We are lighting a candle for you

You were an intelligent, meticulous, and sensitive person.

It is difficult to talk about a single memory about you, as you were very jovial, caring, and friendly. You were very human; and accommodated everybody.

I see you every day in my life, and your presence remains with us.

Thank you for your prayers. You have been with us throughout and you continue to be a source of our strength, guidance, and assurance. Continue praying for us and being there all the time.

25 years down the line, your legacy of medical excellence carries on. Your students and colleagues are still vibrant, they remember you, and continue with your commitment to cardiology. Your enduring spirit of professionalism, your unique style of patient care and your human touch is remembered across the nations by all the people you impacted.

We will light a candle, one that will see your legacy immortalized through a tangible programme that will have an impact on the medical practice in Kenya, and in the region.

– Your loving wife, Julia

See you in the morning

I still remember that evening, where we all sat having dinner surrounded by your grandchildren and John Khaminwa or Grandpa as I will refer to him here. After the hearty meal of ugali and chicken stew, as Grandpa started entertaining the grandkids with stories from his yesteryears, you and I sat on the patio outside my kitchen, talking about life and other things – as usual.

The moon was bright, and stars flooded the sky. You looked up and said these words, which will forever be etched in my memory… “See you in the morning”

25 years later, your smart, empowering, and fun character lives on. You showed me how to laugh; how to love and how to do life. You believed in me, and many others.

You remain the undisputed most courageous and resourceful man in my life, and I am happy to be called one your children, and I am so glad my children have you as their grandfather – and yes, they turned out simply fine.

Your memory lives on. See you in the morning, my hero

– Your daughter, Josephine

Que Sera, Sera

I remember you as caring, jovial, and ever smiling. You had a world view on every issue – politics, economics, history, culture, sports, music. In this way, you very easily instilled in me the desire to read more, explore my thoughts, be curious and seek global views.

I miss the weekends we would spend together as family – swimming, tasty food, games, and music punctuated these weekends. I also miss our time spent in the village in Samia when you would regal us with stories of your childhood and your past. Your journey of one step at a time truly propelled you towards your incredible legacy.

As I write this, I hear your voice singing the words and whistling thereafter as you often did “Que sera, sera, whatever will be will be, the future is not ours to see, Que sera sera”

Over the years, these words have been words of comfort, encouraging me to do the best I can in the present, to enjoy every moment of the present and be present, in the present.

Warm memories of your smile, your encouragement, and your care still linger on.

– Your daughter, Sanda

 

 

We are because you were

Three words come to mind when I am asked to describe your character: smart, warm and the perfect gentleman.

I miss the Sunday afternoon lunches and Christmas lunches at the Norfolk; dancing and singing together with the rest of the family after Sunday dinner remains one of my fondest memories of you.

They say the greatest legacy one can pass on to their next generation is not money or other material things accumulated in their lifetime, but a legacy of character and faith.

Babu, you left us such a legacy, and this gives us plenty to aspire to today and always. We hope that we make you proud and continue to build on this legacy.

– Your granddaughter, Marie

 

“Long Live Babu!”       

I remember you as outstanding, classy and loving. 

I was little when you left us dear Babu, but among my few precious memories, I absolutely cherish a photograph of me as a child sitting on your lap.  You were pointing at me to look ahead into the camera while I was so relaxed sitting on your lap, seemingly without a care in the world.

25 years on, I want to thank you Babu for being a loving, listening, caring, supportive and fun husband to my grandma, Kukhu;  father to my mum Josephine and her siblings;  and grandad to me, my siblings and my cousins.

As young as I was, these are traits of yours that I remember and vividly live to hold onto.  Your life espouses ambition, reaching for great horizons, dedication to family and importantly service to community. How you lived your life continues to inspire me and others. The stories I know of you and hear of you makes me proud to be an OJIAMBO. I pray that your great example will continue to live on

– Your granddaughter, Julie