I Miss My Dad
I still remember that morning that God called your name.
It came like a surprise to us all.
In life you were proud of us,
and in death we are proud of you.
We are heartbroken to lose you.
But the truth is that you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you
the day the Lord called you home.
Your left us peaceful memories,
not a single day passes without me
remembering you in my prayers since
the day the Lord called you home.
A big thank you to the values you instill in us
We will miss you papa.
Rest well papa
Baiye Tanyi Samuel (Son)
We will miss you grand Pa
Our grand dad was one of the best in the world. He was a very peaceful, loving, and caring grand dad. Thank you for teaching our dad (Baiye) how to be a strong and courageous man.
Your passing is a great loss to us, but we will always keep you in our prayers.
We will miss you.
Grand children (Jason, Eliot, Liam), Sweden
“A goodbye I never wished I’d have to say”
This isn’t how I pictured life would turn out to be for us. Never imagined I’d have to say goodbye and at the same time not even get the chance to say goodbye. You were one of a kind, father, brother, uncle, teacher and what have you. You were my best friend, and you made my world shine just a little bit brighter on the darkest of days.
I wish I knew that the days seemed so much darker for you in general and that you were in so much pain. Struggling and battling life, one day at a time with a smile on your face. I’m sorry you felt that the only answer was cutting things short. The pain you left behind for the rest of us is something that’ll echo for as long as the rest of us exist in this world without you.
This is the goodbye I never wished I’d have to say, but it is what it is. My life will never be the same without you, but I’ll be trying to do better.
Watch over me as I carry you in my heart forever. Until we meet again.
Jackson Bikele, UK.
Teacher for Tiko
Ooh Pa Tanyi, teacher for Tiko, the name we called you growing up as a kid in the village. I knew you as one of my grand Ma, mami Margaret Nkongho’s other child. I, together with my siblings was always very happy as we await your coming to the village during summer holidays. We fought amongst ourselves as to who will be the one to bring you food cooked by grand ma. I remember how proud I was to introduce you to my friends during one of your visit to Mamfe. Back then, you were young, well fed, healthy and good looking man with a British cow boy hat on his head. After my A’level, my grand dad, Chief Azoh Taboko, now of blessed memory sent me with a letter for you to guide my registration into UB. My entry into your house was the beginning of the many blessings that I enjoy today. I remember you always call me to sit down while you advised me on what it takes to be a gentle man. I learn a lot from you on how to be a man, a husband and a father. I learn to listen more than talk. I learn to hold back and not talk even when I have a lot to talk. What a peaceful man you were. The unfortunate news of you passing hurt me to the core, and I then realize how much I love you. I have more to say about you but I will end here. As you arrive the land of no return, kindly extent warm greetings to my grand dad chief Azoh Taboko, my uncle Azoh Victor Ndem, my cousins Oga chef Sixtus, Api and sis Mado. Continue to RIP Pa Tanyi Ake Francis.
Shellan Abang Onyee, Montreal Canada
My beloved father
My beloved father, Chief Tanyi Ake Francis. It has been difficult for me to gather myself to write these few words. I want to thank you for being an exemplary father, teacher, and friend to me. You were a man of few words. You taught me good English and incessantly corrected me every time my tenses were not right. Your exemplary nature was enough for me. You taught me and practiced values such as: peace, love of family and friends, charity, forgiving and working with those who wrong you, patience, resilience, and faith. “We have to share,” was a common slogan on your lips. That is why you seldom ate alone, especially at Christmas and Easter even when mama would curiously asked, “why are you the only one to invite your friends to eat?”
Our time at Ekondo Titi was a great formative period for me. You, Baiye, and I lived together for two years. We slept in the same bed, cooked, worked, ate, and prayed together. I prepared the spices while you sat on the stool cooking the soup. You instilled in me the love for nature not only in words but through your love for your animals and your farms, “scientific farming.” Your love and care for your pigs, especially mami Eyang and papa Eyang cannot be overemphasized.
You were always quick to introduce me to your friends, “You know my son John?” You were super proud of me papa. In the last four years of your sickness, we spent some quality time together. I enjoyed the conversations as I massaged your back and cut your hair. You answered most of the questions I had about the family and life before moving from this life to life. I recorded them and will continue to listen to them. Every time I came home in the last years, you were quick to tell people, “Reverend is here.” Thank you for always blessing me before I traveled in the last twenty years. Thank you for always taking me to the airport.
Papa, I will never forget the glow and smile on your face whenever I made a video call. “Chief Tanyi,” and you would respond “Reverend.” And after the conversations, you would customarily say, “All for God.” Thank you for your resilience papa. Your resilience gave us more time with you in the last years. We enjoyed every bit of it and your dearest wife, mama Angela, took care of you selflessly. You died knowing that fully well. You saw the love and care from your grandchildren, especially Sonia, Boniface, Francis, Esther, Mado, and Junior. I will continue with your legacy papa and I am glad I am able to give you my clerical blessings before your interment. Kindly give me the strength to preach at your funeral Mass and do your last rites.
The souls of the just are in the hands of God. Albeit your own faults, I will not hesitate to say you were a just man. It is my Christian hope that I will see you again. Extend my regards to Brother Joseph Asandack, Api, Mado, Sixtus, Chief Max Bikelle, mama Andela Beltha, and the rest. See you again in that place of eternity. Papa, I will always love you.
Your son, Reverend John Tanyi
You will be greatly missed
We all as a family will forever be grateful for the time spent together with you. Finn remembers how fun it was helping you feed the pigs. You were such a peace-loving and good father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Your daughter, Lilian, is thanking you for always being there for her. Thank you for appearing in her dreams two days before you passed away. You will be greatly missed but we believe that the way you lived your life will help you find peace in the afterlife. You are forever in our hearts. God be with you until we meet again. Farewell in your journey to eternity.
Rest in Peace.
Linn, Glenn, Finn, Lilian and Gilbert (Starvanga, Norway)
Sad to see you go
Papa, it’s sad to see you go. In those vital years of mine, you were there, just right there! I’ve come to understand the importance of those core values. All those memories shall remain a part of us. Thanks for all the love and care. Greetings to members of the Bikelle and Tanyi family who have passed. We shall miss you all. Off you go Papa, escorted by an army of Angels to your heavenly Father. Rest in Perfect Peace.
Shushu
A good heart
A good heart has stopped breathing,
But a heart that has touched so many lives
Can´t help but live on in those it loved
Papa, continue to rest with the Lord.
Justice Bikelle Theresia
Papa we shall miss you
My papa Tanyi Ake Francis. I write this tribute with a heavy heart. When I returned to Cameroon in 2022 after many years, you emotionally told me, “Boni, your coming has given me a new lease of life.” You were extremely happy to see me again. Papa I enjoyed all the time we spent together. I was happy being with you and taking care of you until you breathed your last in the hospital in my hands. If money could buy life, I would have spent the money for you to live. But God is not man. God knows best. I have learned a lot from you papa. You were so loving, especially in your last years. You changed mom’s name from mama Angela to mama Maria and she called you Joseph. I was always happy when you and mama referred to each other using the pet names. Mami took very good care of you. I was an eye witness. I do remember those moments you would tell mama to “tie heart” when she was in tears because of your critical or serious condition. Papa I wish the woman I will marry will be like our mum. Papa we love you, but God loves you more. You passed on while squeezing my fingers and I will never forget that. I hope to reunite again with you in God’s kingdom where there is no pain, no sickness and no sadness. We love you papa and we shall miss you, your humor, stories, and laughter.
Your son, Boniface Ayi Tanyi
My beloved father,
Chief Tanyi Ake Francis. It has been difficult for me to gather myself to write these few words. I want to thank you for being an exemplary father, teacher, and friend to me. You were a man of few words. You taught me good English and incessantly corrected me every time my tenses were not right. Your exemplary nature was enough for me. You taught me and practiced values such as: peace, love of family and friends, charity, forgiving and working with those who wrong you, patience, resilience, and faith. “We have to share,” was a common slogan on your lips. That is why you seldom ate alone, especially at Christmas and Easter even when mama would curiously asked, “why are you the only one to invite your friends to eat?”
Our time at Ekondo Titi was a great formative period for me. You, Baiye, and I lived together for two years. We slept in the same bed, cooked, worked, ate, and prayed together. I prepared the spices while you sat on the stool cooking the soup. You instilled in me the love for nature not only in words but through your love for your animals and your farms, “scientific farming.” Your love and care for your pigs, especially mami Eyang and papa Eyang cannot be overemphasized.
You were always quick to introduce me to your friends, “You know my son John?” You were super proud of me papa. In the last four years of your sickness, we spent some quality time together. I enjoyed the conversations as I massaged your back and cut your hair. You answered most of the questions I had about the family and life before moving from this life to life. I recorded them and will continue to listen to them. Every time I came home in the last years, you were quick to tell people, “Reverend is here.” Thank you for always blessing me before I traveled in the last twenty years. Thank you for always taking me to the airport.
Papa, I will never forget the glow and smile on your face whenever I made a video call. “Chief Tanyi,” and you would respond “Reverend.” And after the conversations, you would customarily say, “All for God.” Thank you for your resilience papa. Your resilience gave us more time with you in the last years. We enjoyed every bit of it and your dearest wife, mama Angela, took care of you selflessly. You died knowing that fully well. You saw the love and care from your grandchildren, especially Sonia, Boniface, Francis, Esther, Mado, and Junior. I will continue with your legacy papa and I am glad I am able to give you my clerical blessings before your interment. Kindly give me the strength to preach at your funeral Mass and do your last rites.
The souls of the just are in the hands of God. Albeit your own faults, I will not hesitate to say you were a just man. It is my Christian hope that I will see you again. Extend my regards to Brother Joseph Asandack, Api, Mado, Sixtus, Chief Max Bikelle, mama Andela Beltha, and the rest. See you again in that place of eternity. Papa, I will always love you.
Your son, Reverend John Tanyi
Farewell on your journey to eternity
We all as a family will forever be grateful for the time spent together with you. Finn remembers how fun it was helping you feed the pigs. You were such a peace-loving and good father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Your daughter, Lilian, is thanking you for always being there for her. Thank you for appearing in her dreams two days before you passed away. You will be greatly missed but we believe that the way you lived your life will help you find peace in the afterlife. You are forever in our hearts. God be with you until we meet again. Farewell on your journey to eternity. Rest in Peace.
Your daughter Lilian’s Family Linn, Glenn, Finn, Lilian and Gilbert
Tributes for Papa Tanyi Ake Francis
Dear Grandpa you were a very good man and daddy to me. We always played and had fun together and you always taught me new things daily. But there was one thing you did not teach me and it is how to live without you by myside. It pained me when I heard you were gone. I did not want to even believe for a second. I was depressed because you were fine by the time I left the house. You even gave me your blessings. I didn’t know that was the last time you would bless me. I didn’t know that was the last time I would ever talk and play with you. I also thank you for blessing me before leaving us. I love you very very much grandpa. You always called me “Api.” Who will call me Api now? I wish that you will find peace and rest wherever you are. You will always be in our hearts. Please Grandpa always watch over us where you are. Bye bye. Rest in peace.
Api Esther Ongene, Granddaughter
Things fall apart.
Indeed, things have really fallen apart. Nothing lasts forever. Things will come and go but memories remain in the heart. Its with grave pain, sadness, and tear I write these words. “Namesake,” and “walking stick at old age” are names you usually called me. I never imagined or thought a day like this or that there was ever going to be a time I will not see or hear from you. But God almighty knows why. A very humble, gentle, and caring grandpa. A man who cares more about others than himself. A man who always showed us the right way. You will forever remain in our heart grandpa. Rest well in the Lord.
Tanyi Francis Ongene, Grandson
Legend,
You were a humble man full of love, strength and encouragement to us. Alive and now death, you wouldn’t want us to be sad and sorrowful but to continue to love and support one another. Your warm smile taught us that love reigns supreme. This is what those who were fortunate enough to know you will remember about you. I remember the jokes you always told me when by your side. I will not forget your priceless wisdom you shared with me. Your emphasis on keeping-fit and planning for the future will not be forgotten. Being by your side and assisting you was truly a great time of blessing to me. One which I will never forget. You always me and my siblings to unite and love one another. You were a father of all fathers. A shining example to all. Adieu Grandpa.
Yensi Sonia, Granddaughter
Hey there Grandpa!
It has been so long I heard from you. I hope you are fine and happy wherever you are. Time flies so fast. It seems like yesterday when you used to tell us, “put the blackboard outside and take this 100frs and go buy some writing books because I will be organizing holiday classes.” We all laughed and felt so excited during those days. I have not forgetting the pigs; mama Eyang and papa Eyang. We had to go all the way to the farm and to Delmonte plantation to pick up bananas for them and when everyone returned, you bought us garri and groundnut to eat accompanied by your words, “eat with care.” I have good and memorable times with you. Some difficult times as well, but I will never regret having you as my grandpa. Rest well and you will forever be in my heart.
Mado Tanyi, Granddaughter
My one and only brother in law
My one and only brother in law, my kids only real paternal uncle,no language nor words can express my feelings right now. Your departure leaves an irreplaceable vacuum . You go to meet your younger brotherJoseph after 20 years. Your smile and silence are virtues we will emulate .Thank God for our last meeting ,you remained positive asked us to let go of the past and move on .You are a father and the best of husbands ,Adieu , farewell until we meet to part no more in heaven Rest in the blossom of our Lord Amen
Your Life Spoke
Grandpa, your life spoke volumes each and every day You used your actions to show us the right way.
You made each moment count no matter when or where Inspiring others to work hard, to have integrity, to care.
Words can’t express how much we miss life without you But we thank you for the gift of inspiration from life so true.
Vandovise Ngolle