We first met Benson in 1993 when he accompanied Erasmus first to Nairobi, and then to Uholo to negotiate marriage arrangements. The occasion also included a visit to the UN Headquarters in Gigiri, and for us an opportunity to meet with and host some of their colleagues and friends. Benson was calm, thoughtful, humorous, generous and wonderfully accommodating.

He was able to relate to all ages and made everyone feel very comfortable around him. He would religiously ask about each family member by name, enquiring after their wellbeing. We remember having varied conversations with him about culture, literature, world affairs, politics, sports and of course the African continent.

Whenever he would transit through Nairobi, he always made a point of getting in touch with us. On one memorable occasion in 2002, we picked him up from the airport and went for an excursion to the top of Ngong Hills with the entire clan. He also made Christmas special, reaching out every year to us in East Africa to share in the joy of the season.

Bensons hospitality is legendary. When we visited Nigeria, he went out of his way to give us a detailed tour of Lagos, running commentary on the journey to Awka, and subsequent tour of Abuja a few years later. For those of us who lived in Nigeria for an extended period he was also extremely resourceful in giving guidance on what to expect and how best to acclimatize.

News of his passing came as a shock and a particular sadness. To Chinwe and the children, and to Erasmus, Caroline and the entire Morah family, we share in your sorrow. Please accept our deepest condolences.

May God rest his soul in peace, and may his spirit soar.

Oluoch-Olunya Family