In Loving Memory of Uncle Kwasi “Ernie” Sefa-Boakye (1950-2015)

It is with deep sadness that I say our family has lost a beloved father, uncle, friend, and son, Kwasi “Ernie” Sefa-Boakye. Uncle Ernie, as referred to many, was an entrepreneur and a man of many hilarious tales. Everyone in my family can proudly say that Uncle Ernie touched them with his lively humor and animated personality. I met my Uncle for the first time in 2007 at Kumasi, Ghana, the birthplace of my father, where he lived all his life taking care of my grandmother’s home. It was then he said to me, “while all your uncles and aunt are in America, running the rat-race, I’m here in Africa enjoying life.”

The last time I saw him was two years ago, here in United States, at Grandma’s home. And it was then that I began blogging. Thank you again Uncle Ernie for you kind hospitality eight years ago, and I am glad to now call you as my ancestor. May you rest in peace.

Uncle Ernie survived by his two children Jeffrey and Jennifer Sefa-Boakye.

Here is an eulogy given on my behalf of my family.

Tribute to Kwasi Sefa-Boakye: A Man For All People

Here are two eulogies given by two brothers:

“The earliest memory I have of my uncle ernie was in the living room of my grandma’s house. He was showing my brothers a picture book. I remember never seeing this person before in my life and was quite confused. I remember staring in disbelief at this person who I had never met that looked like my father. I listened very intently to his voice and it was very welcoming. He pointed at one picture in the book and his voice changed–it was filled with wisdom and knowledge. At that age I was very shy, I was not even aware that 10 minutes had past when he said, “Well are you going to come over here and meet your uncle?”

The reason why I remembered my uncle’s voice so well is that he taught me how to laugh and enjoy life. He saw a lot of things in me that I had not figured out yet. He stressed to me that I was different. My uncle’s voice was so filled with joy and laughter. Even in the face of fear and disappointment. I know this because my uncle broke my state of shyness and anxiety from the first moment he saw me.

My uncle taught me many things, communication being the most important. He taught me how to carry a conversation. Uncle Ernie’s tactics of speech definitely rubbed off of me. I used to be very quiet and listen to what others say. Uncle Ernie would start a conversation with a joke, to comfort everyone’s soul, and then would end it with words of wisdom from his heart and mind. He definitely contributed to my growth as a young man.

God, in deed, works in mysterious ways. And as I grow day-by-day, I notice that I draw from some of his attributes in myself, especially his love for music.

Although my times I spent with uncle were numbered, I still feel him everyday because he is with me. I feel comforted knowing that I can speak to him whenever I need to.
In these sad times of death and mourning, I pray we all come to understand that our loved ones continue to live through and with us–even though they are not here physically.

I know that my uncle ernie is earnestly with us.” –Kojo Sefa-Boakye

Here is another eulogy given by brother Asante Sefa-Boakye:

“It is indeed with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to my Uncle Ernie. However, with each passing there is life, which brings the chance to reflect on the joy his life brought and the legacy he will leave. During my time in Ghana, he made each day exciting with his humor and his vibrant personality. To me, he will forever live on in my heart and memory as a teacher who humorously taught me multiple phrases in Twi, (most famous of those being “I’m hungry/kwame dime” which became his endearing nickname for me). As I’m sure many can relate, there was never a dull moment or a time without laughter whenever in his presence. At any time I am able to light up a room and fill it with laughter, I know there is no question where I inherited this trait from. With his memory in my heart, I strive to make people smile and forget their worries as he was able to do effortlessly.”  –Asante Sefa Boakye

Weekly Spiritual Digest: Give Your Anger to God