Paul Okoth Owuor

In Loving Memory

27th September 1927 to 1st September, 2010

FATHER

He never made a fortune, or a noise In the world where men are seeking after fame; But he had a healthy brood of girls and boys Who loved the very ground on which he trod. They thought him just a little short of God; Oh you should have heard the way they said his name—’Father’ There seemed to be a loving little prayer In their voices, even when they called him ‘Dad? Though the man was never heard of anywhere, As a hero, yet you somehow understood He was doing well his part and making good; And you knew it, by the way his children had Of saying ‘Father’

He gave them neither eminence nor wealth, But he gave them blood untainted with a vice, And the opulence of undiluted health. He was honest, and unpurchable and kind; He was clean in heart, and body, and in mind. So he made them heirs to riches without price—This father. He never preached or scolded; and the rod—Well, he used it as a turning pole in play. But he showed the tender sympathy of God To his children in their troubles, and their joys. He was always chum and comrade with his boys, And his daughters—oh, you ought to hear them say ‘Father.’

Now I think of all achievements ‘vs the least To perpetuate the species; it is done By the insect and the serpent, and the beast. But the man who keeps his body, and his thought, Worth bestowing on an offspring love-begot, Then the highest earthly glory he has won, When in pride a grown-up daughter or a son Says ‘That’s Father.’

Poems of experience. By Ella Wheeler Wilcox.  

Paul Okoth Owuor May have meant something to each and every single one of you who knew him personally; to us, his family, he was our EVERYTHING. A father, a brother, a loving husband, a friend and a confidant.

Dad, it’s been 10 years since that fateful morning that you went to be with the Lord. We remember you with great nostalgia. We remember the selflessness you portrayed throughout your life with us here on earth. The sacrifices you made for all of us to get quality education. You extended this to even relatives. You were a great provider, you gave your all. The advice you gave so lovingly and freely. Always putting us first in everything you did. You were a great Dad, brother, uncle and grandpa and a friend to many both young and old. We lost Baba 10 years ago but it feels like yesterday. There was so much kindness, simplicity and goodness in him. Baba you had a cheerful spirit that carried the day no matter how grave a situation it was! Everyone mattered to you, bringing in many people from all walks of life into our lives. The door was always open. You made many friends. We remember your great sense of humor. The many times you made us laugh. Your endless stories of growing up in Alego in dire circumstances, the long walk to and from school on bare foot. Many dropped out but you endured and of your better days in Makerere University. Dad, you were a walking encyclopedia. You hated spelling mistakes and wrong grammar. Something my siblings and I strive to maintain and uphold. But death did all that death can do and you are now resting in eternal peace. We will always miss you. You may be gone but you live in our hearts forever. Continue resting in peace.

This month is also your birthday. But you are not here…. you are long gone….It is well…. Jalego was a rare kind of man. Once in a lifetime experience. A walking dictionary. A Shakespeare die hard fun. Polished yet humble.

Fondly remembered by your loving wife Theresa Wanjiku Okoth (USA) children Isabella Brown (USA), Monica Sigel (USA) Bernard Okoth Odongo (USA), Lucy Kasure Abungu (KIM), Clement Ochieng Okoth (USA), Agnes Achieng (Nrb), Irene Kamau (USA) and Fidel Castro Odhiambo, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

NInd gi kwe Baba. Forever missed and loved.