Albert
Dear Patrick,
I cannot comprehend the fact that you are no longer with us, but I take solace in the thought that you are with God and your soul is blessed in heaven.
I will never forget the time and effort you took to make me, Akua and the kids feel at home each time we visited Ghana.
The lavish meals you made for us at your home, the trip to Aburi you organised; which the kids enjoyed very much and continue to reminisce about. It was a joy to spend time with you, Lynda and the kids. You made us feel special and for that I will be forever grateful.
We both shared a love for Arsenal; and our football discussion centred on when our team was going to finally make us proud.
The last time I had the pleasure of seeing you was in London, where we met up for a meal and you introduced me to a night at the casino; an evening I enjoyed thoroughly.
You were like a big brother to me, and these are moments I will cherish forever.
I will miss you terribly, rest easy cousin. Until we meet again.
Emefa
Three things Patrick and I have in common; we both like the chicken wing over any other part of the chicken, playing scrabble; a game I grew to love from watching him and Bob at the table with a scrabble board between them; and the love of the reggae group Steel Pulse which I picked up from hearing the music playing loudly from his room. I would give up all these things just to have you back. Your driving was one of a kind and when I sat in your car, I would say a prayer and hold on to the seat for dear life. Oh, how I wish you were here so I could go on one more hair- raising ride with you.
Patrick, I was you sidekick anytime something needed to get done, going places and doing things with you. Who else could get me to hike all the way to the top of Mount Afadjato or to wake up early in the morning to go for a walk around the Legon campus? The chief planner of funerals with me as his assistant has left me to plan his funeral. I sat next to you and cried on your shoulder during my dad’s funeral. Whose shoulder do you want me to cry on now? Who should I go to for advice? My life will never be the same without you. To say I will miss you is an understatement. Thank you for all you did for me. You are gone but you will never be forgotten. Rest in perfect peace Patrick. Please watch over those of us you have left behind.
Edem, Seli and Yvette Dzakpasu
January 11th 2:58pm, a date and time we will never forget. As the news came through, we were overcome with shock, disbelief and denial. Our big brother, gone, how was that possible? Patrick was a big brother to many of us. We looked up to him. The family was proud of him; younger cousins like ourselves were inspired, motivated and influenced by his achievements. He was always on hand to share his advice; his duty and support to his family unwavering. He was a mentor, kind and considerate in his words and approach. We will miss him and his deep hearty laugh.
Patrick has always been a constant presence in our lives. No matter how busy his schedule he made time. We remember the visits Patrick used to make to us in London, always returning from his travels with stories to share and the latest gadgets to show us. We learned so much from Patrick. Even though we were some of his youngest cousins, he always spoke to us as equals about any topic.
His empathy and wisdom shone through; this made it natural for all of us to admire and respect him and seek his good counsel. Whenever we would see Patrick in Accra or meet in family gatherings, it was wonderful to see his way of bringing the best out of everyone and fostering a real feeling of warmth and togetherness.
Dear Patrick, your love and light touched everyone you met. We love you big brother. You’ll be missed dearly and forever be in our hearts. Rest in Peace.
TRIBUTE FROM MRS BEATRICE AMONBIA AKUMBIE
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
It seemed surreal, like a dream; only to be pricked by the reality of your sudden exit. The bond we shared has suddenly come to an end. Death why did you do this? The treachery of death and the bliss of life seem to always stand in contention, but the power of life surges on even beyond this world. As much as I grieve, I am reminded by this famous quote:
“The world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” (William Shakespeare).
Kobla’s love for people and his affable character endeared him to the young ones. He was a person you could never forget. We shared many wonderful experiences and stories as young children, living under the same roof until after the death of your father when you had to move to live with your paternal grandparents in Accra. There was no single holiday we did not spend together thereafter.
Kobla some of the fond memories that will remain with me, are our childhood days in Ho, going to school together; and the days Mummy took us for our usual ice cream and chocolate shopping twice a week at the then Ho GNTC store. People who did not know our mothers were sisters thought we were siblings. After you moved to Accra, Mummy had me brought to Tema to stay with her so that we would still be able to see each other often.
In September 1974, when I gained admission to Achimota School, you were then in the Primary Department and as fate would have it, I was put in House 17 meaning we were all on the Western compound. This brought us closer again and we saw each other at least once a day. Davi (my mum) always packed my chopbox for two because of her ‘darling boy’ Kobla. I also remember on a number of occasions you spent the whole of Saturday with me in my house. When you moved to the Secondary Department, we still had our usual daily chats to be sure all was well with each other.
Even in our later years, the bond still remained as we kept in touch through phone calls.
You can only be described as a unique, caring, industrious, affable, philanthropic person. When I needed to talk to you and I called you, your assuring words of getting back to me, even when you were busy, were comforting. You would often say, “Amonbia, I’ll call you back.” Your affection and concern for my children was truly genuine. We checked on each other’s children as often as possible. Just like your nature, you always brought smiles to the faces of everyone you met.
Coming to terms with your departure has certainly been a bitter pill to swallow. The girls are still asking if it is true. They cannot believe their uncle is gone forever.
Mummy is devastated. In the pinnacle of her years, it was you who would have laid her to rest. Though you are not here, I promise to take care of her.
We know, however, that we shall meet again on the other side in glory forever. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4).
Kobla! Kobla!! Patrick!!! Baba na wo sia, Hede nyie.
Fare thee well.
Na dzudzↄ le ŋutifafa me va se ɖe esime mia ga kpe
Rest in Peace, brother.
Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen
TRIBUTE TO PATRICK KOBLA NUTOR BY GRACE-GLORIA OBUOBIE (OBUO)
“When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul…” Philip Bliss 1876.
Fo Kobla as I affectionately called him, was the brother I never had. My mum had 3 girls and his mum had two boys. Growing up, I always saw him as a big brother. It was no secret that he was my favourite cousin even though he teased me all the time.
Today, in particular is a painful day for me because two of my favourite people are being laid to rest; my Gideon (partner) and Patrick my brother who died within 9 days of each other.
Fo Kobla and I were very close, and I use to spend weekends with his family. He was an affectionate, loving, kind and very jovial person. He was full of life and enjoyed being with his family and friends. Every 21st September, which was his birthday, he would organize a get together for family and friends. He never discriminated against anyone. He loved brilliant and smart guys and was ever ready to offer them help.
Growing up, I was always scared that if Fo Kobla married a bad woman, she will take him away from us. I always prayed to God to give him an understanding, loving and caring wife who will understand him and his love for his family. Indeed, God listened to my prayers and gave him Lynda who did not only care for my brother but loved his family as well.
I remember posting on Facebook on the 1st of January that 2021 was my year of unimaginable expectations least expecting what was to hit me.
Your death and that of Gideon has made me understand why some question God and stray away from Him. I was in church on the 31st praying for my loved ones only for these tragedies to befall me.
Death indeed is wicked and heartless. You left us at a time we least expected it. Your mum is far advanced in age, your children very young, Lynda is very devastated and our families are shattered.
Fo Kobla, when you go up there and see Gideon, Mama, Davi, Amazinor and Daa Cate, hug them for us and tell them we love them so much and miss them. Together as angels up there, watch over us till we meet again.
Fo Kobla, Vinye lↄlↄtↄ, hede nuyie. Mawu nano kpalaliwo.
Dzudzo le nutifafa me. Amen!