand children, and they will always know how much he loved them. He tried with all his heart to stay for them, but God called him and he had to go. His magnetic smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Brother Willie, I will miss you forever and never forget all of the time we spent together.
Sister Ann Assam.
The Departure of a Gentle Smiling Giant- Willy Tabi (WT)
August 16, 2019
by Daniel Essim
How could it have happened to my gentle smiling giant?
WT, this is your mentee and friend “DE” as you fondly called me, just trying to make sense out of this untimely departure. But guess what… you are in a better place now; for that, I know for sure-you are in the bosom hands of our heavenly Father.
It seems like yesterday when we first met in 1982 at the foothills of Besongabang, in the beautiful campus of Presbyterian Secondary School (PSS), now called PHS. You did not wait for the principal, T.T. Oben (of blessed memory) to introduce me to the rest of the staff, you walked in your usual majestic way straight to me in the staff room, and introduced yourself…what a Class Act? It seemed we had known each other forever until recently… now it seems like it was only a short while.
When Esther Takor - one of our students called with the news of your departure to eternity, the only thing I said was “Lord Why”. Why because you were not only a good friend, you were a great father and a husband. If I can coin a phrase here, “You were a fantabulous human being”.
The more time I spent with WT as a young man out of CCAST Bambili, and having his first job, the more I came out of my shell. WT was one of those people that you could talk to for hours on end without getting bored. I would think it had been only twenty minutes until I would look at my watch and realize that it had been three hours. It was hard to be quiet and shy around WT.
WT also taught me how to be a good friend. He showed me that friends are always there for each other, through both the good times and the bad. WT believed in that, and he stuck to those principles. No matter how my life was going, WT was there on both the sunny days and through the thunderstorms. WT was someone that you could always count on to be there for you. He was one of two people that I had outside my family, and I will forever remember and be grateful for that. He connected me with other staff members like Sandys Eyong, Pa Etchu-Njang, Mr. Tabeyang, Etongue Victor and Besong Emmanuel, just to mention a few.
I cannot conclude without talking of our little escapades to Besongabang town to take “one-man”; either at Mini-Lux or at Grace’s. Though I was just drinking Top-Ananas then, I had fun talking with him and learning how to become a great role model. Sir, the time I spent with you was PRICELESS.
WT do me a favor; please do not forget to greet my beloved sister who was your student too- Essim, Magdalene Bessem, my mother whom you always made time to go see there at Mamfe market whenever you went to town, Mrs Essim Elizabeth Mpey, and our boss T.T. Oben. Till we meet again when we shall part no more; Adieus my friend. Lest I forgot, do not be despaired my mentor, because Stanley is doing a very fine job taking care of the family.
Tears dripping…you would be missed!!
Daniel Essim
WT, this is your mentee and friend “DE” as you fondly called me, just trying to make sense out of this untimely departure. But guess what… you are in a better place now; for that, I know for sure-you are in the bosom hands of our heavenly Father.
It seems like yesterday when we first met in 1982 at the foothills of Besongabang, in the beautiful campus of Presbyterian Secondary School (PSS), now called PHS. You did not wait for the principal, T.T. Oben (of blessed memory) to introduce me to the rest of the staff, you walked in your usual majestic way straight to me in the staff room, and introduced yourself…what a Class Act? It seemed we had known each other forever until recently… now it seems like it was only a short while.
When Esther Takor - one of our students called with the news of your departure to eternity, the only thing I said was “Lord Why”. Why because you were not only a good friend, you were a great father and a husband. If I can coin a phrase here, “You were a fantabulous human being”.
The more time I spent with WT as a young man out of CCAST Bambili, and having his first job, the more I came out of my shell. WT was one of those people that you could talk to for hours on end without getting bored. I would think it had been only twenty minutes until I would look at my watch and realize that it had been three hours. It was hard to be quiet and shy around WT.
WT also taught me how to be a good friend. He showed me that friends are always there for each other, through both the good times and the bad. WT believed in that, and he stuck to those principles. No matter how my life was going, WT was there on both the sunny days and through the thunderstorms. WT was someone that you could always count on to be there for you. He was one of two people that I had outside my family, and I will forever remember and be grateful for that. He connected me with other staff members like Sandys Eyong, Pa Etchu-Njang, Mr. Tabeyang, Etongue Victor and Besong Emmanuel, just to mention a few.
I cannot conclude without talking of our little escapades to Besongabang town to take “one-man”; either at Mini-Lux or at Grace’s. Though I was just drinking Top-Ananas then, I had fun talking with him and learning how to become a great role model. Sir, the time I spent with you was PRICELESS.
WT do me a favor; please do not forget to greet my beloved sister who was your student too- Essim, Magdalene Bessem, my mother whom you always made time to go see there at Mamfe market whenever you went to town, Mrs Essim Elizabeth Mpey, and our boss T.T. Oben. Till we meet again when we shall part no more; Adieus my friend. Lest I forgot, do not be despaired my mentor, because Stanley is doing a very fine job taking care of the family.
Tears dripping…you would be missed!!
Daniel Essim
Special Tribute to Pa Tabi
August 15, 2019
Pa Tabi was my best Associate in the whole wide world in a good way. I will point out that even though Pa Tabi was my in- law everytime I met him our conversation was a friendly one & it has nothing to do with in-laws trying to suppress each other. Pa Tabi has welcomed every family member of mind with a warm smile from Mami Cecilia Assibong/ Pa Tabi Accomplice to extended family members. Most of the times Pa Tabi & myself chatted about life in the good old days in Cameroon and even life in the United States of America. Pa Tabi will tell you right in your face if you're wrong & doesn't take sides playing that Devil's Advocate whether you are his child or family or love one. To me Pa Tabi is the fabric of the original Manyu child or individual that would not sell his birth right for a plate of food or for any other thing that society is forcing people to belong or conform. Pa Tabi stood his ground as a family man, a husband, a father and refused to go with the flow of modern society or diaspora life.I learned from Pa Tabi that you never give up following your dreams like going back to school or learning something new in your life. Pa Tabi loved life and also love eating good delicious food. Pa Tabi had a good appetite & all those illnesses never spoiled or stopped Pa Tabi from enjoying his food in the house or in the hospital. In fact, Pa Tabi will eat his food & immediately after that he will prepare himself a big cup of tea adding a lot of sugar. PaTabi you are a great fighter, warrior and you fought until the end. I miss spending time with you in the house or all your hospital stays or all the rehabilitation centers that you have been.Even though I am missing you I have to let you go meet your creator God and your ancestor to find final rest.Pa Tabi Farewell my favorite best Associate until we meet again in Paradise.
Cecilia Oneke Otang
In-law
Cecilia Oneke Otang
In-law