Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Mubukwanu Kakula Obituary
Mubu had first come to the United States as a child when his father took his doctorate in law at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He was a popular child in Madison, even starring with classmates in a television news program for children.
After primary school, Mubu returned to Africa, first to Zambia, then to Botswana, and finally to South Africa, to attend high school at the Mmabatho High School in Mafikeng. While at Mmabatho he wrote and directed a play.
Mubu returned to the United States to attend Hampshire College where he majored in communications and in creative writing. He then made the Pioneer Valley his home, living principally in Northampton, where he was known and admired by many. He was working on a novel, "Vagabond Saint", when he passed away.
Mubukwanu leaves, in South Africa, his loving mother, three sisters and brother, and in Northampton, an
adoring wife and comrade.
His remains will be flown to Mafikeng, South Africa, where he will be laid to rest next to his father.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 14, at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary of First Churches, Center Street, Northampton. A reception will follow the service at Lyman Hall.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mubukwanu Kakula
rizzo lasagna
October 5, 2023
you were a very special person, and the world is greatly diminished by your absence. I went back to school to be a writer, and your influence was partly responsible. I think of you often.
Bonisile Anokye
May 28, 2014
Mubu, you shall be remembered...always...RIP
May 27, 2014
This Is So Sad.. R.I.P My African Close Friend... We Loved You.. But God Loved You More. Always.. From Your Friend From Kenya.. Ezekiel T. Kirwa Aka Ezy aka Ezythedj.. Bless
Mpho Notrem
May 23, 2014
Mubu you enriched our lives without claiming credit. May your family be comforted by the moments you created together. Grateful we share the Mmabatho High School culture.
With love from Dipalesa Notrem
Dominique Vincent
May 23, 2014
May your soul Rest In Peace Mubu
Bill Winslow
May 22, 2014
Dear Mubu. Even as you frustrated us, you were always, somehow, making our lives more bearable, and then, sometimes, we understood you: that we were the lucky ones, living this day. Thank you, Mubu, for doing this for us.
Lesego Motsilanyane
May 21, 2014
R.I.P Mubu. You will be missed!
Katlego Makgata
May 21, 2014
My main man! A people's person...I guess I'm echoing what many have already said... Mubu The Legend! Time and distance cannot take away the love I had for you. Be at peace. .. We'll mourn you til we join you!
Signed "Da Hand"!
Priscilla Borland
May 20, 2014
Dearest Mubu,
I am so deeply saddened by your passing. But now that I understand what happened, I can only wish you Godspeed my friend, to a place of peace, where you will no longer know any pain or suffering. You will always be missed because you were so loved by so many of us for being such a kind, gentle and talented soul... since our childhood at Mmabatho High School where we met. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again. God's richest blessings. xoxo
Ryan Karim
May 20, 2014
When I came from Zimbabwe Mubu was one of the first friends I made in Mmabatho and him, Vaughan and I were the first to get basketball going at the school and of course he excelled at it whata guy always smiling even recall the Schweppes tournament we all went to. Definitely a solid person, after so many years I haven't forgotten. .will be missed. My sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. RIP big dog!
Edward Magala
May 20, 2014
You are my life coach.Memories of our after practice one on one ball games have done me well in these later years.Never to give up.Thank you Mubu you are my hero.
Seboka Mosime
May 20, 2014
My dearest friend Mubu, I have been to battle with you many times. Battling other Schools for glory on our basketball quest to be the best.
We were a formidable force. All those long hours day after day on the court.
I cannot begin to express the depth of our bond, as friends and colleagues.
I learnt a lot from you through the years and thank you for being my friend.
God bless you my friend. You will be missed.
Mark-Temba Christensen
May 20, 2014
I remember Mubu from back in Mafikeng and MHS. Playing basketball as opponents with me always losing, studying together - hell even bunking class at the same time, bad idea when both of us were gone at the same time :-) We took life in our own stride and no doubt, Mubu had a potential I must admit I never did follow up on. I suppose my memories of him are childhood memories: innocent, naïve and pleasant. Mubu, may your family and closest ones feel and remember the same about you. All the best and my deepest condolences.
RIP brother
Sam Okumu
May 16, 2014
I knew Mubu when he was still in South Africa and visited him a couple of times while he was in the pioneer valley. I just hadn't seen him in the past 2 years and i really wish i had made more of an effort.
Words can;t even begin to describe one of my absolute best friends...distance was irrelevant because our bond was extremely strong. We just automatically picked up whenever we met and had an awesome time at whatever we were doing. He was full of light and laughter, had a very sharp wit and a formidable intellect. It was always great having those long chats about life and everything and challenging each other endlessly. I could go on and on but i'll stop here and say my friend...you are sorely missed, hope you are at peace enjoying long philosophical debates and writing to your hearts content~~~
Jonathan Williams
May 14, 2014
I always loved joking around with Mubu! One of my fondest memories of him from my time as a student at Hampshire was when I was walking down the hall on my way out of the library. Mubu came in several feet in front of me and I mistook him for my friend Joel, because I wasn't wearing my glasses. "Hey, Joel!" I said. "Oh, I guess we all look alike to you, huh?" Mubu replied, without missing a beat. "Yes," I said, "Because I'm super-racist!" We both laughed. It often seemed to me that Mubu was always smiling or laughing, and I'll never forget him or all the moments of joy he brought to me at Hampshire. My heartfelt condolences to his family & friends!
Debbie Bowler
May 13, 2014
I always looked forward to a morning hug from you at GAP. I'm so happy & blessed to have known you. Rest in the Lord my friend; you will be missed. Love you forever~~
Justin Kahn
May 9, 2014
My heart is heavy for all those who knew Mubu. I will never forget his smile and laughter, even though we only crosed paths a few times at Hampshire. Rest in peace
Mary Read
May 9, 2014
Goodbye, Mubu. You made my day on a number of occasions. With love, Mary.
Neil Young
May 8, 2014
RIP Mubu. This is so sad to hear. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Drew Chapman
May 8, 2014
Goodbye, Mubu. You were a great man, and you will be missed.
Michele Hardesty
May 7, 2014
My condolences to Mubu's family and wife.
Troy Hill
May 7, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mubu's Loved ones. I had the pleasure of having Mubu play basketball for me at Hampshire and more importantly I had the pleasure of getting to know him while he was here. Rest in Peace
Dan Edwards
May 6, 2014
I met Mubu on several occasions. He had a great laugh and he always paid special attention to the details of our conversations. I hadn't seen him for a little over a year and I am saddened by his passing. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Melody Edwards
May 6, 2014
My condolences to Mubu's family and friends. He was a brilliant guy with a sharp wit. I enjoyed my conversations with him...he always challenged. He will be missed and remembered.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Mubukwanu Kakula's name
Memorial Events
for Mubukwanu Kakula
Funeral services provided by:
Ahearn Funeral Home - Northampton783 Bridge Road, Northampton, MA 01060
How to support Mubukwanu's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mubukwanu Kakula's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
