Fomundam tribute book march 30

Celebrating the Life of Colonel George Bah Fomundam

Sunrise May 5, 1945 - Sunset March 1, 2015

For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

Young George Bah Fomundam “Colonel,” as we now call him, was born on May 5, 1945 to Mr. G. N. Fomundam and Mrs. Christina Lydia Fomundam, both of whom have passed on to glory. Pa Fomundam was a prince from the Ku Palace in Bome Mbengwi, Momo Division who married a princess—Timah LydiaChristina Issoh from Anong. Pa Fomundam had five wives, the fourth of whom was George’s mom—Ma Christina. George’s parents were blessed with thirteen children and George was the first of nine survivors from this union. Growing up in a polygamous home had its own challenges, but from childhood until adulthood, George did his best to maintain an amicable and loving relationship with all of his siblings. This quality, his ability to handle difficult situations properly, his outgoing personality and much more allowed his father to pass on the torch to George as the head of the Fomundam family—a highly honored position, which George handled with dignity and respect until 2015 when he died. He led the Fomundam’s into 2015 with the victory, honor and prestige deserving of the Very Good Children as late Pa G.N. Fomundam called his kids!!!

Ma Fomundam was a seamstress, and Pa Fomundam was a teacher who later became headmaster of the Government Primary School in Nyenjei. George began his primary education in Nyenjei, and football (soccer) and scouting became some of his favorite activities. In 1951, when Pa Fomundam was transferred to Santa, George was enrolled in the Government Primary School in Santa, Ngemba. While there, George became one of the best scouters in his Boy Scout group.

Like his father, he was a very good soccer player, as well as the best inside right-winger of the prestigious 1957 junior football team of Santa. Though very involved in extracurricular activities, he - enhanced by real-life values taught to him by his parents - was also equally outstanding academically.

Upon completion of primary school, his Christian parents wanted their son educated in a Christian environment. This was so in 1959 when George passed the covetous entrance examination for Cameroon Protestant College (CPC), Bali—a place that helped to enhance the destiny God had planned for him. While in CPC Bali, one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Cameroon, he continued to excel in his academics, while participating in sports and photography. He enjoyed ping-pong, volleyball, Rounder, and the Rook card game. He continued in the Boy Scout movement as an active and trustworthy scout which instill in him the principles of leadership, patriotism, fairness, and selflessness - the tools he later used to serve his country as a soldier. He graduated from CPC in 1963 with the honored WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate) Division 2 Matriculation. He also won the CPC award for the best student in chemistry from his class. Based on his academic achievements from CPC, he was one of the few awarded an ASPAU (African Scholarship Program for American Universities) scholarship to study engineering in the United States (US) at Oregon State University (OSU).

Military Career Colonel (rtd) George Fomundam was an internationally trained military expert with specialties in armored vehicles, logistics, security, training, and small arms. He was also adept at evaluating security situations and implementing mitigating plans. George graduated with a Bachelor of 5

Science (BSc) degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University (OSU), USA and returned to Cameroon where he was commissioned as lieutenant in the armed forces on November 1, 1969 which marked the beginning of an illustrious military career that spanned over thirty years. He later received other extensive graduate-level military training from the United States, Canada and France. In France, he graduated with distinction from the famous War College (Collège Interarme de Défense—C.I.D) Paris, obtaining valuable training in strategy, conducting security situation evaluations in a given country or region, and preparing adequate contingency plans for the protection/evacuation of both military and nonmilitary personnel. In Cameroon, Colonel (rtd) Fomundam had a distinctive military career where he handled seniorlevel and sensitive positions for the army. He successfully managed training and operations at the battalion and brigade levels. He organized wartime transportation and logistics for the army, developed curricula and taught many courses at the military academy (EMIA) and became Director of Training at the Armor Training Center responsible for training military personnel from several African countries. Thrice he became Facilitator at the National Defense University/Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, the training seminar for senior military officers from forty (40) African countries.

As a young officer, he worked in many strategic positions and became Aide-de-Camp to Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda as well as Nigerian General Sani Abacha. As Senior Officer, he took on notable assignments that included serving as Commander of the Cameroon’s 21st Armored Battalion in Douala and National Director of Military Equipment in Yaoundé. He participated, headed, and represented Cameroon in many international forums. He was a Cameroon delegate to the United Nations in Vienna, Austria; Brussels, Oslo; and Ottawa, Canada amongst many other international assignments. .After retirement from the Cameroon military, he successfully transitioned to civilian life but remained fully connected to the military world by taking on assignments as a military expert, trainer, and consultant. This allowed him to teach and train soldiers all over the world which he absolutely loved and enjoyed!

Military Accolades:      

1972 - 1973 Director of Armor Training 1973 - 1977 Commander, Armor Intervention Unit , Armor Squadron 1974 Aerial Reconnaissance Officer 1975 EMIA—Cameroon/2e Escadron Commando 1977 - 1980 Captain, Chief of Staff, Armor Battalion 1980 - 1983 Education/Training/Services US (Fort Knox, Aberdeen, Virginia, Corvallis)

      

1984 - 1988 Sub-Director/Lt General, Vehicles, Cameroon Staff Headquarters 1987 Trainer - junior staff school at EMIA 1988 - 1992 Aide de Camp to Kenneth Kaunda/Nigerian General, Sani Abacha 1988 Lieutenant Colonel, Armor Battalion commander, Intervention Unit Cameroon.

1993 – 2001 Colonel and Director of equipment at the General Staff Headquarters 1995 Senior Command and Staff College for the Combined Military Academy – EMIA 1995 – 1996 Collège Interarmée de Défense (The War College) in France.

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2002 – 2003 Chief of Logistics Bureau

Military after Retiring Due to his military expertise, Colonel Fomundam’s services were solicited by the international community.        

2005 Security Specialist Training in the UK. 2005–2007 Facilitator of several military seminars organized by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies under the auspices of the National Defense University.

2007–2013 Served the UN through a US structured—PAE Lockheed Martin Company.

2007–2008 Regional Detachment Manager (RDM) Darfur/Sudan overseer nine camps.

2008–2013 Training Manager for the Troop Contributing Country (TCC) of Africa to UNAMID. 2008 Guest Speaker/Facilitator at military seminars organized by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies with the National Defense University.

2009 Ethics Country Representative and Security Point of Contact, UN N’Djamena.

2013 Facilitator, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Family Life Captain George Fomundam met and married his lovely wife Adeline Eni Fobid on April 9, 1977 in a magnificent military ceremony. One year later they had their first bundle of joy Ethel. Two years later Mark followed then Angela, Kenneth and finally Karl. George lived with his family in Cameroon till 2003 when they all settled in the Unites states. As a military man he instilled discipline in his kids but also instilled love, compassion and the fear of God in each and every one of them. They moved to Smyrna, Delaware in 2009. While in Delaware, George enjoyed sightseeing and being the tour guide to anyone who appeared lost. He enjoyed spending time with his family at home, at church, at the beach, or on road trips as well as playing recreational games such as tennis. George and Adeline later adopted a young lady by the name of Stella Ayika who along with her three kids-Ariel, Eudora and Bettina-were such a blessing to the whole family. Despite his achievements and recognition in the community, the Colonel remained humble and approachable. He could strike up a heart-warming conversation with just about anyone he encountered. He loved taking care of others, and this encompassed more than just his immediate family. Other hobbies included passionately building extensions to his homes. Just last summer, he extended the back porch and patio at the family home in Smyrna and had a blast with this project!

Spiritual Life Col. Fomundam embraced God early under the guidance of his Christian parents who baptized and confirmed him as an infant in the Cameroon Protestant College Church. As an adult, he 7

joined the Christian Men’s Fellowship and did ministry work eventually becoming an elder. He also worked under Professor Bame who was his schoolmate, friend, brother, and spiritual leader.

The strong bond between these men had begun while they were obtaining their secondary education at CPC Bali. Professor Bame jokingly called him “A man with the Bible in one hand and a gun in the other hand” but respected and admired his friend. George’s life in ministry then took him to Yaoundé where he became one of the founding members of the Patmos Church Mission of Evangelical Churches in Cameroon (MEC). George had the calling of God in his life and served God as he performed his military duties. He believed in God wholeheartedly and evangelized and preached the gospel everywhere his missions took him. On numerous occasions, he came face-to-face with death in very dangerous circumstances, but he always told stories of how God delivered him from danger on many occasions. He always attributed his many successes and accomplishments to God who saw fit to elevate him despite his humble beginnings. He never questioned God’s sovereignty but believed in Him whole-heartedly and totally submitted himself to His will. Going to church for Tuesday night prayers was one of his most enjoyable activities. No matter how he felt on any given day, he enjoyed spending time with God in prayer. He participated in nighttime Bible studies with his family at home and from afar via conferencing.

Order of service in separate folder I will email to you (Include all pages)

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MEMORIES OF A MAN: GEORGE BAH FOMUNDAM - The Family MEMORIES OF A MAN: GEORGE BAH FOMUNDAM – The Family A Tribute to My Wonderful Husband As a young girl growing up, one of the desires of my heart was that my future husband would be well-learned and have a degree. I truly prayed to God for the fulfillment of this desire because I was not going to settle for less. When you and I met and fell in love George, you were a handsome and vibrant soldier with an awesome heart! This never changed in our 38 years!! Ours was such a perfect bond. I only found out much later that you had what I had earlier asked God for. We talked about this so often when we planned for our children. I have never ceased to thank God for the fact that you are the father of our children and that we worked hard together to bring them up. How can I EVER forget what we accomplished together?

Too many coincidences, it must truly be God: -

Is it a coincidence that each of us was the first born?

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Is it a coincidence that I chose nursing as a profession?

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Is it a coincidence that after over 18 years of midwifery, I switched to oncology nursing?

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Is it a coincidence that each of our first two children finished their pharmacy degrees at the time they did?

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Is it a coincidence that the day you were having surgery in The Congo for the first time someone assisted me at every single step of my trip out there?

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Is it a coincidence that after we had been blessed with two daughters and three sons the Lord in addition blessed us with an adopted daughter and three grand kids? So we now have three sons, three daughters, and three grand kids!

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Is it a coincidence that we have a crowd in Mbengwi this Easter weekend? That marks exactly 38 Easters after we pulled a crowd here for our wedding? That some of the friends and family members who were here have come again? One main difference here is that this time I stand here all alone.

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Explain to me George...

The number of times I look around and expect to see you or hear your voice.

You were prepared to meet The Lord. Yes, you were. I remember our conversations when you would ask “Eni, do you think there is anything that I have not done to get ready to meet The Lord?” My answer was “Nini, I do not see anything but we are human. Let us pray that if there is anything, The Lord will reveal it to us.” Few were the occasions that God did not show up when we prayed. We gave God the glory.

We went through this journey as a team, and we made a good team with the awesome children God blessed us with. You held on. We had fun and made plans for more fun, especially travel 9

plans. Then you travelled on this beautiful journey with The Lord leaving a huge vacuum in our lives. How do we fill it? There is so much going on that I would like to discuss with you, ask you, and just talk. Who do the children and I turn to? One thing I ask of The Lord is that He will keep our family focused on Him so that we shall meet to part no more.

Adieu and farewell my awesome and sweet husband, father, friend, brother, and family man. We truly miss you but The Lord has spoken.

Your Wife Eni Daddy, Priceless, that is what you are to me! You have been the main constant in my life from birth to adulthood. You played the role of father, teacher, cheerleader, prayer warrior, mentor, best friend and much more. You made the world a safer place for me to be in. I thank God for allowing me the honor of being your first child. You were a pillar to lean on whenever the need arose. You always caught me when I fell and saw me through tough situations in my life. Your words of encouragement all through my life have made me who I am today. Yours is the voice of encouragement I heard while in high school, college, pharmacy school, and the school of life. A constant reminder that with God I can do anything that I set my mind to do. That is exactly how you took life on. Daddy you fulfilled all you needed to do for me before God called you. You went through pharmacy school alongside me. You graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy alongside me. We did this as a team, a well-oiled machine with a license to succeed and excel in life. We made it daddy; we made it!! You are absent physically, but you will always be in my heart. Always!! Your Legacy will live on in me and others forever!!! I love you.

Dr. Ethel Fomundam Ethy your grandma

To my father

What a journey! The last 15 months have been truly special: we got the chance to be supportive of you as you have “always” been of us. What a pleasure; what a journey! Well, March 1 came and went, and they say “you’re no more”. When I look into the eyes of my brothers and sisters, I know you’re here! I know you live on! Karl knows what to do, and how to get it done. That’s from you – thanks! He doesn’t always get it done; we’ll take it from here! Mama’s going to be okay. YOU KNOW HER; she’s one feisty warrior! Ethy’s getting ready to do what she was born to do: I worry that before long there’ll be lines of people at the house asking her for free medications. You know she’ll give everything she has! Ken’s always there when I can’t be there.

I am lucky to have him! Bleu is steady; she silently looks after the rest of us. Stella and the girls are as radiant as ever. No matter what time of the day (or night) they walk in, everything seems to get better. I am torn, but I’ll be okay! Thanks for sharing the journey with us. It is one to be remembered - it will be! See you on the other side.

With love, Dr. Fomundam (which one) 10

To my darling father I love you more than words can say. It was hard for me to let go but I rejoice today because you are in a better place. Thank you for wanting the best for me and never letting me settle for less. I thank God for your life and for who you were. You were a patient, kind, loving, honest, thoughtful, humble dad and so much more. I miss the fact that you won’t walk me down the aisle or be there to welcome my children into this world or give me advice about marriage as well as raising kids. What I miss the most is your smile but today, I smile because I know that somewhere in heaven, you are smiling too. And whenever I feel the breeze on my face, I will know that you are there with me.

Love Afor your “Big Girl” A.K.A your favorite child Thank you Daddy: I’ve written, re-written and then re-written again this farewell letter to you so many times Daddy, each time with something different to say, another story to tell, another lesson, memory to narrate. Then I realized that what I really want to say is “thank you.”

Thank you Daddy, for teaching me about life…that it is about perspective, and can be the greatest adventure I ever take; that it will have highs and lows, but I should make the best of every situation; that I will make my mistakes and should own them, but I shouldn't let them keep me down.

Thank you Daddy, for teaching me about family...that after Christ, it is one of God’s greatest gifts to us, to be loved, valued and cherished.

Thank you Daddy. To you and Mama, for teaching me about God...that knowing Him is a lifelong journey, worth every tear, of joy and of sadness.

And who can forget that smile?!? Thank you Daddy, for teaching me to smile, and laugh heartily too. Such that today and every time I think about you I'll be smiling.

There is so much I can say about who you were, not just to me alone but to a lot of others: the great son you were to Papa and Mami Nyenji, the loving husband you were to Mama, the caring and ever present brother you were to your many siblings, the uncle, grandfather, soldier, fighter you were to us all. Still, to these people you were Ni George, Nini, Pa Fomundam, Le Colonel. I however, had the privilege of calling you not just my father but my Daddy.

It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a father. So today and forever, I say thank you, Col. G.B. Fomundam, for being more than friend, a mentor, a father.

Thank you for being my Daddy.

We will meet again.

Your Son, “Ken Boy”

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Your son, -“Ken boy” My Dad, My Hero, Where can I begin to reflect on the completely unexpected meeting of George Fomundam who ended up becoming the father I never had? As a child who lost her dad at the tender age of seven, I always felt I was missing that father-figure in my life. This insecurity seriously affected my personal outlook of me and life in general. Despite my success professionally, something was missing. As if that was not enough, I was widowed with my oldest child at age 7. Not only was I missing this father-figure, my children were as well. Why, I asked God. George Fomundam was sent to me by God to change that scenario. I met daddy in 2013. It is hard to believe that in two years, daddy was able to wipe away three decades of void I have endured. Has anyone ever heard of someone who goes from being a co-worker of the spouse to an adopted daughter into the family? Only daddy can do such a thing. He not only accepted me as his daughter, but also my girls as their Grandpa. My daughters bragged about him to their friends. They are quick to discuss his military career and how no one can ever mess with them because Grandpa will get them. Daddy was the vessel God used to fill that void in our lives. I petitioned God not to take him as I cannot handle the loss of my dad yet again. We fought hard, but God knows best. It hurts to let him go, but I know he lives in me. I can now walk with my head held high. No obstacle is too great in my eyes any more. I am unstoppable and courageous all because of the exemplary life my dad has lived. He lived life to the fullest without fear. What a privilege and honor I have enjoyed being called Colonel Fomundam’s daughter. Wow! Rest in peace Daddy till me meet again!

Stella Ayika A tribute to My Father You were know by many titles: George, Nini, Papa, king George, Chop chair, Elder, Minister….To me you were simply Daddy. Despite me being the youngest of your 5 children you dubbed me “Big papa” and that’s what you always referred to me as. You always found a way to beat me in tennis almost every time. I did returned the favor when we had our monopoly game marathons although you would never admit that! You supported me in whatever I wanted to do from scouting, to playing musical instruments and even to going to school in Delaware, where you ended up following me too. With every mistake I made in life, you were quick to reprimand me but even quicker to advise me on how to improve and beat the odds next time around. Now that’s Love. You always had a smile on your face and a willingness to attack life’s challenges with that attitude no matter what. You showed me how to balance being loving and still being firm as a man striving after God’s own heart. You were the best example to me of how to walk the path God has for me in this life and seeking God first in everything. “God has brought us this far for a reason” you would constantly tell me. It wasn’t something I didn’t know 12

but something God saw fit to use you to remind me of on many occasions. I always remember, and try to replicate, the care and compassion you had for everyone you came in contact with no matter their life story. You followed Christ’s words when he said “…You are the light of the world…”. You were a light indeed and in God’s perfect plan he saw it fit to remove such a light from this earth to be by his side. Your mission was complete and God will get the Glory though all of this. I don’t see this as “Goodbye” but as “see you later because I plan on seeing you in Heaven someday. With all that said, see you later Daddy!

Karl Fomundam-The Retirement baby!!!

Grandpa!

Dear Grandpa, I really miss your telling me to put my feet off the white chair. I really liked to watch you out on the patio looking at the different colors of wood. Are you enjoying heaven?

What does God look like? Have you met my dad? Isn’t he great? I really wish you were still here. It is really different without you around. Bye Grand Pa. Rest in Peace!

Ariel Dear Grand Pa, We love you so much. We are really sad that you died. So we are trying to stop telling people about it because they will start crying. Aunty Ethy is really trying to prepare for the funeral so the people that were crying will feel a little bit better. Nobody planned for you to die, they planned the pain would go away from your body. We hope you are having a good day in heaven.

I would love to tell you a little bit about the teeth. Here are some information about teeth.

Let’s start. If you have green teeth, you will not have a pretty smile. Here’s another one, cavities are a black hole in your teeth. Next one, brush your teeth twice a day. Molars help you chew.

Next, if you lose your permanent tooth, you don’t get another one. Here is another one, go to the dentist twice a year. This is all I know about the dentist. I will like to have you alive in Delaware right now so everybody will be okay. I’m a bit sad that you died, but I hope you get no pain in heaven. Have a happy happy day. Love you very very much. I hope you enjoyed my letter Grand Pa. Love you!

Bettina Dear grandpa I didn't know you that long but I know you are very important. I just wish that I knew you were going to go so that I would have spent more time with you. I miss you and love you very much.

Thank you for helping me understand things that other people would never tell me for some reason. I am sorry you didn't live long enough to see your real grandchildren but I hope I did well enough.

Love Eudora

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MEMORIES OF BAH FOMUNDAM – The Very Good Children MEMORIES OFAAMAN: MAN:GEORGE GEORGE BAH FOMUNDAM - The Very Good Children A brother. A scout. An elite soldier. The champion of very good children and so on…... disappears! Too many unforgettable memories dear brother!

We grew up together at a tender and impressionable age of under 12-always very close to our late father Pa G.N Fomundam. Even though we were academic hot shots in the family, Pa enjoyed drilling us in the traditional dance called “Chibi” around the football field after school.

He would sing and we would dance using the rhythm and steps he taught us.

Once, Pa sent both of us in the late afternoon to take a pig from Santa to Nyenjei. We travelled through Mbei, Baforchu and by the time we reached Bali it was dark and the pig was tired. We took turns carrying the pig every mile. One Bali man saw us: he exclaimed-“Two kids at night on the highway carrying a pig!” He begged us to spend the night with him and promised to take care of the pig. He gave us water to bathe and some food. The next morning, he gave us the pig and asked us to continue our journey. What an angel! We went to CPC Bali together, worked in the Land and Survey Department together, married wives with same middle name, “Eni”. We each have five children! Amazing!! Our careers however were very different. You became a top soldier! It rumored months before your death that you had died but death did not come until it was God’s time. When Pa G.N. Fomundam talked of “good children” you really were the leader in making Pa comfortable. Indeed, the champion of “very good children,” has left us! In sickness your faith in the Almighty God grew by geometric progression. May your soul rest in perfect peace and May the Almighty God raise more giants in the family even greater than you for there is a great work to be done!

Dr. Andrew Manga Fomundam Regardless of your earthly acclaim and accomplishments Ni George, you were not just my brother. You were also my natural and spiritual brother. You loved the Lord and obeyed the gospels. You will be greatly missed. May you rest perfectly in the Lord.

Abraham Fomundam Ni George, Your home going did not come as a surprise to those who were lucky to see you in your last days. I remember vividly when I saw you lastly in the hospital, all you said to me was that, “Mary, life is very difficult”. We did pray together for God to make you free. He did give you the endurance to carry on. Until the 1st of March, when He liberated you. Indeed, your soul has been set free at the Creator’s own time. You are rejoicing while the world is mourning.

I thank God immensely for the lifetime we shared together as a family. You were a special uncle to my kids. There was this inexplicable connection that just flew between you and them. They will miss your jokes and all the fun. You came to the end of the road and the sun did set for you.

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We will miss you but we have to let you go for this is a journey we all must take and each must go alone. It’s all part of the maker’s plan. May your gentle soul find perfect rest in the Lord till we meet to never part.

Mary Mofor Ni George, I started by shedding tears that you are gone then I asked myself if you are really gone. The answer to my question kind of confuses me. Your physical being has gone but you live on in our lives. I remember like it was just yesterday: Our childhood struggles, your influence in the Fomundam’s lives, your smiles up till your last days, your promises, your greetings. In my husband’s native dialect “Ngie,” oh, you live on truly in our lives. The Fomundam’s are not only blessed, they had you: you remain a blessing that lives on. We will meet again after the break.

Ma Juliette Achonduh NINI, I am yet to believe that the voice that used to call TERRY isn't anymore. Where are you?

With the Lord Jesus Christ Right? He has called you to himself. I believe the Lord Jesus is never wrong. Thank you for all the good services rendered especially to me. My spirit tells me you are an Alto singer in the heavenly choir. I hear your voice in songs of worship. Well, here is a request. Prophet Elijah on leaving the world his mantle fell to Elisha. I pray this to be same between you and your brother, so that he can continue the good work you started. Go in peace to meet the Lord. May they give you cold water and rest in peace. Bye bye Nini.

Terry Tah.

Ni George, Nini, It is very easy for me to thank you because you did just one thing for me in life, and that is …….Everything. Your fingerprints are all over my accomplishments and my successes. You were there, lifting me up whenever I was down. It is very evident that I stood on your shoulders all the times to see as far as I have. I will try to be succinct in talking about you with my disorderly mind at this moment for obvious reasons. It was not by choice, I was born as your brother-what a beautiful gift; and then we became friends-what a privilege; then you became my mentor-priceless; then as head of the Fomundam family, you became my father-what an honor and now you are my angel –for divine guidance.

My Brother, as a toddler, I could still vaguely remember some special attention from you. The fondness was unprecedented. Then I learnt you were that unique brother every soul will cherish.

Very early in age, you taught me the sense of belonging and the love for family, especially our parents. On several occasions, you came to visit me in secondary school-PSS Batibo with your military entourage, and I would be left to answer many questions with so much admiration from 15

my fellow school mates and even faculty about you and your visit. When I was leaving for the US after high school, you came to see me off in Douala and came right to the entrance of the plane and told me these chilling words that replayed over and over in my head, while giving me a firm military handshake “Now you are a man, the family has always done all for you but from now, you will be on your own: This is the time for you to watch carefully, think properly before you act-Good Luck”. Oh yes, it was scary to be out of your tutelage for the first time; however, those words jolted me into action till today. Later on in life we laughed about it, because to you, it was natural and spontaneous. You were there for me unconditionally. I could tell that you had my back at all times. So it was but natural, that we became friends.

My Friend: We met as often as possible, whenever our busy schedules would permit, but we spoke on a weekly basis. Later in your career, our jobs would cross paths-working both in Africa; we met in Rwanda twice, I was amazed but not surprised that you drove to the airport in Dar es Salaam to pick me up, though you had been there for barely two weeks!! The most hilarious was our brief meeting in South Sudan, at the Juba airport. You were flying out and I was flying in. In your two-month mission to South Africa, you basically abandoned your residence and operated from my house with your colleagues. You often forgot that I was the kid brother and I too forgot that you were the older brother and we just chatted, debated, and agreed to disagree on whatever topic. Your wisdom was simply unparalleled, so it became only logical that you became my mentor.

My Mentor: Through what I saw in you, I have also recommended to many people to get a good engineer as a mentor. You put every challenge or problem in 3-dimensions to be visualized with ease. I was so comfortable to present any problem to you, be it running my office, managing personnel or writing a health care proposal. In general, you would take a complex issue and divide it into digestible chunks. Thank you so much! How I wish I told you many times while you were alive, that you were my hero. Papa had seen all these in you and made you father of the family.

My Father: I had a new found father. Who else? This new role just made you even wiser when I thought you were already functioning at the peak. Thank you for sharing your love with all in a family of hundreds of persons. We all heard your words as you took on the fight against colon cancer. As a consummate soldier and a doting father in the battlefield called Earth; you won, but God needed you as a Commander to intercede for us in Heaven. Thusly, you became my angel.

My Angel: You have just moved to another commanding role as the General who will intercede for us. One of the days that you looked quite tired in your sick bed, I sat beside you and could not contain my emotions; I said please do not go anywhere because I will be unable to manage your many sisters. You told me, it was God’s call, and that if and when it happens, he will give me the wisdom. As an angel now, I will hold you to that. Inside me, I believe you have taken the lead on going ahead, to prepare a place for us, as it is certain that we shall join you.

Till we meet again!

Henry Ndakwe, South Africa Hen, as you often address your emails to me.

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Colonel Fomundam, Pa Fomundam, Ni George, your departure has left us in shock and disbelief.

Why? Why? Are questions we will never be able to answer effectively? Senior Fomundam, Godfrey Nguh Fomundam left you in charge of the family not too long ago. You have also been good, kind and generous to family members. And now you suddenly vanished leaving us like sheep without a Shepard. We tried so hard to stop you from leaving but you won't listen. Your departure has created a vacuum in the family. You will definitely be missed. Farewell then, in those capacities of yours: Pa, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Friend, and so on, as you go ahead to prepare a place for us all. May the Almighty God be with you till we meet again!

Richard Fomundam It pleased me always to call you “Nini�. You were my brother, my father, my pride, a pace setter, and a role model. You took in Therese and I at very tender ages, to live with you. While we were in college, we spent all our holidays with you causing many people to think we were your biological children. We were always in your company and you brought us up with unfettered love. You showed a lot of concern for our wellbeing at every stage of our lives and when you got married to Mama Adeline, we found a mother in her. I remember very vividly when I served as Deputy State Counsel in the court of Ist Instance Douala, and had court sessions that dragged on to about 4:00am. You were the Commandant of BBR in Bassa at the time, and was always there out of your own volition and intuition, to accompany me from Bonanjo to my home in Bonaberi to ensure my security since my husband was out of the country. I can still remember very vividly how you always sent the driver to take us home for holidays and take us back to school. Your acts of generosity, kindness and love knew no bounds and indeed went beyond family circles to touch so many lives. The catalogue is long and I can go on and on. When I visited you in Delaware in December 2014, you were already ill. I would never have believed that it was our last encounter. I will forever thank and praise the Lord God Almighty for your life and for giving you to me as a brother. I am devastated but not crushed. Although the wound seems so deep and sharp, I know that My Redeemer lives and shall comfort me. Nini, I loved you so much. I will love you forever. Even though you are gone, your legacy lives on. Go in the Peace of The Lord God Almighty where with the other saints, you will worship and adore Him forever and ever.

Justice Mbah Acha Rose Fomundam

Nini, Nini ooooh!!

Now no response because you are mute. You were in acute pain but you still wanted to be there for us. We had wanted death to hold on for a miracle to come our way but we soon saw that God's ways are not our ways. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that our hero is no more. Your passing on has created an unimaginable vacuum, for Nini meant all and all to us.

Nini, how do you feel over there? Rested? What does our Dad and Mom say, seeing you by 17

them? Tell our heavenly father about our great needs and large vacuum your absence has created among us. Can you remember how weary Henry felt, when he saw you in pain? Rest assured that we shall take good care of him for you. Nini, you have always been a father to me and then a husband. I can still remember vividly my happy stay with you in Santa N A school, when Dad was a headmaster. I also remember my days with you in Buea, when you were a young new recruit in the lands and Survey Department Buea. There I was, with you in your single room and you gave me all the care a child deserves. Thank you Nini.

Even when I got married, you still stood by me, trying so hard to complement my husband, especially during his failing health. You were always there to make me and my kids smile. When my husband passed onto glory, you stepped into his shoe fully, supporting and protecting us all along. Your love towards us has always been the most comfortable anchor for support, and I had been feeling very fine until two weeks ago, when your death gave me a smashing punch on my face. I now begin to wonder how I shall continue life without my God given support – Nini, our hero. We promise to keep the family love and unity you’ve always stood for. Adieu Nini, rest in peace as you will always be remembered for your good deeds to all who came along your way. It is hard I say but we hope on.

Susan Tenjoh – Okwen Nini, That brave soldier to the Nation! That brave soldier for Christ! I salute your faith! A brave soldier in sickness, I greet your battle with cancer! I know you died satisfied with the love your wife showed you, care your children forewent their jobs to give you, the presence of your beloved sisters and brothers around you. I remember an unforgettable scene in my mind, at the Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, when that still small voice of yours called "Manyi", you stretched out your hands, held mine and said "You came to see me because I'm sick and fell sick yourself. I am declaring and commanding now that you are healed in Jesus' name. Sickness go back to your origin" I was so touched Nini, it could only be you. A very sick person in pains feeling for another sick person. Nini, you were a father to the twins (Rose and I) as early as your youthful age; you took us from Saker to the University, such that we were only taken away from your side by marriage. You sacrificed a lot for us to be what we are today. You became a father at a tender age and remained the father of ALL the Fomundam’s, till death. Nini, we miss you!

We know physically you are absent, but Jesus Christ is sitting just where you used to sit. What a family to be headed by Jesus! What family meetings to be chaired by Jesus! What consultations to be done by Jesus! What advice, to be given by Jesus! What legacy you left: spiritual, moral, financial. Rest in peace Nini, I know Injeck, Tibah, Mami, and Papa welcomed you and are listening for you to tell them how we are faring here on earth Adieu My Beloved.

Your sister Terry Acha (Manyi) Thank you Nini. Thank you for being such a darling brother and father. Thank you for being such an able teacher: from you I learnt to be humble; to be honest to be hardworking; to be there 18

for others; to be forgiving and to seek unity and God in my family and wherever I go. Thank you Nini for the darling nieces and nephews you have given me. Thank you for the beautiful moments spent together. Thank you for last summer - it was such a nice and fulfilling holiday.

Nini my list of thank you’s is far from being exhaustive. I cannot hold back my tears cos in August you seemed ok and this deceived me. I remember your calls to me in October when I had problems. All the time you minimized your own health problems to stand by me. Thank you, thank you, thank you Nini. Thank you from Glen, Tina, and Vivy who will greatly miss "Big Uncle." Thank you from Dan who knows how much you meant to him and to all of Anong. Nini If love could keep you, you would not have died and if tears could bring you back to life for sure you would have been risen by now. Neither has worked for us!!!! You will be greatly missed!!!

Love you so much Nini. Now that pain is over, rest in peace in the bosom of The Lord till we meet again!!!!

Bridget Fomundam Mbeng Nini, I thank God for your life. The Lord God Almighty blessed you and you in turn became a blessing to many that came your way. You have played a major role in my life by making me who I am today. You showed special favor to my husband and children. We will continue to keep alive your passion of unity and love within the family. I am so glad that I was there for you when you needed me most as you were sick. You know that if I could rescue you from the hands of death, I would have done so but the Lord God our Creator told me that He needed you most in heaven. I appreciate you for obeying the voice of the Lord. We will miss your smiles, your jokes, and your company. ADIEU Margaret Mudoh (Sister) Nini Forever!

Many called you Colonel, others Daddy, a handful called you Man of God, a few more called you Elder and some called you Pa. But we call you Nini and you are our Nini forever. I remember how our mother cherished you and joined us in calling you Nini. Wives call husbands by their names but you brought us a sister instead of a wife! Ma Adeline joined us in calling you Nini. You are Nini forever. Papa respected you so much.

Not only because you gave us gifts not only because you rendered us services not only because you were always present and showing us love but because you are our gift from above, to play the role of a sibling, partner and that of parents especially to me. Even when you shout at us, you are still Nini. When you are present you are Nini in your absence you are Nini and now that I haven’t seen you since March 1st you are still Nini our Nini sent from above.

You have always sung my praises despite my weaknesses but I did not understand you held me in such a high esteem to solicit my presence at your departure. Who am I to bear witness to this kind of disheartening moment?

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Many said Quinta exaggerates the way she grieves but Nini, it’s because they don’t understand.

They don’t know that part of me will be lowered down into the grave on 4th April 2015. You are part of me and I am part of you, so how won’t I grieve? They don’t understand but I guess you knew that I will grieve like this because you felt same when Pastor Bame your brother and spiritual guide fell asleep too.

I rejoice in the Lord because you had traded your pain for the joy of the Lord. Just like you always did, on every trip out of the country I was sure to have a new outfit, on this day, though you were not present, the children dressed up Aunty Queen in a bridal attire just like you would have done. The difference here was my shoulders were lowered and my head dropped down and my tear glands were at work. The kids clustered around me to say ‘aunty don’t cry’ this is exactly what you would have done. You never allow me to cry nor to be sad let alone being worried.

Just tell me, what manner of man are you that you are loved by all. You are so different in everything. You worked so hard, so fast and so vastly as if you knew you won’t be here for long.

Oh Man of God, highly favored by God. He signaled you time is up, HE gave you time to tie up loose ends. I saw you arranging things but I didn’t know time was up. I believe in a miracle even the Lazarus miracle.

I refuse to say Adieu anyway. I would have preferred to pray for you than writing up this stuff.

For a while now, Ma Adelyn has not sent a prayer topic, but I long for it. Ethy hasn’t given updates about what is happening. Nevada Airlines is wondering why Marky is no longer in the air every Tuesday. Kenneth is no longer planning trips from Kentucky to Delaware. Neither is Afor programmed for a night shift at Bay Health. Karl is not rushing from Newark to the hospital before the night falls. No more panics in Cameroon. Stella Ayika is no longer driving late in the night with the children to come see you in the hospital.

We didn’t complain, we wanted to do all within human reach to make you comfortable because you are our Nini forever. You lifted us very high, though you are gone but you still left us high to continue that which you started Quinta The Benjamin whom you fondly call QUEEN or KOONKOON like Papa used to call me

MEMORIES OF A MAN: GEORGE BAH FOMUNDAM - The Very Good Grand Children MEMORIES OF A MAN: GEORGE BAH FOMUNDAM – The Very Good Grand Children Extra special uncle Colonel George Bah Fomundam (AKA Ni George) My Ni George is no more! I wake up daily to this disheartening reality. You never stopped recounting one particular episode about my early childhood. Yeah...that was my special bond 20

with you. Your kind heartedness and giving nature, affected multitudes within the family and beyond. Being around you was sheer joy.

My Ni George is no more! Like a seasoned soldier, you fought a good fight. As your health deteriorated, so did my faith in God ameliorate? I entrusted your complete healing to our omnipotent God as I awaited my miracle. I know the Lord heard my every cry and prayer uttered. Though God willed things differently, I remain thankful to God today because you knew the Lord and had a special relationship with Him. Also because He gave you some quality time with family prior to transitioning.

My Ni George is no more! Your warm and endearing laughter, company I will miss.

Our "small talk" regarding my early childhood I will replay. Your rich legacy of Generosity and Service to mankind, I will cherish. Because good people will be remembered as a blessing (Proverbs 10:7) I will weep no more. Adieu my Ni George. Farewell sweet Uncle. Rest in Perfect Peace.

Agwa Okwen Awasum "My dearest Daddy, I can't find the words to write. Tears keep running down my eyes. Thank you for the time we spend. You were a God sent, and now you have returned to Him. Some of my friends thought I was so proud each time I said if God came and had to take one person it would be you. Your kindness touched everyone that came your way. You stood by me, when everyone doubted me and thought I was growing horns. You have always been there for me. You drove to the hospital to see me when I had your granddaughter Eni. You prayed for her when she was having stomach issues, despite the pains you were having. Yes, that was just the father you were. Daddy, I'll cry, but I'll be comforted for I know where you are. Miss you."

Belinda Tah One of our pillars is gone and another must rise up to hold the foundation. Ni we saw you just last summer as we traveled across the northeastern states. You were full of life and kin of mind.

This is how we will remember and think of you. And in the hospital during the 11th hour you sat up in bed to greet your guest. Now the everlasting hills are before you. We hope to live our lives learning from the greats that have gone before us.

Your nephew, Larry Fomundam

Though I am deeply grieved, I have a deep sense of comfort as I can still feel your presence, your smile, your warmth. Uncle words cannot describe how grateful I am to God for your life and all you were to me personally, my mother (your sister) and our entire family. I remember calling you when I was in the University to say that I had used up the fees mommy gave me and I needed some money. You sent me the money and promised not to tell mommy. That has been our little secret. I have an avalanche of memories of which I cherish- the times you visited me in 21

Saker, times you visited us at home, the weekends spent with you at the Army camp in Douala, vacation in Quartier General- I could go on and on-Uncle, I will miss you so much- more than words can express. You have been our pride, a strong pillar, unbeatable, strong, our covering, our hero, and you will always be all of these to me. In December, you held my hands, blessed me and prayed for me and the family I will eventually have. You told me that no matter what happens, we will serve God. I hung unto those words. I rejoice because you are now pain free, with the Lord Jesus, the angels, with Mami and Papa, smiling down at me, smiling down at us.

Uncle I love you so much- you know I do. I look forward to the day I will see you again my dearest Uncle. Till we meet again.

Igxtelle Mbah Acha

What matters in life is not the fact that all men are born equal but most of all, what they are equal to. Uncle, you were a great soldier and mentor. You could shoot a flying sparrow from its shadow. Not only were you an awesome father, a loving husband and an adorable uncle, you were a good friend and disciplinarian. Your presence, commanding voice, your fierce and piercing stare straightened the wicked and the crocket. You touched the hearts of a million, impacted the lives of a trillion and were loved and cherished by a zillions. The birds hum your praises and sing about your benevolence and magnificence. You were a candid being but a candle in the wind. Adieu uncle, till we meet again Michael Fomundam We grew up to know that Ni was part of your name, because of the high regard our moms had for you, so we called you uncle Ni George. Also because your kids shared you with the entire family as father/daddy. When you took ill, day and night we cried unto the lord to deliver you of that affliction. True to His word that he will deliver the righteousness from their affliction, God delivered you from your affliction. Precious in the sight of the lord is the death of his saints. (ps116:15). We will greatly miss you uncle, but we do not mourn as those without hope, we know that one day all those who now sleep will be awaken through the resurrection.

Your nephew and father, Marvin Ngoh Acha Colonel, It's difficult to move on‌to know you are gone ... gone beyond our reach, leaving this mortal world behind. What moves through now is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We are still trying to get used to it, the idea of you being gone.

Just when I think it's reconciled, accepted, someone points it out to me, and it just hits me all over again, that shock. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. Your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget, memories that no 22

one can take away, memories that will bring forth a smile and conquer the painful tears. One memory which has been indelibly etched in my mind is of my coming to the U.S in 1999, over 15 years ago when you gave me a brand new Bible…. Not exactly what I was hoping for at the time if you know what I mean. But on getting to the U.S and going through hard times, it was that Bible I turned to, and right in the middle of it – a brand new hundred dollar bill. Wow! Exactly what I needed. Well needless to say, the lesson you were trying to teach me was that far more important than what was my immediate expectation (which was money, of course), was that the Bible is full of hidden treasures, which I can only find if I seek.

Colonel, you're not around, but your memories still remain captured in our hearts. You were like an angel that came and made our lives beautiful, and now that you are in heaven, we know you are doing the same. …..We prayed for you to get well and completely healed, and you did get better only to be sick again and again. If prayers and tears were requirements to bring you back, Uncle, you will still be here with us….. But God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be…. So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to Me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."

The best way we can honor your life and legacy is to continue living our lives, while keeping your memory alive through everyday events. I know that you Colonel George B. Fomundam would have wanted that, and expected nothing less from us. Rest in Peace till we meet again Colonel.

Major Chafac Mofor Uncle, you have left a void in the family and on this earth that only God alone can show us how to fill. You lived an exemplary life and showed me the true meaning of an excellent big brother, a loving husband and father and a true leader. You gave the family a reason to be proud, from your siblings, to our generation, we were proud to be belong to the Fomundam family one way or the other. I thank you for everything you have done for each and every one of us, I thank you for being there when no one else was, I thank you for setting the perfect example for me to emulate and above all I thank God for giving me the opportunity to call you my uncle. You fought a good fight as always and I'm sure the only reason you decided to go rest was because you truly believed we will be just fine. Rest Uncle, we will do our best to carry the mantle from here. Rest uncle, we will try our best to make you proud. Rest uncle, you have made God proud.

Rest uncle....until we meet again.

Gima Mudoh MEMORIES OF A MAN: GEORGE BAH FOMUNDAM – Family and friends

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MEMORIES OF A MAN: GEORGE BAH FOMUNDAM - Family and Friends Colonel is how we always called you. You were our good son/brother in law, the pillar of both families, a unifying force. You were always there and made yourself accessible to each and every one of us who came across your path. That's why we refer to you as "our very good moyo". During your illness we prayed for healing and relief from pain. God decided to take you to His side. He knows best. We will miss you but hope to meet and together rejoice at the side of our Living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Till we meet to part no more. We say Adieu.

Paa Fobid Philip on behalf of the Fobids family.

Dearest Nini, It has been very hard to come to glimpse that you are no longer with us. This is so hard to write.

We love you but the Lord loves you more. I also know that wherever you are, you will continue to watch and protect us. I cannot imagine what it will be like not having you around. Not sure who will answer your phone when I call. Your love for our family, your selflessness of always putting the family first. All I can say is, thank you Nini, a vacuum has been created without you.

I will miss our one on one talk. Our talks about family, our talks on how to love and cherish one another, our talks on family unity, our talks on togetherness, our talks on the love for Christ, our talks on learning to forgive, our talks on the children, our talks on raising the kids. Oh boy! I will always miss our fun debates who talks better politics MSNBC politics versus fox politics or who will win the next super bowl, Baltimore Ravens or Washington Redskins. I will miss being at Wal-Mart at 10pm and wondering if we are in the same store. Nini, even in your sick bed, you were still caring for the family. When I lost my brother in-law in October and was having a service for him, you got out of your sick bed, in pain just so you can support me. It was very touching to see you in that much pain but yet still out to support your sister. That is just a little tinny tip of the iceberg of your selflessness and always putting your family first even on your sick bed. You were an elder brother, with very high integrity, yet you always brought yourself down to every level and we will have a lot of fun. You always made yourself available when in town to come out and watch the kid’s soccer games. Whom will I tell when Sama or Nk scores a goal or wins a game? The biggest Lesson that you taught me was family togetherness, family unity, to be forgiving and to have the presence of God in our lives. Thank you so much. I promise that I will continue with that love and legacy. At the last family meeting in the family home in Smyrna, July, 2014, you talked a lot of subsequent family gatherings. I promise that I will keep to that legacy. I know I cannot put all my feelings and thoughts in writing. All I can say is thank you so much for always being there for me Nini. Will miss you. So long Nini.

Your Flo, Florence Fomundam Tima (sister) My story with George Bah Fomundam is the story of a lifetime, though we only met in CPC Bali in January 1959, when he entered Form One. I was in Form Two. He met us in the Boys Scout Movement which instilled in us the principles of patriotism, fairness, and selfless service. These certainly were instrumental in leading him to a career in the military. Among many other souvenirs, I remember our soup during one of the short vacations that we used to spend on campus; when the meat ran out, it was replaced; when the liquid part with the egusi ran out, 24

leaving some of the meat, it too was replaced! There were no freezers and refrigerators in which to store our cooked food!! I remember that in Messa, he would not fail to add some fresh palm oil to his plate of beans which went along with fried ripe plantains. The morning I left CPC, after writing the final examination, George was one of the few with whom I took a last minute photograph. And during the following Easter vacation, he came to the Basel.

Mission–He came to College (the present Presbyterian High School, Kumba) where I was a pioneer teacher, to spend some time with me. George was not just a friend; he was a brother to me! When I was blessed to leave the country for studies in the United States in August 1963, he was one of those to who sent a postcard. When he and Emmanuel Mundi were blessed with the same scholarship two years later and went to Corvallis in Oregon Oregon – I decided to visit and welcome them in December before going to my family in La Mesa in the San Diego area. Upon his return home in 1969, I was Head of the English Section of Collège Bilingue d’Application, Yaoundé. My home in Camp SIC Messa was, naturally, his home. That day, after a few months of unsuccessful efforts to get into the Cameroon army, we went to see H.E. Eboa Samuel, Director of the Civil Cabinet of the President of the Republic.

With his intervention, George was recruited as a Lieutenant effective November 1st 1969 at the age of 24. As a result of this wonderful grace, he gave me the title “Patron No 1”, and also informed his father that if I was alive when he died, he should not be buried in my absence.

Because I was now a member of the family, in 1972 he accepted for Thérèse to stay with my family while attending Collège Bilingue, until Saker Baptist College accepted her exceptionally, since she and Rose had never been separated. You now see and understand why he was a natural and normal God-father to my second child – Carole. Adeline, you know much of the rest of the story. I want to reassure you and the children especially, but also the larger Fomundam family that I have lost a brother; my prayer lately had been that the Lord permits me to see him before he finally leaves us. The Lord saw your suffering, and decided on the date and place. We are told to give thanks to Him for everything. He permitted you to have the necessary dialogue before George’s departure. I want to thank you and the children for all the love you showered on you husband, your father, and my brother. The Lord alone will comfort and strengthen you. He alone will fill the gap created by Papa’s departure. I cannot evaluate how helpful he was when my own children had to go out of the country for further studies, and how he and Adeline sacrificed for his sisters, brother, and their children, especially when salaries in Cameroon were slashed in 1993 –1994. Only George and his spouse could make such sacrifices!! I will not say his soul should rest in peace because I know he is with the Lord who loves him dearly and will give him the promised rest that He gives His own. God bless and strengthen you all.

Maurice Yewah Nous avons été surpris et sommes encore sous le choc de la nouvelle du décès de Monsieur George Fomundam. Nous n’oublierons jamais les bons moments que nous avons passé ensemble ici a Edéa en temps que Lieutenant dans l’armée, et en tant que notre beau-frère. Oh, Monsieur Fomundam! Même comme notre fille et sa famille vivaient à l’étranger, tu nous a 25

toujours considéré comme faisant partie de ta famille. Le bon dieu a décidé de t’appeler auprès de lui. Il est le seigneur. L’être humain lui doit obéissance. Repose-toi dans la paix du seigneur, et espérons nous revoir au monde de l’au-delà.

Famille Nyandja, Edea My ‘Big’ Forever, Goodbye My journey with Ni George Fomundam started when I arrived CPC Bali campus as a Form 1 student on January 5th 1963. He was presented to me as my BIG and when he called me; I answered ‘yes sir’. He told me ‘no, Mbah, there is no ‘sir’ between you and I because we are all students.’ After one year with him in Bali college, he graduated in December 1963 obtaining the WAFEX, the then school certificate equivalent to GCE O’level. He worked briefly in Buea and left for further studies in the US. Colonel George Fomundam was a man of few words; my role model par excellence. “He didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it” (C.B Kelland). There has been a lot of 5 years separation between us: Your birthdate and my birthdate: 5 years Form 1, Form 5,almost 5 years, Lieutenant Mbah, Captain Fomundam:5years, Retirement from Army: 2003,2008: 5years Colonel (ret) Armstrong Mbah You were born on the 5th of May; I was born the following day but one year earlier. What a Divinely designed destiny that we would be friends to the end. While my father shepherded God’s people in Basel Mission Church in Batibo area, your Father shepherded the children of God in the Basel Mission Schools Nyenji. And we ended up in the same Cameroon Protestant College, Bali, where we lived together for five years. We will end up in the same Pan-American World Airways in September 1965 flying from Douala with Emmanuel Gamnje, Salvador Tambe, and Andrew Lache Nkongho to the USA to begin our university studies in Multomah College in Portland Oregon. After one year we will be sent to different Universities and while I ended up in Colorado State University, you ended up in Oregon State University. Then came the wedding of Ekay in 1969, in Washington, Pennsylvania, where you were one of the groomsmen.

As you returned to Cameroon after your Mechanical Engineering degree, I sort of “warned you” that when you would have seen “her” do not engage until I come and “approve”. When I returned and saw the beautiful Adeline, I said, “Man you dong seeam”. Boy was the wedding in Mbengwi military style great! I watched you and Adeline march through and under two military swords as a sign of honor. Beautiful! Some of your friends were there: Chumbow, Yewah, and so on. Thank you Adeline for that meal! We thank God that we shared 57 years together from the CPC days. You became the godfather of my youngest son. You now have “abandoned” him to me alone, to look after; but I know Adeline will play your part perfectly. George, good night!

Until sunrise tomorrow!

Dr. Ekay Mundi

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I received a call on that fateful day of March 1, 2015 that our very own George Bah Fomundam had been called to eternity, called to glory. George had quietly and peacefully gone through the pearly gates of heaven to be with the Lord whom he served fervently with dedication. A sense of hopelessness invaded me in the face of our unanswered prayers. But the scriptures came to mind to remind me of the sovereignty of the Lord’s will and his faithfulness. As painful as it was for I received a call on that fateful day of March 1, 2015 that our very own George Bah Fomundam us who loved George to let him go, we had to considering that God’s ways are not our ways and had been called to eternity, called to glory. George had quietly and peacefully gone through the his timing is different from ours. David asked the Lord to spare the life of his child but God pearly gates of heaven to be with the Lord whom he served fervently with dedication. A sense of thought differently so he put away his grieving mood, thanked God, broke his fast and continued hopelessness invaded me in the face of our unanswered prayers. But the scriptures came to mind with life’s duties. I felt that is what we should be doing, thanking God for the privilege of to remind me of the sovereignty of the Lord’s will and his faithfulness. As painful as it was for knowing him. George and I had a special bond of friendship which dates from our days in CPC us who loved George to let him go, we had to considering that God’s ways are not our ways and in 1959. We were not only classmates but ‘bench mates’. George was out- going and his timing is different from ours. David asked the Lord to spare the life of his child but God enterprising. I was more reserved. thought differently so he put away his grieving mood, thanked God, broke his fast and continued with life’s duties. I has felt gone that is what we be doing, thanking for the theLord privilege of George Fomundam through the should pearly gates of splendor to God be with and one knowing him. aGeorge I had a by special bond of friendship from our days in CPC can imagine joyousand welcome the Lord Jesus Christ which sitting dates on the Highest pinnacle of inheavenly 1959. We classmates ‘bench ‘hallelujahs mates’. George glorywere withnot the only angels joyously but chanting to thewas kingoutof going kings’ and and ‘welcome toI you fought a good fight’. George has made it. ‘To God be the glory for a enterprising. was who morehas reserved. life well lived in His service.

George Fomundam has gone through the pearly gates of splendor to be with the Lord and one can imagine a joyous welcome by the Lord Jesus Christ Professor sitting on Beban the Highest of Sammypinnacle Chumbow heavenly glory with the angels joyously chanting ‘hallelujahs to the king of kings’ and ‘welcome to you who has fought a good fight’. George has made it. ‘To God be the glory for a life lived in His service.

Oh,well my God! Where do I start, and how do I proceed. My hands are shaking, and no matter how I Professor Beban Sammy Chumbow Oh, my God! Where do I start, and how do I proceed. My hands are shaking, and no matter how I Itry. I can't stop my tears from drenching the writing paper. It seems so unfair to be writing a tribute to you so young, when you were still poised to do so much for yourself and the family.

This is so hard, truly so-so hard to bear. You were going to Cameroon from here, and I sent you to go to the village to take care of family problems for me. You said the journey was too far, but for me, you will try. And you went. Now the family in the village is in horrified shock. They try. I can't stop my tears from drenching the writing paper. It seems so unfair to be writing a can’t believe what they are hearing. They are asking so many questions, and my answers are tribute to you so young, when you were still poised to do so much for yourself and the family. never enough, because there is no one to answer my own questions. We were a unique pair to the This is so hard, truly so-so hard to bear. You were going to Cameroon from here, and I sent you family, especially to grandma, even after Henry came along. You and I treasured this so dearly to go to the village to take care of family problems for me. You said the journey was too far, but too. I remember the profuse flow of love and respect at Mama Tina’s burial, and the same at for me, you will try. And you went. Now the family in the village is in horrified shock. They Ibot’s passing away. Now I feel so lonely and empty. On March 1, 2015 at 3:01 AM, your dear can’t believe what they are hearing. They are asking so many questions, and my answers are wife sent me a text, “The Lord has spoken. Nini is no more.” I sat up in bed, stiff in shock for never enough, because there is no one to answer my own questions. We were a unique pair to the how long, I don’t remember. Then I woke up my wife, and we both sat there in stone silence, till family, especially to grandma, even after Henry came along. You and I treasured this so dearly day-break. I sent a text back to your wife, “Glory, Glory, Glory be unto Him. We must Rejoice too. I remember the profuse flow of love and respect at Mama Tina’s burial, and the same at with Them in Heaven.”

Ibot’s passing away. Now I feel so lonely and empty. On March 1, 2015 at 3:01 AM, your dear wife sent me a text, “The Lord has spoken. Nini is no more.” I sat up in bed, stiffCharles in shock for Mbah how long, I don’t remember. Then I woke up my wife, and we both sat there in stone silence, till day-break. I sent a text back to your wife, “Glory, Glory, Glory be unto Him. We must Rejoice 27 with Them in Heaven.”

Charles Mbah 27

Uncle it's hard to believe you are actually gone and words can't describe how much you will be missed. Thank you so much for all your words of wisdom. Thank you for taking time to visit my dad whenever you were in Cameroon. He really appreciated it. Thank you for being there when we lost him. We will miss your gentle spirit and your words of encouragement. Rest in peace. I thank Christ for allowing us to be a part of your journey.

Menke Nyamusa By his positive response to the heavenly invitation in the early hours of March 1, 2015, Col. (Ret.) G. B. Fomundam has today drawn to Delaware, this multitude of sympathizers among whom are his classmates in Cameroon Protestant College Bali known as “BOBA 63.” At various stages of his lifespan, he endeavored to leverage available opportunities to positively impact the lives of the less privileged. Our beloved Col G.B. Fomundam diligently catered for not only his immediate family members’ concerns but expanded that care to a wider circle of beneficiaries.

This wide outreach is manifested by the multitude of sympathizers who join his family in regret for his “untimely” departure from amongst us. It is worth mentioning that of the “BOBA 63” class of forty-five (45) members, George’s departure is the 15th of those that have responded to the heavenly invitation. On behalf of classmates who cannot physically be part of this service and celebration, I am honored to say: Beloved Col. George Bah Fomundam, your “report card” relative to performances in the various roles you played on earth from May 5, 1945 to March 1, 2015 has been evaluated and rated very satisfactory by God Almighty who compensates you with the greatest reward of Eternal Heavenly Rest. Enjoy your Deserved Rest as the rest of us continue to sojourn on earth until our turn comes to join you for Heavenly Peace!

Dr. Ndamukong A. Samuel (For “BOBA 63” – USA Chapter) Dear Ni George, If prayers alone could grant healing, you will still be here. We fasted and prayed to our faithful God, but He had his own plans. You fought like the great soldier God had called you to be.

Meeting and knowing you was humbling for me. You touched every life as you moved along even if it were just for a few hours. I trust that God shall wipe away the tears from the eyes of the entire Fomundam family. We will miss you Ni. Rest in Peace Ni George.

From Bih Fomukong .

GOD HAS SPOKEN: Ni George Fomundam is no more. ¬¬Remembering Ni George, I knew him as an in-law, a kind and generous in-law, an in-law who treated us, not just as in-laws, but the way you would treat a brother, sister, cousin, an auntie, an uncle, a father, a mother. I knew him as an in-law, and most importantly, an in-law who saw us as friends and family.

Remembering you, Ni…., I thank you for being there when my children were told their father 28

was no more. I thank you for keeping them calm when the sad news came. I thank you for stressing to them the importance of togetherness as they faced their new situation. Remembering you, I thank you for being there when I was very sick, when I was helpless. The Divine call came at His appointed time. I thank you for answering that call from the Lord. You are no more and I already miss your smiles. I will solely miss your generosity, your kindness, but it is well with my soul. I thank the Almighty God for the opportunity he gave me to meet you as my inlaw. I pray to Him to be with you, until we meet again, Monique Tembi I can still hear Daddy’s voice calling me “Shaka Shaka” as he always did, It’s hard to believe I will never hear you calling again. We know you are in a better place. We loved you but God loved you more and your assignment here with us is complete. Daddy you touched a lot of people’s life during your time with us and I am certain that your good deeds will be manifested in your children and generations to come. We want to thank you once more for the generosity, kindness, gentleness and compassion you showed us especially after our dad left us back in 1994. We pray that as you journey on to the other side and reunite again, you both will continue to shine your light in His kingdom Children of Nicolas Bah Tata bot I want to thank God for the life of Col. George Fomundam. He was hardworking and successful in his career in the Cameroon Army. My children loved him and called him Uncle Colonel. We had a core of three families, and he was Patron number Two. I remember him for his kindness and service, love and friendship. He was very humorous: During one fund raising in church he whispered in my ears, while we sat on the Chairman's table, "As we are contributing this money, it is going straight up to God.” During one of his sermons as a lay preacher he said "As a faithful soldier of Christ I hold my gun with the left hand and my Bible with the right hand". He offered care and service in many ways. One of which included offering his home to my husband and I to spend our honeymoon in 1974. Uncle Colonel was compassionate and caring despite having a busy schedule as a soldier. He practiced the law of Christ “Love your neighbor as you love yourself" Matthew 22:39. We love George Fomundam but the Creator loves him better and called him to rest. One thing I am sure of is this, as gold is refined by fire, so man is refined by afflictions, infirmities, trials and temptations. God has prepared him well for this last stage in his life. I can declare as Paul the Apostle wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7,8 that George Fomundam has done his best in the race, he has run the full distance, and he has kept the faith. He awaits the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give him on that Day! Ma Deborah on behalf of the Tangyie family.

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Someone once said "Time is perhaps our most precious commodity, and once it passes, it is lost forever" I shrieked over the phone like a dying lion, crying in a rather flabbergasted manner, (as death is the only inevitable aspect of mankind) “yet, this was the time least expected for it to happen”. Yes, I still cannot describe how I tried to express my sudden shock and disbelief at the cessation of the life of not just an uncle, my hero but one who was also real family Man. Even though I can boast of being born into a rich family, one that is rich in character, faith, hope and love, no one can take the credit. Our family is rich because of your ingenuity, your commitment and love for us all. Even though my life as an adult has taken me away from the closeness I once shared with you, thoughts of the closeness we once shared will never leave my heart. Your impact on me as a child has always and will always remain. Memories of you “Ni George” of a quiet, loving and hardworking man who touched the lives of so many people around the globe will live forever. My admiration for you stems from many sources: You never seemed to allow emotions to overwhelm you. Certainly there were times you were sad, angry and frustrated yet you always found a way to manage those emotions without affecting those you loved and cared about. You were the most laid back, composed individual I had been exposed to as a child.

Today I struggle at times to express myself in a positive manner and sometimes even fail. I work constantly toward managing my emotions and maintaining composure and I use you, “Ni George,” as a role model to do so. Uncle you were a cherished child among the dozens of others, but that love you got from your parents was never misused. You ensured and lived an industrious life; with your best service to the nation as an Army Colonel and to family as a linking bridge between the older generation and those of us the younger folks. Uncle, I remember you telling me that I need not worry about how I live today, I should do my best and do what I can and leave the rest to God. For today you are gone, tomorrow, I know not who shall join you. I miss you, Ni George. The world misses you because you made such a huge difference. I often wondered why you were so loved, adored and admired by many, but now I know the reason why "Good people go only too soon, they have only a short time to leave their footprints in the sand of time" Rest in peace uncle, rest in peace, please rest in peace till we meet again.

Sunday Fonjong Here lies the part of you we are left with, to pay tribute to. The more important part is already back to the Lord. Back to the Lord? Someone may ask how certain I am about that! Col. Fomundam Bah George was not a Saint, but all those who knew and interacted with him can testify that he did the best he could to be an exemplary Christian….To Be At The Service Of Others And Sometimes At The Sacrifice Of Himself And His Family ! This is what took him to the continent of Africa.

In a flash back, my Colonel, our relationship dates back to the early 1980s. You were a young Captain at the Battalion Blinde de Reconnaissance in Douala while I was serving in Victoria, now Limbe. I saw you get married and we all feasted after the birth of your first child, your daughter Ethel. Our relationship grew from strength to strength. The Lord blessed you abundantly, both professionally and family wise. He could have permitted you to spend some more years in this world, But Who Are We to Judge His Decisions! Through your inspiration, I 30

ended my restless bachelor life. My wife still recalls with awe and admiration the first day she met you in Bafoussam. “I knew Colonel Fomundam for the first time in Bafoussam she says. He had this fatherly calm around him that transpires peace and security. For a soldier, she said, this was extra-ordinary! ”

In command, your style and skills were always admired. Your leadership qualities were appreciated by your soldiers, and the nation recognized this. Whether at the office or at home, you have always shown concern for others. Your doors were open to all. Together we rose within the ranks of the armed forces. As an elder and mentor, you offered me all the advice needed for good service to our beloved nation. Behind you, I grew to learn how to be a respectable Christian soldier and maintain a good family relationship. I recall when I asked you a few years ago, why you are still around war zones in Africa, although retired? Your reply was and I quote, “George, you know I am a soldier and where duty calls me, I must go”. You have remained a soldier, leaving this world a brave one. You have fought a good fight to the end. Your kindness and generosity is something many of us will continue to emulate. You were a man of few words and one of the last things you said to us when we were praying a few weeks ago in your home here in Delaware was, I quote, “George I am happy that in America you have learned to pray and to pray well”. Observations like these can only build ones faith and spiritual strength. Your history is long and inspiring. Your bright career has been admired by generations. Your love and devotedness to the Almighty will be rewarded as you take your rightful place in the kingdom of the Lord.

We miss you already. But we must tell ourselves that although you are no longer with us from day to day, your spirit is, and in our hearts you will forever remain! You will continue to watch over all of us here gathered until we meet again in the form in which you are!

George Fomum At the end of the night is always the dawn: The beginning of a new day. George Bah Fomundam, may you rest in peace, until we meet again.

Sam Nyambi and Family.

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ORDER OF WORSHIP FUNERAL OF COLONEL GB FOMUNDAM

HYMNS OF PRAISE AND ADORATION

Hymn 11

Hymn 12

Hymn 13

Hymn 15

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith .

2 Timothy 4:7 Col. George B. Fomundam

Acknowledgements The Fomundam Family would like to thank everyone who made this homegoing service for Col. Fomundam a loving and warm sendoff.