This touching opportunity to share a few words about our exceptionally beloved father evokes a flood of emotions. While we felt a moment of bereavement and grief when he passed on to glory, we also want to acknowledge the favour of God for this special gift of life with which he blessed and endowed this world: a beautiful life of enduring legacy that spanned over six decades; and which was blessed with twelve children and six grand-children.
“To be remembered in the hearts of those we love, is to live forever”. How so true and befitting these words are of our dear father, Captain (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo. Everyone who knew him can attest to the charm of his unique personality. He was a beautiful and endearing soul. A rare definition of excellence. His smile dazzled like the radiance of a shooting star. And his beauty glowed like the warmth of a sunset. His youthful laugh and rich baritone voice were a soothing melody to the ears. He was an icon. A visionary. A genius of uncommon acumen. A rare breed of intellectual prowess. A giant in our age. A Titan. And an epitome of love. With fondness and nostalgia, we remember his sterling qualities and accomplishments, all of which were predicated on love, sincerity, discipline, and a compassion for humanity.
Daddy was not just a friend to many. He was a father to all. The world is a better place because he walked this earth. His loving smile and tender embrace will be truly missed by those of us who knew him. His name will be visibly written in the sands of time to the glory of God. If Daddy could be summed up in one word, it would be ‘generousity’. He was incredibly thoughtful, helpful and unstinting in the amount of time and advice he was always willing to give. He exuded kindness, gentleness, generosity, respect, passion and insight. Time would fail to enumerate the numerous acts of our father. Hardly a day went by without seeing him reach out to different classes of individuals and organizations in need of financial assistance. For him, the act of giving came as naturally as the act of breathing.
Daddy was a fantastic friend. He always saw the good in people; and if he saw the bad, he didn't gossip about it; he called you to himself and corrected you. If you needed him, he was always there, always asking what he could do to help. He was non-judgmental. He accepted everyone, no matter who they were, and he loved everyone: from family to friends. It was thus no surprise that he easily made friends everywhere he went.
Daddy always emphasized the responsibility to serve and be kind to others; a lesson he always taught his children. To many, Daddy was a guiding light. He set the example of what a good businessman, father, and friend should be. In whatever role we knew him, from whatever vantage point, he always stood out as special!
It is a great blessing to have had Daddy in our lives! He will be missed by many; but never will he be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to have known him! “A golden heart has stopped beating. Hardworking hands are now at rest. A saint has gone to be with the Lord. ”
Sleep on Beloved Daddy, till the day we see your beautiful face again.