Tribute from his son Chukwuma Morah:



The day you passed I called my sister, Nneka. I told her, “I can’t remember suffering. We didn’t suffer thanks to him.”

Because of your hard work and courage we had the best education, food, shelter, and experiences.

That is who you are: a selfless provider.

Someone who constantly elevates the lives of those around him yet asks in return. And never once did I hear you complain or bring attention to yourself. Your humility, diligence, and peaceful nature are what I admire the most.

Having such a father could lead to complacency yet you and Mommy instilled discipline. When we were young our school let us order books from abroad. My classmates would get 10 to 20 books each time. I was only allowed one or two. Years later I understood why.

You always regret that we, your children, didn’t spend enough time being raised in Nigeria. I recently told you there’s nothing to be ashamed of. How could I complain when I've seen the world thanks to you?

When I was employed at Electronic Arts in Vancouver my work had me travel to Europe often. Each trip I would visit a different country to reunite with old classmates from Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Ethiopia. All places you took us on your work journey.

This became so frequent that my colleagues would ask “Chu, do you have a friend in every country?!” I’m your son, so it wouldn’t surprise me if I did.

You introduced us to so many different people, cultures, and experiences. This was your greatest gift that changed the trajectory of my life. It has opened so many doors.

I cannot thank you enough.You are now gone but I’m happy we spent so much time together this past year.

Escorting you to front-row seats at the US Open in New York (your first-ever grand slam tennis finals) is my most prized memory. I’ll never forget how excited you were.

I will miss you but it is my mission to live in your name.

Your son, Chukwuma.