Death is nothing strange to anyone living on earth and even though we might yet be alive physically, we have had experiences of death in some areas of our lives that left us feeling shattered and torn. Though this might be likened to a death experience, it is nothing compared to the death of someone we know. Some friends stick closer than a brother. The demise of such a friend is always a blow to the heart. Bearing the loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things to do. The reality of their departure to eternity is a reality that is difficult to embrace. Pafe Thomas is a case in point. He knew me as BEN and we knew him as TOM.
Tom, dear to our hearts, you have just transited to the other side of eternity. You have left us hearts wrecked. However, we just must respect Job1:21b, which says,” The lord gave, and the Lord has taken way; may the name of the Lord be praised”. Tom as much as we desired that you remain with us for a very long time, no one of us could determine for how long that could be, just that we could not discern God’s timing for your demise nor ours.
Tom, you were a definition of a friend indeed. I never seem to forget the good memories we shared together; I can’t get them off my heart. You have been my inspirator and mentor since 1985. As regards generosity, you were second to none. I do not know of any orphanage or needy groups of the under-privileged in the Southwest region where that name Pafe Thomas will not be amongst those who gave them a lively hood and hope. I say this authoritatively because every assistance to these institutions was channeled through me.
As a chief of a sector transmission P & T Southwest region, Tom was always willing to know about the welfare of his staff and collaborators and render assistance when necessary. This assistance, besides technical, went beyond financial. Evident to this fact is that the last time I visited Tom in Yaounde when I went for my visa to travel to the US in 2013, Tom showed me two lists. One was financial assistance to the needy and destitute and the second was that of his debtors. At that moment (2014), the amount owed Tom stood at above 50 million frs CFA. When asked the mechanisms he has put in place to collect the money, he told me God will collect it for him or the debtors will be visited by the law of Karma. Some loans dated as far back as 1984.
Tom, your generosity, and selflessness are what made you stand out from the rest of your peers. Even when you did not have it with you, you were willing to go the extra mile to make sure those around you were happy. We miss you so much. You were loved by all that came across you. Most of us will leave our footprints on sand after our demise, but Tom yours are engraved on a rock. People will approach Tom crying or weeping but leave him smiling. Your willingness and commitment to helping those in need were second to none, I repeat. You left the trailblazing for others to follow.
Service wise, you made me what I am today. After my training in the P and T school as assistant technical, category C you encouraged me to continue through Cycle B to Cycle A. This you did by providing me with a lot of documentation and private lectures. Many service colleagues can attest to my accession because they went through the same route.
Knowing that you are no more to me is like going into a fight alone without backup. How will I find my way in Yaoundé without Tom. Tom, you made it a hobby to follow retirement documents for all who came to Yaoundé from the anglophone regions. I will no longer visit you and drink beer that has been well seasoned for at least a year as was a common habit of you seasoning beer in your house before consumption.
I have always thought that losing a friend gets easier with time, but this seems to be untrue because it becomes more difficult every day with a reminder of memories. It’s difficult to accept the fact that I am never going to see you again. Tom did you tell those orphanages that you are going on a journey of no return?
Mr. Pafe was a focused and disciplined leader not a boss. Very practical. A leader who gave confidence to his subordinates. A leader who encouraged creativity. I do not know who never enjoyed working with him or under his leadership. He never trifled with his duties and always performed them excellently.
Tom, you live forever in our hearts. Time may pass away but the memories you left behind cannot be erased over time. You lived such a life we are all proud of. Tom, you served our generation well and it is quite unimaginable to know that you are no more. However, the only way to preserve your legacy is to sustain the GAIA foundation and continue where you stopped.
Tom if there is one point where I never understood you is your religious inclination. I could classify you as a bible scholar but not a church goer. Fellowshipping with others on God’s promises was not your type. For that I respected your opinion.
Pain in the body is inferior to pain in the soul. The pain of being injured cannot be compared to the pain of losing a loved one.
I am so glad that you were part of my life, even though I am so sad that you’re no more. Goodbye Tom.
For those of us left behind. I ask us this question. Upon your demise how will you like to be remembered?
AS someone who gave other a lively hood, who could count the many mouths he/she put food into or some who inflicted pains on other or a cheat?
To God we gave the glory.
ADIEU TOM YOUR LEGACY WILL BE UPHELD GOD BEING OUR HELPER.
Bernard Mbah (Alias BEN) Your bosom Friend
DECMBER 1ST 2022
From the State of MD