Chief Nhon Zachee Nzohngandembou

The news of your passing proved to me once again how wrong I was to think that I was already immune to the pain that comes with death!!  I called you “Dad” not just because we adopted that appellation from Mum (your dear wife) but I know for a fact that is what you represented in my life. You were an always present help in times of need. Just the mention of your name whenever I found myself in vulnerable situations was enough security for me. A few years back you paid great tribute to our mother, your dear Sister Olive, here I am not able to find words to do same for you.

As early as my High School days, you will always improvise holiday jobs for me just so I have a little package before the start of another academic year. Immediately after my undergraduate programme you gave me the unique opportunity to my first formal job as a Research Assistant for a survey research project at CERUT in collaboration with a Dutch NGO (AIDEnvironment). The fundamentals I leant during this project and others that followed form the very foundation of all what I have so far achieved in the field of research and scientific publications. Yes, you spent a great deal of your earthly life impacting and investing in the lives of other people…you impacted your community to the best of your ability.

I do not miss any chance to declare that I am a testimony of the fruits of your generous investments. You called me “Madame le Gouveneur” and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to hear you on several occasions declare how much you are proud of my achievements. You were a rare breed and your legacies are indelible. May your good works accompany you to the world beyond. I will sure miss your usual guidance, your wise counsel and support but comforted by the fact that you are at rest, free from all the pains and uncertainties of this life. Adieu Dad till we meet again to part no more.

Dr. Mrs. Ngone Abwe Mercy (FAVM-University of Buea)

TRIBUTE TO MY LATE HUSBAND – CHIEF ZACHEE NZOH-NGANDEMBOU

Chief Nhon Zachee Nzohngandembou my beloved husband, it is still hard for me to accept that you are no longer here. Every time I wake up and see the cold empty place where you used to sleep, the pain come crashing down on me again. They say time heals all wounds but with your passing on to glory, I have come to realise that this is not entirely true. Dad as I fondly called you, your death is such a wound which won’t heal with time, thus I will learn how to live with this pain.

Dad was the kindest and generous man I ever know. He found it hard to say no to any request. He would easily give out his prized possession without a second thought. He taught me the importance of giving no matter your circumstances.

Zachee was not a perfect man (for perfection belongs to God Almighty), but he was perfect  for me. My husband Zachee was an eternal optimist with a quick and ever ready smile. He was always positive and never lost hope.

The 33 years we spent together as husband and wife were not always smooth and rosy, but they were the best years of my life. I am honoured and happy to have been Chief Zachee’s wife. He was not just my husband and life partner, he was my soul mate and best friend. Zachee was proud of me and would always make his friends to acknowledge my presence. For those 35 years, Zachee was my other half, now that he is gone half of me is gone too and I do not know how to move on. People say that after laying him to rest, I will have some peace and will be able to move on but I don’t see how. It is only God who can see me through. Indeed  Zachee was a good husband and wonderful father to our children. You would admire Zachee, the boys and the girl at home. Apart of his interest, he valued my interest and supported my happiness.

On the  (date he left for India) Zachee embarked on one of his medical trip to India with the promise of returning safe and sound. Numerous calls to you on that fateful day -  Feb 6th went unanswered. I became alarmed and continued to call only to be informed that you have passed on to glory. Oh what a world!!!

Dad as I often called you, I know tears are not enough, but given the look of things, It is the only option. Yes I am crying, wailing and screaming at the huge void have created in my life, that of the boys and the girl. For the thought of losing my beloved husband and father of our children, to the treacherous hands of death is too big and bitter to swallow. But I shall seek solace in the Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth.

Your death has made me to know and appreciate those genuine and caring colleagues, friends and relatives of ours. I extend my deepest appreciation to them. I am indeed grateful, God bless you all. I will continue to imbibe in our children your legacy. I can’t say goodbye but Zachee I will miss your voice, the world of wisdom and knowledge that I, the boys and the girl drew upon. Thank you Zachee for making the world a better place for us. We love and miss you very much. The boys, the girl and I are however consoled that you are with the Lord

MRS NZOH-NGANDEMBOU PHLORA (WIFE)