John Manga Sama - Online Memorial Website

EULOGY  TO  A  BOSSOM  FRIEND:  JOHN  SAMA 

         I knew Mr. John Sama not just yesterday. My initial acquaintance with him dates back to the early fifties (1950+) when, as a contemporary with him in that well known citadel of education that is called St. Joseph’s College, Sasse, I used to adore his performance as a goal keeper. His skill in the goal-keeping department of the game of football was so much above the bar of excellence that few students dared to battle with him for the jersey of the junior goal keeper.

      The event that transformed our relationship and catapulted it from the casual acquaintance and comradery that it previously was to the firm and dedicated friendship that it has been for over forty five years had a small beginning. In April 1963, (when I was a Forest Officer in Kumba), Mr. Sama informed me – with characteristic firmness and in a manner reminiscent of Napoleon Bonarpartes style – that he had decided that I would be the Best man at his marriage which was scheduled to take place on 1^st June 1963 at the Catholic Church, Fiango (Kumba). In this connection Mr. Sama was then dating Miss Margaret Nkeng and the friendship between them was not just an ephemeral affaire that would wither and die at adolescence; it was destined to mature, blossom and fruictify into Holy Matrimony. I was not unaware of the goings –on between Joe and Margaret but little did I dream that I would be called upon to play a key role in the event (church Marriage) that would set the seal on their marriage project. In any event, I received Mr. Sama’s offer to me with open arms. From that moment forward, the various happenings unfolding in our lives have gone to ensolidate the friendship between not only me and Mr. Sama but also between me and the entire Sama family. In particular, I did not only serve as best man during the church wedding in Kumba in 1963; during the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of their wedding at the Buea Cathedral Church , I also played a non – negligible part.

       Another remarkable thing about Mr. Sama is his ability to develop his talent or potential, through hard work and indefatigable attention to detail, to a level that was far above the ordinary. He demonstrated this ability in the domain of photography where, while remaining, on paper, only an amateur photographer, he raised his production to such an enviable level that classified professional photographers “feared” his presence at any grand occasion that required photographic coverage . Many of the successes he has served in life can rightly be attributed to this ability.

Finally, an even more important element of Mr. Sama’s character was the care and attention that he gave to his wife and children. His home was noted for the presence of an ever flowing current of love among family members. The spring of this love was undoubtedly Joe and Margaret.

It must have been God’s plan that I should see Mr. Sama alive (even if in a condition of quasi-infirmity) and commune with him spiritually before his death. That must be why when my other bosom friend, Mr. Anthony Mpafe Ngekep, died in Limbe a couple of months ago and I set out from Bamenda to participate in the funeral events relating to his burial, something inside me prompted me to first make a stop – over at the residence of the Samas in Buea, stay a night there, then take Mr. Sama (as my friend) to accompany me to the Mpafe’s funeral the following day. But when I got to Buea, I found Mr. Sama in a pitiful condition of ill-health, almost infirmity as he had lost his power of speech as well as his ability to walk and was only being fed by his ever-caring wife. This grave illness had come – his wife told me – only a couple of days before my arrival. The only thing I gathered myself to do in that circumstance was to join Margaret and the house servants in reciting the prayer for his speedy recovery that a family friend had, thoughtfully, composed. I continued praying for Mr. Sama’s recovery when I returned to Bamenda.

On Sunday morning, 19^th July 2009, Mrs. Sama telephoned to inform me that ‘your friend is no more”. So ended the hope I had been fondly nursing and the prayers that I had been heartily offering for Mr. Sama’s recovery. I realized then that, in God’s plan, Mr. Sama’s earthly pilgrimage to the Celestial City has come to the end and his sharing in the life of the world beyond has began.

I extend my heartfelt condolence to Mr. Sama’s dear wife, Margaret Sama, his children and other family members who are left behind to mourn him. Mr. Sama’s loss has certainly created among the bereaved wife and children a void that cannot be filled but I exhort them to be comforted by the thought that “God always gives enough graces for any trials that he makes us face”

Finally, this departure of Mr. Sama from our midst should recall to us what the poet, Anon, once said in his own sweet way;

                                “Whether we’re old or young,

                                Not one of us can say,

                                Just when will come to each

                                His final earthly day.

                                Thus, while this life is ours

                                Lord, may we now prepare

                                So death may never come,

                               And take us unaware”
                                                                                                                Anon.

                                May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Papa, you were a friend of mine right from my infancy.  You called me “Jabisco” as all attempts to make me say “Robert” only ended up in “Jabot” from me !  You as a Dad were a STAR !  Key phrases like “Never take things for granted”, “No condition is permanent”, as well as “It is foolish to be wise, where ignorance is bliss” will always linger in my mind.

Your fastidious desire for perfection took us from “good can be better” to “better can be best”.  We sometimes even accused you of only seeking the “hole in the picture”.  Even in the kitchen, a domain where most men dread stepping their feet in, you were a culinary star !  I can still smell the flavours of your shrimp stews with rice, and well-garnished scrambled eggs which served as filling.

You taught us how to dance “mbolo-mbolo”.  As we formed a circle, you dashed into it and in a rhythmic style twisted your waist and “gave” it to one of us to continue in like manner.  How much fun !

As a photographer you were a camera-Star.  Those whose occasions you covered were the envy of those who went elsewhere for coverage. “Mr Sama, the photographer” was the common appellation in the Buea neighbourhood and beyond.  Your clients will preserve your handiwork as souvenirs.

You took your time in most of the things that you did. You even took your time to leave us !  Come to think of it: three months chronicled your coming into, living in and departing from this world…You were born in June, you died in July and are to be buried in August !  You are a legend ! You’ll always remain in our minds.

May Christ receive you in his Heavenly Bosom.  May His will in us be done.  Adieu Papa.

Papa, you were a very special friend of mine.  You called me the “Mafor” and constantly reminded me of my enormous role in the family as your first daughter-in-law.

Uncle Sama Successfully Arrives Home After Crossing ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’

 A Life Short-Lived but Long-Remembered and Forever-Secure

He was a simple man but yet someone below the surface of whose simplicity was a profound depth of esteem, confidence, and reassurance. Few took his humble approach to life for granted but many wondered at the results of his wisdom.  Some doubted the sustainability of his lifestyle after a conspiratorial, pre-induced, early retirement from the civil service while still in his mid-50’s - retirement he prematurely earned despite several years of fervent, distinguished service at the Government National Printing Press, both in Buea and Yaounde. But moving on with life as a passionate photographer, no one would dare question the source of his strength: God. A man constantly on the move! A man determined to achieve whatever goal he set forth, regardless of impending danger. A man endowed with interpersonal skills and the ability to resolve conflicts without miscarriage of diplomacy. A distinct individual in his own right who under no circumstances would ever compare himself to any other individual for any reason other than to appreciate someone else’s gift. He was a man who faced challenging feuds unduly caused by others, especially some close to him. And the list goes on.

My pleasurable experiences with Uncle Sama may never be fully described as best intended, given the subjective appreciation beholden to me. To say the least, I wouldn’t be what I am today if it weren’t for his devoted parental stewardship and training. And the lesson learnt cannot be overstated. But truth be told that I have benefited so much from our close-knit relationship than I have from any other person in a leadership position.

Our relationship all started in the early 60’s when I could barely crawl. Married to my most senior sister and next-of-kin, Margaret, while still in her early 20’s, Mr. Sama (also in his late 20’s) didn’t just become my brother-in-law. He exceeded the expectations of the entire Kemngang family and rather assumed the responsibility of an unbiased “Uncle.” As I watched his every move, all I saw was someone readily available to solve any problem in the family with humility and respect. He spoke what he believed to be helpful, and usually his truth would go unnoticed until something to contrary occurred.

A few years before getting married, Uncle had just graduated from Government Technical College, Ombe, with unmatched skills in machinery. And after a short employment opportunity with the local government, he earned a scholarship for further training in Britain, where within a little less than a year he got news to return to Cameroon due to a family crisis. As I reflect over this painfully, what vividly brings me to laughter and admiration is how meticulous Uncle Sama was and how, within his short time in England, he was able to return evermore polished. At a period when owning a camera remained rare, let alone a radiogram and a tape recorder, Uncle Sama brought home to his children these simple, but unforgotten, gifts. He was a family man entrusted with huge responsibilities, including taking care of two family estates: the Kemngang and the Sama. Under his watch, the entire Kemngang family enjoyed the stewardship bestowed upon him. Yet, under his watch, the entire Sama family appreciated his endurance amid occasional crises.

The question is what next, now that Uncle is gone. Simple but obvious answer: God is in control. To his beloved wife, my sister, I say be internally strong and externally focused. To all my nephews and nieces, I say thank you for the courage. To both the entire Kemngang and Sama families, I say unity and mutual understanding should prevail. It’s been a difficult journey for Uncle Sama here on earth. But what other way to get to heaven than through the peaceful channel of death! Bye, bye Uncle. Our interaction was short but the memory lives. Thank God for you are forever secure.

Darling, my sweet Darling,

When we wedded in Church on the 1^st of June 1963, you not only became my life partner but my father as well.  As orphans, you took care of me and my siblings, with great love, care and devotion; not to talk of the love you lavished on our children.

From the very beginning God Himself knitted both of our lives together; otherwise how can we explain the fact that you were born on 27^th June, I on the 9^th of June and we wedded on the 1^st of June ?  This even earned us the title “ the June Couple” in the SOBAN Association here in Buea, as we celebrated our birthdays and our 46^th wedding anniversary respectively this last June.

When you became ill 4 years ago, I called on the Lord to help me and He enabled me to go through the long journey of your illness without stress, the Lord being my guide and strength.

When your last hour came on July 18^th at 1:30pm I was glad that you closed your eyes for the last time when your close ones were gathered around you in prayer, as the Lord took you from my hands. I am happy for you because I know that you are now in His bosom.  Rest in peace, Darling, until we meet again.