A TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL UNCLE Uncle Gab, our favourite uncle, as we fondly call and remember you by, we the family of your late brother, Sir Japheth Ezeilo share the anguish suffered by your children and all those whose lives you touched with your kindness and love. Our earliest memories of you were immediately after the Biafra – Nigeria war in Enugu, where you were a lecturer at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. We were very excited about our trips to the local oxtail bar, and the times you displayed your musical talent on your piano at home as well as your technological know how by grilling whole roast chicken in your microwave oven! You were fondly remembered as our awesome uncle! We missed your company and looked up to you to introduce new technological gadgets. Years flew by and we all grew up and realised that you had left the country again in pursuit of more academic laurels. You maintained contact with our family through your brother, our father. It was only natural that on your return to Nigeria your choice of where to settle was near him at Abakaliki. It was here that you spent daily ‘ita oji ututu’ moments with our family before going to work. It was this period that drew you closest to our family and we really realised your worth. I then understood the significance of your daily greetings ‘morning sirs!’ and I joined the chorus. You supported our family in so many ways through medical decision making, job seeking opportunities, during divorce, bereavement and birth. You were there for us especially through the period of our dad’s illness and finally when he was laid to rest. Your closeness to our parents probably contributed to their survival through very difficult years. You continued to care for mama as you did when papa was alive and supported all efforts to ensure her full recovery. When we heard that you had a fall and were unwell, we all prayed and hoped for your speedy recovery. You sounded so optimistic and full of life although you were going through so much grief in your own life. You participated in the christening ceremony of baby Joseph as his God father despite all the pain you suffered. Uncle, you are and will remain a gem to us. We were not prepared for the shock of losing you and certainly will not forget you in a hurry. Uncle, God loves you and has wiped away all your pain and suffering. Your children will rest in the knowledge that you were a true child of God and participated in propagating your work through Abakaliki All Saints Church. We all pray for the peaceful repose of your soul in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ ...Amen FAREWELL UNCLE, UNTIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN!