Dear Uncle,
I was lost for words when I heard of the heart-breaking news and writing this seems so surreal; very unexpected.
No matter how brief my encounters with you were over the years, I always had the opportunity to elevate my game in one way or the other. I always remember the significance of ‘learning while you earn’ as one of the things I learned besides a lesson on the values of personal responsibility and accountability (down to the very last item) at all levels of decision-making; in the way you instilled these values in Gerd, Klaus and Garby during their undergraduate (UB years) to become responsible individuals after your footsteps. I remember about 25 years ago, we travelled from Buea to Dschang and how we encountered the order of the day, a gendarme chief along the way who was later called in to intimidate into submission since you had presented every documentation they could ask for, legally, and you stood your ground. Out of anger or frustration that he was dealing with a principled "anglo”, who wasn’t going to contribute to the corruption, handed over the documents, collapsed the barrier and then hailed an insult at you much to my shock, to which you boldly and kindly returned the favour. Thereafter, you used that incident to educate me on the importance and benefits of always being prepared, law-abiding, honest, having clean hands and being resolute in all you do. I still remember this vividly. This flashes through my mind in remembrance of you.
Your kindness and willingness to impart knowledge to all you came into contact with and to effect positive change in all aspects will be greatly missed above all. A wealth of knowledge.
The unique bond you had as parents and passed down to us children, has stood the test of time, despite the fact that destiny has taken us through different paths in life, we remain close. The precious memories and lessons learned are indelible.
Over a decade ago when my mother went home to be with the Lord, you were there in the village and left me with consoling and wise words. Thank you once more.
Oh! how I wish I took nothing for granted, but we usually take the family for granted, thinking they’ll always be around. What a great loss!
I was very proud to call you my uncle.
You positively impacted many people immensely and your legacy will live on.
I never expect this to suddenly happen, especially as you were always present and always so full of life.
Some things we will never understand or have answers to in this life, but one thing we have assurance for is that we know and trust our God and Saviour Jesus Christ and His promises because He is the Truth and He cannot lie, and because of this, we know where we are going. We know where you are and we will surely meet again (John 14).
Charles Tekum