Nnaemeka Stanley Okeychukwu Okpara

by Amaka Okpara
(Newbury, Berkshire, UK)

A Tribute to my loving Brother

Okey, my brother, my friend & for all my young life, my protector
Reflecting back on our life together, the early years…our childhood & on to our young adult lives; I can scarcely recall a day without your towering presence….cheering, comforting, assuring & supporting me through thick & thin.

Okey, my constant companion, As kids, I followed you everywhere and you were always patient & quick to defend me from EVERYTHING, be it school bullies or creepy crawlies…Always appearing at the speed of lightening at my very slightest squeal.

Okey, the perpetual comedian, you always knew how to make me laugh
We played, laughed & fought over the stupidest of things like all siblings do but through it all what always remained unchanged was your incredible capacity for kindness; Your ability to remain calm despite the turbulence; and discern situations with clarity….you were a rock & my calming influence in turmoil.

Okey, to know you is to love you; As many as knew you, loved you….and now, miss you;
All through the years, you touched so many; their loving thoughts & prayers now sustain me;
Together we stand in mourning; we reflect on our loss and we say our farewells.

What more can I say, how now can I hope to move on?
Still, God is faithful, God is infinitely kind; He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, His Grace is our sufficiency, His words’, now and always, the solid ground we stand on, and in His joy our strength we’ll draw.

So rest, my dearest sweetest brother, in Gods’ loving bosom, until we see again, never ever to part any more;

Your baby sister
Amaka

Comments for Nnaemeka Stanley Okeychukwu Okpara

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Jul 31, 2013
 tearful goodbye
by: Agbasieren gozakc

when i read this tribute,i was taken aback to remember my sweet mother who passed on two years ago.i recall how difficult it was for me then when she looked into my eyes and told me the pains where much for her to bear and she bowed out.no one understands the pains,loss and emotional stress a bereaved passes through better.i felt your pains very well when i read through the lines of your tribute,i pray you find comfort and grace to bear your loss.may God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.amen
Apr 12, 2013
 SWEET MEMORIES
by: Anonymous

Thank you for sharing such heart warming memories,Surely,Okey is greatly loved and missed by friends and faly.He will always remains in your hearts.May God grant his beautiful soul peace,and console his friends and family.RIP Okey.
Dec 23, 2012
 YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN
by: Anonymous

My dearest Emeka,

You wont read this words but it gives me comfort to put it down somewhere, and where better than the pages constructed to honor the memories of you.

i still miss you. i don't dream of you as often as before, but i still miss you. i know that i will always remember you.

Its the season of joy, and i am thankful that the little time i had with you, was worth more than the words that i can put down here or anywhere else. You were not a saint, but you were incomparable.

You will never be forgotten, not by your family, and not by me. Its been a year and 4months since you left me, but its been all of that with the memories you left behind.

May God continue to be the strength and comforter of all those who still feel the loss of your absence. And with joy and thanksgiving, i praise His Holy Name for taking you to be with Him.
Aug 30, 2011
 Kind and gentle soul
by: Chioma Agbasi Ngama

Okey

I still cant believe you are gone!!I couldnt bring myself to visit your tribute page because i knew i will see ur photo and it will hit hard again that you are no more.

Okey, you were a kind, gentle,funny and lovely person.Even in my "akpi" stubborn days you were always very nice to me,never an unkind word.

Comming home for xams,new year, any festival at all in the villa will never be the same.

What can I say!!only GOD knows best,but it sure doesnt ease the pain nor the grief.

Ambrose, bishop of Milan and a doctor of the church, said this in the fourth century:

“Death comes to every person. We must keep facing it with perseverance. Death is a passover from corruption to incorruption, from mortality to immortality, from rough seas to a calm harbor. The word ‘death’ must not trouble us; the blessings that come from a safe journey should bring us joy. What is death, but the burial of sin and the resurrection of goodness? Scripture says: Let my soul die among the souls of the just; that is, let me be buried with the just, so that I may cast off my sins and put on the grace of the just, of those who bear the death of Christ with them, in their bodies and in their souls.”

I pray GOD in HIS infinte mercies and grace will console and strenghten your beloved family and everyone touched by your passing.

Okey you have gone from "corruptible" to "incorruptible" from "mortality" to "imortality",rest in the bossom of the LORD,kind and gentle soul,Heaven have gained another Angel in you.Adieu Okeychukwu.
Aug 25, 2011
 You will be missed, my dear friend
by: Chiazor

It was really unfortunate on my part to receive the sad news. My heart is still bleeding. I have lost a friend, brother, the bestman at my wedding. It is sad how harsh life could be, Okey still had a lot going for him, was well loved, never heard anyone say a bad word about him.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you all. My deepest condolences.
Aug 21, 2011
 My Darling
by: Ogechi

I have not been able to write anything because everything reminds me of my loss. I knew that to write this will be to experience the heartache in my soul. Everything is a reminder and i have to make a conscious effort to keep it all inside and not go raging at something or someone at the pain i feel.

My Darling i said to your sister that she does not understand how i feel, nobody does. Who would imaging finding the perfect partner, knowing that each day increases the love you feel for each other, hading nothing, blissfully unaware of all but Love? Then to have you ripped away so suddenly, without any chance to say goodbye or anything, expecting it all to be a horrible dream everyday i wake up. You are my love, my best friend, my confidant, my heart, my laughter, my everything. Where do I start from, How do I go about anything without you, I welcome the night because, sleep takes me and i do not have to stifle my thoughts of you. In the morning I have to continue with the burden of the pain of your absence.

I had no idea or inclination that being with you at the hospital will be my last days with you, I never thought it will be this way. I didn't know, i wouldn't have you forever. Emy, tell God that my heart is in a million scattered pieces, and only he can heal me. Every-time that the tears come, i find that it starts with a scream from my heart to my lungs. It is so hard, trying, but my only consolation is my belief that you are in heaven. You are an angel and are watching over your family, me and your friends. What else could God have made you, but an angel?

I know you are at rest because you were well loved, respected and adored by a lot of people. Their well-wishes has been your carriage into heaven. Saying goodbye is not easy, but I look forward to seeing you soon, My Love, and God keep you well, till then. I will always love you.
Aug 21, 2011
 Travelled with Christ .
by: Anthony E

My lovely cousin okey, Its over 1 week since I heard about your exit and been a human I was expecting the news to be revised by now.   Well today I woke up to reality that Jesus loves you more than I do cause upon all my pleadings and tears, he refused to release you back to me. We met last on my wedding day last year march and I made one big mistake by not telling you face to face how much I love/appreciate you my sweetest cousin. Well I blame all on distance due to our various locations and moreover I never imagine things been this way!. Lessons learnt = 1. life is not ours. 2 let's always cherish one another.3.Always let your loved ones know how much you appreciate them.   Okechukwu nwanem, Nwoke oma, my regards to Jesus until we meet to part no more.  T
Aug 20, 2011
 Unbelievable
by: Chinyere

While am yet to believe this , the memories of your sweet self have been playing back and forth in my head. I still remember that fateful day, the day you visited your baby sister Amaka while we were in UNN, I can still remember those wows!!! , I wouldn’t let your baby sister rest cos I wanted to know more about you. You were so gentle, calm and of course handsome. And your baby sis would go on and on telling me about your growing- up days, how most girls wanted to be friends just because of you and how she had so much fun posing as the middle man for those who wanted to know you.
Then I got to knowing you, your personality was so endearing (down- to-earth, soft spoken, loving……..)
Honey pie, your departure has left so many wounded, my prayer is that our Almighty God will heal this wound himself, send us (your beloved ones) a comforter and give us the grace to bear this unbelievable loss. And may the PEACE OF GOD which passeth all understanding be with us all now and always, in Jesus name I pray Amen.
Emy , rest in the bossom and perfect peace of the Lord, Amen.
Aug 20, 2011
 Unbelievable
by: Chinyere

While am yet to believe this , the memories of your sweet self has been playing back and forth in my head. I still remember that fateful day, the day you visited your baby sister Amaka while we were in UNN, I can still remember those wows!!! , I wouldn’t let your baby sister rest cos I wanted to know more about you. You were so gentle, calm and of course handsome. And your baby sis would go on and on telling me about your growing- up days, how most girls wanted to be friends just because of you and how she had so much fun posing as the middle man for those who wanted to know you.
Then I got to knowing you, your personality was so endearing (down- to-earth, soft spoken, loving……..)
Honey pie, your departure has left so many wounded, my prayer is that our Almighty God will heal this wound himself, send us (your beloved ones) a comforter and give us the grace to bear this unbelievable loss. And may the PEACE OF GOD which passeth all understanding be with us all now and always, in Jesus name I pray Amen.
Emy , rest in the bossom and perfect peace of our Lord. Amen
Aug 20, 2011
 I know cool people
by: Chuby

There're two categories of family:
The ones God gives us at birth, and the ones he sends to us along the way.

One morning a few months ago I was driving to the office in Ikeja GRA. I had just got onto the Opebi Link-road when my phone rang. Caller ID said "Mario" (i.e Okey). I was still driving, but took the call anyway - I mean, this was my brother whom I loved to call "Van-Peebles", I had to take his call.
"Van-peebles!"
"Hey Chuby, good morning"
"good morning, my brother. Let me guess... you just saw me?!"
"yeah, you just passed me on Oregun Road!" he replied. "how did you guess?"
I was delighted that my instincts were on point. Family is deeper than talk, I thought to myself.
"I figured, this is your zone", I said.
"Actually, I just commot from Intercontinental. What are you doing in this area?" he asked curiously.
... He eventually said he'll come see me at the office in a few days, and we'll share ideas.
I recall clearly how he spent a few days with me back when I was a younger workaholic, in order to pick up some techniques in web design. A very delightfully curious gentleman, Okey. teaching himself so many skills, he would call me from time to time when he encountered a gridlock with his work. i looked forward to seeing him after our phone conversation that morning in Ikeja. I hadn't seen him since early 2010 when he and Chioma came to our place and we talked about health products. He made me comfortable with the idea of buying a men's body shaper - and selling them too! It's been long we saw, but he was never far away. Sending messages of pure and overwhelmingly inspired scripture on Facebook and LinkedIn. I thought it very much the purveyor of the unconventional that he was, each time he changed his Facebook name. I loved that subtle element of unpredictability in him. Reminds me of myself. I've enjoyed playing video games with him (he always beat me), and he has even tried to teach Ruby and I how to start in forex trading! Very giving. I was ALWAYS moved and comforted by his online generousity with kind and motivating words. Those words are still there, and they will continue to move and inspire.

I could almost hear "Peace be unto this house" each time he stepped in a room where I was. He had that vibe about him. His presence was relaxing

When I say "I know cool people" I say it with gratitude, for it is not my doing but by the special Grace of God that I can tag each of the Okpara's (and Ezeukos) in all my lists as "family". Thank you Lord God Almighty for letting us borrow Okeychukwu for a few decades. I'm honoured to have not just known him, but been a part of his gentle life.

Okeychukwu, my brother, lived in peace, oh Lord, and I know he is resting in the beauty of your presence.
Aug 20, 2011
 TRIBUTE TO MY ONLY BROTHER
by: Chimere Okpara


Exactly this time last year I had a good caring brother but the painful hands of death has taken him away from me my heart is broken and bleeding. I loved him as a friend and as a brother. It still beats my imagination that at 35 he left us, and they say life begins at 40, but for my only brother life ended even before 40. May the good Lord that gave us life and took his grant him everlasting rest AMEN.
Brother Okey your death has left me alone and given a day to remember. Funny enough the same month I was born was the month you died. I would have asked God why he took you, but who is man to question his creator. I believe you allowed his death for a reason best known to you my God, Your word says “My thoughts for you are for good not for evil to give you an expected end”. I hold you on your word I believe you allowed it for a purpose. Again your word says “all things work together for good for those that serve the Lord” so we believe that all that has happened is still for our good because our creator knows the best for us. But the question I am now asking is where will we meet again brother Okey.

Your only brother
Chimere
Aug 20, 2011
 TRIBUTE TO MY GENTLE GIANT OF A BROTHER
by: Chioma

Emy, i am still in shock. I am yet to believe you are no more. That i have seen the last of you. Where did you go? why did you go? And so early too!

I remember the look in your eyes when i said i was taking you back to the hospital. I thot you did not want to go back so i cajoled you and you nodded. Why did you leave me dear?

God has consoled me, and will continue to console me over your loss. He knows you were my anchor, always taking care of me. I can still hear your voice in my head asking me "chi chi if i don't take care of you who will i take care of". So Emy, who did you leave to take care of me now????? Who will run around for me? Who will call everyday to ask how i feel, if i've eaten?

Nna'm, i love you and miss you like crazy. i miss your jokes, your laughter (that rumbles out of you like gentle thunder), i even miss your sulks when you feel you have been offended.

My love, i know God has you in heaven with Him. That is my only consolation. Say hi to Jesus for me and save me a sit at our Lords banquet table.

To my sisters, we lost a gem in Emy but i know the God we serve will see us through. But i have learnt one thing from this....do not ever leave your loved one without letting them know. So, in case i have not said this in a while, i love you guys with all my heart.
Aug 19, 2011
 Adieu, Emeka.
by: Nkiru

When Amaka told me that you were sick, I called you immediately to know how you were. I was very happy to hear your voice, you didnt sound sick at all. You were in high spirits and told me you will soon be ok.

Emeka, it was a shock when Amaka told me you had passed on.

O death! Where is thy sting? Grave where is thy victory?

I came to know you thru your kid sister, Amaka. i remember vividly the times i spent with your family during our school days. You accepted me into your family and went out of your way to make me feel at home. You were gentle and full of homor.

We will all miss you. We ask the good Lord to accept ypur gentle soul and grant your loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen.
Aug 19, 2011
 In Gods Hand.
by: Ije Ohiagu

The last time I saw you was in Feburary 2009 at VGC Lagos. I remember that night you drove pass me, did not know what I looked like but I recalled the face cos I never forget. Instinct made you stop, you knew I was the one.I introduced you to my cousin, we had a laugh, you did not know what to say to me neither did I, we were like complete strangers and then we said goodbye.
I have always known you way back in Owerri to be peaceful, gentle, focused and caring;always by your sister's side(Amaka), never letting her out of your sight. You both were like twins but you were much more attractive to her; tall, handsome with great physic.To hear you have moved on when life has just begun is so so hard to bear, only Jesus can fill dat void no one else equal you because you are one of a kind.
Okey, you will be missed...I pray that all loved ones you have left behind be strengthened and comforted in the Mighty Name of Jesus. RIP.
Aug 19, 2011
 RIP Nnaemeka
by: Ijay

Amaka God will see you and your family through this difficult and challenging period...losing a sibling and a son is the most painful experience and I pray that God sustains you and your family in Jesus name. You speak highly of your brother and though I havent met him I believe in my heart that he is in a good place, resting in the lord. Love you lords and take heart sis..
Aug 19, 2011
 REST IN LORD EMY
by: Anonymous

This is shocking news.I really cant believe Emy,Okey okpara is gone.The most painful thing was that i wasnt able to talk to him before he left.he was the best.He was like a brother,friend.etc.I have always known okey since childhood.He has a good heart and can never hurt a fly.Hmmmm....Emy go well.rest in peace with the lord and Mum.we your loved ones will forever miss you.We shall meet again on the last day.Chizoba Ononuju
Aug 19, 2011
 A Tribute to a loving brother
by: Ezeuko Nneka

A tribute to Emeka Okpara.

Emeka okpara, Emee.... my sweet, loving brother.
Will I not see you again, or hear your laughter. Will I not see you make funny face or see your shy smile when you are given a compliment? You had such a kind hearted, good natured personality who would never hurt a fly. You were always happy to help me with anything from little errands to encouraging me when thing don’t go well. I will miss you so much my big teddy bear. You do not deserve this. Oh God, give me the strength to bear this all.
The bible tells us to give thanks in everything. Through my pain lord, I give you thanks, for the time that Emee, my little brother had with us, for the laughter, joy and happiness we shared with him and most of all for the life that he lived. Thank you lord.
My sweet brother, say hi to mum for me. Rest now in the bosom of our lord till we met again.

Your loving sister
Ezeuko Nneka
Aug 18, 2011
 your tribute
by: Janelle

Amaka,

What a beautiful tribute to your brother's life. I am sorry for your loss. Even though they are no substitute for having your brother with you, I'm glad to see you have so many good memories to hold in your heart.

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