A Tribute to my best friend
Dear Ben,
I find it odd and difficult writing a tribute to you and doing so in the past. I will therefore write in the present as I believe you are only gone for a while from the physical but you are with us in spirit. Indeed though a cord has been severed, you have left a part of your loving spirit in all your loved ones. We grieve your departure and not your loss for every soul that has come to know you has a part of you and bears witness.
You have always been the model of a school mate, an excellent friend, a brother, a caring father, a loving husband, an active Christian, an accountant and a business manager. All who have met you in this 47 years journey bear witness to your clear and visible qualities which are both earthly and divine.
I have been fortunate to witness you on the stage of life in all these roles in the last 26 years and you have excelled. You have been a positive influence on me and others in all these areas. I do not just say it, we discussed these at various times and you know they are true to you. I am eternally grateful.
As a school mate, you have shown brilliance, been focused and have been an achiever. As an excellent friend, you have demonstrated trustworthiness, love, care and kindness, thoughtfulness, no guile, God-fearing, a great counsellor and always exhibited unparallel wisdom. Your integrity and ‘pure at heart’ character, your calmness, assuredness and positive attitude make all difficult situations seem easy to deal with. You held no grudges and have always been sensitive to others needs. To you, with Christ at heart, all things are possible and every problem has a solution.
As a brother, you have always adored your siblings with passionate eagerness and deep love. You have always shared your resources and precious time without holding back.
As a loving model father, you score highly. Your two loving and wonderful children are model children thanks to you and Uzo. They are disciplined and respectful, brilliant academically, God-fearing, caring, focused and ambitious. Simply, they have brilliant futures and are excellent examples and positive influence on all - both young and old. Well done.
As a husband, you have been a wonderful and loving husband to Uzo, your soul mate, life friend and soul love. You have been her darling and your affection and glowing love have never waned. This is love made in heaven, an eternal love. She dearly and deeply misses you, send Godly comfort please. Thanks for making me your best man in this wonderful match.
As a Christian, You have contributed worthily to the body of Christ. You have been a founding member of your church; you have been a regular and active member and have fulfilled the mandate to bring others to Christ and the kingdom of God-the ultimate mission of our lives. Well done and be ushered into the Kingdom of God for you have earned it.
Your dedication and prayers have been exemplary. We prayed at every opportunity. The fruits of the Spirit inhabit you. Patience, calmness, love, kindness and peace that surpass understanding are your hallmarks. These have not been difficult to see, for you demonstrated them every day. Your Godly wisdom compelled all and sundry to seek your counsel. May the face of God shine on your soul and find rest in his bosom.
As an accountant and a business manager, you have been an exemplary professional, exuding the ethics of the profession with hard work, dedication, commitment, transparency, trustworthiness, accountability and probity. Your employer, staff and senior managers have loved and treasured you. You have been committed, dependable and reliable with a great sense of confidentiality. The space you have left cannot be filled. I know because I have worked with you for the last three years.
I am pleased to have witnessed you glaze this earth with such striking qualities. Your work has not been finished hence we grieve your untimely call home.
Even in your hospital bed you exuded your natural qualities. You did not want chaos, you asked us to stop complaining, you prayed and said ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ you enjoyed Psalm 121 and Numbers 6; 24-26; You always smiled with hope and positive expectation; You were at peace in spite of the pain you bore; You comforted us when you said you ‘‘are ok’ and not ‘will be ok’.
You fought a good fight and strengthened us with positive signs of recovery. Your call to rest in Christ’s bosom took us by surprise. But God is God and how do we question him? We praise him for your life and the pleasure to share it with us.
Till we meet again in Heaven, you will eternally be my best friend. God bless you dear Ben.
Your dear friend Robert