TRIBUTE TO BEN AGYARE- KUMI (BAK) 1967 – 2015
from Adisadel College year group 1983
On the 16th of October 2015, after much anticipated hope of your speedy recovery, sadly, we became aware of some rather disheartening news that Ben, our colleague and youngest member of our ‘83 year group, had departed to the other world after a short illness.
Ben joined our ‘83 squad on the mighty Adisadel hill in the academic year of 1978. Despite being the youngest member of our group, such was the poise of the gentleman, that he exhibited the calm matured mannerisms of a composed gentleman.
Ben accomplished his academic work with excellence. After form 5 and was called back to our Alma Mater to pursue his sixth form.
After a successful sixth form, Ben pursued his tertiary education at the University of Ghana, Legon, reading Politics with History, and completing University in 1989.
Ben worked at a series of organisations, namely, Cancer Research UK as a management accountant, Crown Cans PLC, as Finance Manager, Gold Coast Securities Ltd (Compliance & Operations Management ) & finally, as Deputy Managing Director at TG Automobile Ghana Ltd.
Fresh, & shocked, with the untimely pain of sorrow, we began the following day, to pour out grief & tributes of sporadic spontaneity, in memory of our fallen beloved brother.
A number of descriptive words do resonate in our memory of Ben Agyare-Kumi, (BAK). Words, such as: unassuming, hardworking, gentlemanly, warm-spirited, persevering, poised, diplomatic, decent, diligent, sacrificial, steadfast, serene, calm and caring.
Nothing explains our heart-felt pain for the loss of our brother, than the direct quotes of some of our mates below:
Philip Tagoe: Work for a cause, not for applause. ... Live life to express, not to impress... Don't strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt. Nothing in nature lives for itself. Rivers don't drink their own water; Trees don't eat their own fruits; The sun doesn't shine for itself; Flowers don't spread fragrance for themselves. Even Jesus didn't sacrifice for himself. So living for others is a rule of nature. We were all born to help each other. No matter what difficulty you find yourself in, still do good for others. One greatest mistake any man can make is to lean on the understanding of men. Keep trusting the Lord, for he is good! BAK you truly lived for others. RIP
Midas Amoah: BAK was cast and moulded in diplomacy, a perfect example of a gentleman, cool though, but had an eye for success, a good classmate indeed.
George Amissah (Shabba): Death has once again taken a gem from us. Much as we know we're only here for a while, I still can't believe BAK is gone forever from us.
Goodnight BAK.!
We loved thee well but Jesus loves thee best.
Ronnie Ani-Adjei: The pain of the cold dish of sadness, served us yesterday, has left us in bewilderment & despair; but despite your untimely departure, we rest in the resolve that God knows best. Gentle, diplomatic, decent, Ben; I pray that you are in a place of respite & relief in the creator's bosom. Fare thee well Ben Agyare-Kumi!
Kwasi Boateng: I spent my last two years in Adisco with Agyare-Kumi in 4A and 4B, he was a very warm spirited and hardworking guy. He never gave up on his school work. My wife and kids know him by name, because I always cite him as an example of what hard work and diligence can make of a man. I'll miss him greatly. Agyare-Kumi may not know this ... he really made an impact on me with his perseverance and calm approach to life.
Gone too soon bro!
Douglas Assan: Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. A man becomes calm, in the measure he understands himself, and having learned to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others.
A calm man is always loved and revered. He is like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land - a sheltering rock in a storm. Calmness is power. Benjamin Agyare-Kumi, you exhibited that spirit of calmness and you always remained poised, steadfast and serene. May your calm soul, rest in peace, my brother!
Frank Imbrah: A crab was once running on sea shore and was admiring its beautiful footprints. Suddenly, a huge wave splashed and washed away the footprints. The crab said to the wave, ‘I considered you as one of my best friends, then what made you do this?’ The wave replied, ‘A fisherman was following your footprint, that’s why I cleared it off...’ "Relationships mean caring beyond imagination". Value them & don't ever doubt the intentions. Be Your Brother's Keeper
Never hurt those who value you in life.
Henry Boogie Nelson: Hmmmm!!
And so Death has gently taken Ben's hand, and as lovers have walked the unlit lane to rest in a warm burrow below his native land, far away from life's madness till he is ready to be born again: Fare thee well Ben! May your soul rest in perfect peace till we meet again!
Nii Debrah: When your name is mentioned amongst your peers or brothers as we 83 Santas call ourselves, Benjamin Agyare-Kumi the Gentleman, what a way to have lived your life. Rest in peace my brother you will be missed.
‘Due! due! Damrifa due!’ ‘Abranti3 BAK’ ‘Due n3 amanehunu !’ Rest in Perfect Peace!!
Fondly remembered, by ALL your year group mates, Adisadel 83.