I was extremely comfortable the first time I met my then future father-in-law in the mid 1980s. It was at the famous No 5 East Legon house that is all too familiar to many. He was walking around in his garden with a pen in his pocket and camera of course around his neck. I still have no idea what he was looking at as we both stared into what I think were weeds. He was reassuringly casual and made me feel exceedingly welcome any time we (Efua and I) would stop by from Korle Bu. I remember during the planning stages of our marriage, he would carefully write notes in a little book he had in his pocket with a pencil. I never asked him what he was writing but I couldn’t help but be struck by how precise he was when it came to planning. At dinner after our wedding I distinctly remember him giving us advice like people often do, including a particular line about “every couple has their moments”… he paused… A few of us knew that there was a double entendre to that statement... and then we all broke out in laughter. Only Daddy would crack a joke with a scientific meaning hidden therein. To this day I don’t think I remember anything else he said at that wedding reception.

Over the years we interacted many times, often getting into discussions on a variety of topics and I could not help but be impressed by the depth of his knowledge and the broad topics that he was comfortable discussing. Whenever we met, he would ask about what was new in my field of work. He was exceedingly familiar with all sorts of new technology and sometimes I would watch with amazement when he got a new “toy” and would read the entire instruction manual before turning it on! The only person I knew who ever did that. He however avoided two topics – politics and religion – probably the two most controversy generating topics one can get into. That was the kind of man he was. I will especially miss the stimulating discourse we enjoyed.

It is no secret that he would buy you a book if he thought you would benefit from it .. or not.. and our living room is filled with all sorts of beautiful coffee table books about Ghana, the Akyem and Ashanti royalty, Exotic African culinary experiences amongst others all purchased by Daddy. I was never sure whether he wanted me to expand my horizons some more or… Indeed after a while we placed a ban on any more books from him. The book industry in Ghana and especially Legon bookshop has lost one of its greatest patrons.

I also knew Daddy indirectly through his music – there are many pieces which to this day when we play in our home my wife Efua would remark “Daddy used to play this”. His grandsons’ musical ability certainly came from him and one of our more memorable visits was watching him at the piano with Kyle and Kevin on either side.
It was especially touching to me that in his last months as his health was declining he would not proceed with any major medical decision until he had heard what I had to say even if it was the same advice being given by others. I could not have asked for a more accepting father-in law and I am eternally grateful to him.

Uncle Yosi, I know you have fought a good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. Rest up. There is much more to do on the other side.

Cyril