And gone is he, set free and gone astray to the other side of the sky. But to whom, where to and why so soon is something we should not break our head over. For men has not such an answer. We should look at the things we know, the things we witnessed right before our eyes: which are moments of his life. As this man lies before us, I can say he has lived a rich life, with ups and downs. With this man I mean Tony Bediako, who was a respectable friend of the community, a long time friend of my father and at last my in-law. He has walked the face of this earth like a champion. At times fearless and at times bold but always willing to lend a hand to others. Tony Bediako nicknamed Uncle Tony by friends and youngsters like myself, has helped many people become what they are today. Some will remember and others will forget. Because in life not everyone is grateful for the things we do for them. In my personal but humble view I would say all that you needed in this world was yourself and your family. The world became a burden to you. It seems to me we were asking too much of you. Please forgive us. We only did so because we knew there was nothing you can not handle.
You came unto this earth, blessed with many knowledge and skills that lead you through the many obstacles that were send unto your path. Half the world you travelled in search of happiness, for yourself and your family. From our last conversation I saw the always restless and passionate man, who was far from giving up on this dream. I saw the eyes of this colourful man, with his trademark unflustered smile, saying to me ‘tomorrow will be better’. Although you did not succeed in achieving all of your goals, you can keep your head up high. You can keep your head up high, unto the sky because you did not give up. You were a fighter and no one can take that away from you. You fought till the end, like a true soldier.
The world may not know who Tony Bediako was, but your loved ones and the many strangers you met along the way will forever remember you. You are taken from us at the age of 55, a considerable young age. I have seen many grieves but this grieving was heavy on my heart. It is sad, sad, sad, and yet we are wilful. Our spirit will not be broken. Death may come for all of us one day, but we will not be his hostage as long as we are alive. And alive we are, just like your memories. Thank you for those fine memories. I will share it with your grandchildren and everyone who cares to hear a charismatic story that starts as follows:
Once upon a time not long ago there was this colourful man who we will forever miss.
R.I.P. TONY SANDIQ BEDIAKO
