James ACKAH

I just learnt with shock the passing Mr. A lag. I met the Ackah when I moved to Vancouver to study at the Simon Fraser University. The family opened their home to all the Ghanaian students. Easter, Christmas and other festivities were spent with the family. Mr. Ackah acted as our counsellor par excellence by giving us thoughtful guidance on how to survive on "foreign" soil and give our best to our studies. His warmth and kindness is beyond reproach. The last l saw was 18 years ago when my son was born. He, the wife and Dr. Aggrey were visiting Ottawa and he made it a point to come and visit me, my wife and two children. I was deeply touched by the visit. We spoke sporadically after the visit. Then I moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2004 and we never spoke again. He and the family were in my thoughts all the time. So I feel like I have been hit by a ton of brick to learn that my friend and mentor as left us. James I am ever grateful to our creator for bringing us together. Thanks for the countless advice you poured on me. If I am a better person today it was in part because of our friendship. Your body has left us but your soul will forever remain with us. I have no doubt that you are resting peacefully in the arms of God while you are being fetted by the angels. So long my mentor till we meet again. J

My deepest condolences to Beatrice, Evelyn, Audrey and the rest of the Ackah family. James was a truly wonderful man and I have thought about his kindness, friendship and support many times although I have not seen him for many years. I wish his family all of the strength and peace that the universe has to offer. Love ron

Brother, brother, brother. It was very devastating and heart breaking when I got the news that you were severely ill, that there is no hope. I got on my knees to pray that God's will may be done. Less than 2 hours later, the news came again you are no more.

It was not only hard to believe but very shocking. I am still struggling to accept the reality of the bad news because little did I know you were sick.

From 1st December to 24th December, I talked to you almost every day. Why? On the 23rd or 24th of December, you asked me to buy turkey or goat for your mother for Christmas celebrations. You asked me so many questions about how everybody in the house was doing. You advised me what to do for our mother, sister comfort and other siblings. We talked at length then said goodbye, I love you, we will talk again later. Little did I know that this would be our last conversation. It is hard to lose a brother; especially when he was in the prime of his life.

In you, I had a brother, father, friend. You were a perfect example to emulate. You were loved, lovable, disciplined, intelligent, a perfect gentleman and hardworking. You were so devoted and service to everybody. Your demise has left a great vacuum in my life and the family at large; especially when I see mum and the pain she is going through. Your humble life and selfless service. I always admire your smiles. I'm so proud to have you as my brother, friend and father. I'm forever grateful to you.

You always encouraged me in every step I embarked on. Who will encourage me again?

Your mum is calling you. Kwame and Richard are wailing for you as a father to them. Nate and Lauryn need you as a grandpa, father, friend and teacher. Evelyn is traveling to Montreal. Who will help the nanny take care of the kids? Audrey and Bobby need your support, advice and direction.

We love you but God loves you most. James, James, my big brother, what have you done? Aunt Bea who will close this vacuum for you?

May the good lord receive you in his Kingdom. I will take this opportunity to thank you very much for everything. God bless and keep you in his bosom.

Rest in perfect peace.

We believe that Jesus died and rose again. So we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have died believing in him. (1st Thess. 4:14)

Tia boe, Da Yie -- dermfa due!!!

Our deepest condolences to Audrey, Bobby, Beatrice, Evelyn and the rest of the family... You are in our hearts and our prayers... Much love, Karin, Bob & Annika

Dearest Evelyn

My sincere condolences to you, and your family, on the loss of a great man. I know whenever you spoke of your father, your eyes showed your deep love for him. He would have also been very proud of you for being a wonderful loving daughter. No words can ease your suffering, only prayers and God's support will bring you through. I know that you will keep your father's memory alive through the sharing of a lifetime of stories.

Ruth

James was simply legendary. He touched the lives of people of all age groups, racial and religious backgrounds. He was extremely kind and was a friend you could always count. In a few words, he was narcissistic and ebullient. Rest in peace, James. We will miss you dearly.

My sincere condolences to the Ackah family. May you take comfort in the love you all shared and the joy his grandchildren brought to him.

My family and I are deeply saddened of your sudden death. Mr. Ackah opened his home to many Ghanaian students in Vancouver. The Ackah's became our adopted family and supported us during our student life in Vancouver. The memorable Christmas and New Year dinners we had in the family house. Godparents to our first child Sammy Jr. The Ackah's kept close contact with our family through all these years. Mr. Ackah, you are matchless and incomparable. You lived your life well and touched so many lives. I cannot bring myself to say goodbye because it just make me cry. After 69 years, you have exited this Earth. Well done nobleman. Rest in Peace.

James will be sorely missed in the Langara College Homestay Program, of which he was a longtime and valued participant.

Condolences,

I am very sorry for your loss .
My sincere condolence to you Bea and to your family. Rest in peace James

My sincere condolences to the entire Ackah family. We have all lost a great man of God with sincere compassion and love for others, our prayers are with you in these hard times. May his soul rest in peace and may the good Lord be your greatest comfort in this tough time of lost.

May Christ be the source of comfort to the Ackah family in the sudden death of James Ackah.
It seems like only yesterday when James and I crossed paths in !972.
James arrived in Vancouver September and I followed in October.

Soon, James found work and so on one wet day he stopped by with a beaming smile to announce receipt of his first pay check.
James offered me $25.00 as I continued on my job search.
Please keep in mind the hourly rate then was $1.75.
I spent much of this amount but saved $2.00 which I have kept to this day.

The act of GIVING is a common thread that one will find woven in
James Ackah`s life story.

It has been a blessing and a privilege to have known James.

Surely time will slip away but the memories of James will continue to linger on in our hearts forever.

James, Rest in Peace until in Christ we meet again.

Ben. On behalf of the Ashong family.


.

Aunty Bea, my sincerest condolences to you Evelyn and Audrey for such an immeasurable loss. I remember Uncle James as a fun, thoughtful and wise man. May his soul rest in peace and may God keep you all as you remember what a wonderful man he was.

My sincere condolences to the entire Ackah family. May his soul rest in perfect
peace.

I would like to express my sincerest condolences to your family. May God comfort you, and grant you much peace (Numbers 6:24-26) may the precious memories shared between you give you much comfort throughout your loss.

The Ackah family's warm smiles and welcoming home has nurtured many of the international students that I have taught and worked with at Langara. Every time I met James and Beatrice, I was moved by their warmth and kindness... May your faith comfort you in these times of sadness and loss...

To the Ackah Family,
Sympathy, Compassion and Love
Flow to you from the Heavens
But the Heavens are rejoicing
Because the Angel James
Who was sent to Earth
But only lent to Earth
Has returned Home.
Blessings,
Tracy

James and his wife Bea have been valued members of our host family community at Langara College for many years and are dearly cherished by the many homestay students they have welcomed over the years. James was always an encouraging and supportive father-figure to these students and spent many hours talking to them, listening to their stories, telling them his own, reading the newspaper with them, and providing them with a warm and laughter-filled home in Canada. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but will never be forgotten, as his infectious smile and ever-joyful presence will stay with us forever. We send our love and condolences to his family. Warmest thoughts from Valerie Peters and all the Homestay and Takudai staff at Langara.

I am really going to miss you "Mr Ackah". To me he was an example, mentor, and father-figure.
Auntie Bea and family, so sorry for your loss. Things appear never to be the same when you loose a loved one, but our encouragement remains that even though he is absent from us, he is home with the Lord. I pray for strength for your entire family, and know that we are all here as your family and for support.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith;
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
The righteous judge, shall give me at that day".
2 Timothy 4 7-8

Uncle James Rest In Peace.

I'm blessed to have met him! His love and joy as a father and grandfather showed. Love and prayers to you all xo

I haven't seen James in years and I was always hoping to run into him to shake his hand and to see his amazing smile again. A smile that could make you feel instant joy.

James was always welcoming, generous and very kind to me. He would give you his attention but also command yours with a gentle strength. I respected him deeply and always thought of him as someone to emulate as a man and a father. I have become a father now and even though I haven't seen James for several years I often think of him when I'm in a particularly challenging parenting moment and I find myself asking, "How would James handle this situation?" "What would he do?" He made an impression on me and it will never leave me.

Hearing the news today from Evelyn of James's passing saddens me to no end, and my thoughts go out to his lovely wife Beatrice and his two amazing daughters Evelyn and Audrey. I share the pain of your loss but also feel privileged to have met and shared a small amount of time with your husband and father.

I will always remember James as a fun person and with a genuine smile and laughter when we met with our friend Percy. It was sad to read his passing at such a young age. I recall his wife Beatrice and children many years ago as a happy family. My heartfelt condolence to his surviving and loving family.

Harold Gopaul

Dominique and I are so glad that we had an opportunity to meet James last Christmas - our heartfelt sympathy to all the family. His memory will live on. Terri Alcock & Dominique Bernardet

Dear Beatrice, Evelyn, and Audrey,
I have so many wonderful memories of James, not the least of which is the way that he greeted me, everytime I saw him, with a huge grin and a "hello Madam Justice!" I cherished his words as reflecting his pride in my past accomplishments, and confidence in my future. A similar pride and confidence in his beloved family, especially his wife, daughters and his grandchildren always shone in his eyes. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love, humour, compassion and generosity lives on in all of you. I'm so sorry that I cannot be with you right now in your time of grief. Please know that I am thinking of you often and sending my love.

May the God of tender mercies comfort you doing this difficult time.










P. Sparks

A POEM IN MEMORY OF JAMES YANZU ACKAH

It was 81' or 82' my memory now not as good as new,
When James and I worked together on Bidwell Street; inspecting cars, trucks and fleets.
We were professional in our work and could cover every station;
We knew exactly what to do, in every situation. We were known by all as,
public protector and it didn't take us long to nickname each other, inspector.

Outside of work our friendship grew and I met his wonderful family;
Wife Beatrice, daughter Evelyn and Audrey too.
His contagious smile was so warm and friendly,
Made me feel like family and was always welcomed.

In the summer of 83' all the inspection stations
Were closed by the powers that be;
Leaving James out of work, including me.
Then in the spring of 84' I moved far away,
While James found work at an auto shop, on Marine way.

Life can get busy and time passes by,
But James and his family were frequently on my mind.
We visited occasionally and sometimes talked by phone.
The years passed, the visits diminished and so did the calls,
But every Christmas a card would arrive from James and Beatrice,
Letting us know that we were certainly all remembered.

Then one year during the festive season and not so long ago;
The weather outside was cold and the ground was blanketed by snow.
The presents had been opened, the boxes put away,
Colorful lights on houses were still in full display.

It was the feast of Holy Family on this particular day. I wasn't home when Evelyn called,
But the message was clear, James had sadly passed away.
A sad feeling swept over me knowing that a true friend was now gone
And it wasn't so long ago that my thoughts were to visit.

Now the words don't come easy and so I tend to ponder,
Perhaps they will come easier when we meet again up yonder.
I am so honoured to have been your work colleague
And so fortunate to have you as a friend
And hope I was a true friend to you, as you were to me,
For all those years that have now come to end.

May you rest in perfect peace Inspector!

Beatrice, Evelyn, Audrey and Family,

So sorry for your loss. James will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Dear Evelyn and Ackah family,

I never had the honour of meeting your beloved dad, but I know how much you loved him. May God grant you, your mom and Audrey the strength to endure this great loss and may Mr. James Ackah rest in blissful peace and watch over you all. I will be thinking of you and sending you my loving thoughts and prayers this week (and always).

So very sorry for your loss Evelyn.

Dear Beatrice, Evelyn, Audrey & Bobby. Words cannot explain our true sadness for your loss. Although it is very difficult right now, just know that our friendship, sympathy & heartfelt condolences bring comfort to you & your family. James will be truly missed & lets always remember his beautiful smile & laughter, he was a real gentleman.

Dear Bea, Evelyn and Audrey. We , your Opare family,deeply share your grief. It is still unbelievable for Kofi to depart from us so suddenly. Kofi was a good hearted man and most supportive brother. Our pain will be difficult to overcome when on the same day that he departed, KWADWO and I were discussing what Christmas message to send to you all. Kofi was on our thoughts and lips on that fateful day. Somehow , Kofi connected with us and we are grateful for his love and friendship with us. We hope his departure will strengthen our relationship with his surviving family. Please let's us keep him alive in our hearts.
Odupon atu tu. Efia Egya adum .
Oyame nfa wonko dwo, dwo, Kofi
KWADWO, Frema , Seiwaa Opare and family.

Dear Beatrice, Audrey, Bobby and Evelyn,

I remember fondly the faithful support of James for his homeland and Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation. Annual participation at the Walk for the Bu was a given and deeply appreciated.

We celebrate the heartfelt investments he made to reach out to others less fortunate and bring health and life.

James is fondly remembered.

On behalf of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Board and family,

Marj Ratel
President
(Langley, BC)

Dear Beatrice and the Ackah family.

Our deepest condolences to you and to those close to James. We are a new Takudai host family and although we didn't get a chance to know James well, we remember you both very fondly. I remarked on how beautiful you looked at the Christmas party. You are such a lovely, radiant lady and are blessed to have so much support. Our family have faith that James is at peace now. May you and family find the strength and will to carry you through this difficult time.
Love and prayer
The Cheung Family

Dear Beatrice, Evelyn, Audrey and Bobby. We are so very sorry for your loss of James. He was a wonderful man. We have so enjoyed our friendship with your whole family over the many years and we will miss James very much. We want to be there for you to lean on in your sorrow, whenever we can get together. Just like you were there for us when we were going through difficult times. With love and friendship.

Dear Audrey, Bobby, Evelyn, Beatrice,

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember how happy James was at Audrey and Bobby's wedding - I hope you remember him that way, smiling, happy and so very proud. Thinking of you all.

Dear Audrey and family, I'm so sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you.

Audrey, I did not know your father at all, but I have no doubt that he was a wonderful man, as he raised you: a wonderful, articulate, kind and poised woman. I have no doubt he was very proud of you.

Having lost a wonderful father of my own, I can appreciate how difficult this is. After the pain of the passing leaves, you will be left with the memory of love that is a constant hug.

xo

I didn't know your dad well, dear Evelyn, but I was thrilled to meet him a few times at your home in Calgary, once for Nate's first birthday. I don't know who was more excited that day about the birthday cake Nate or James! He struck me as a lovely, positive man with a great sense of humour and a deep love of family. I am very saddened by his untimely passing and send my love to you and your family. xo

Dear Mrs. Ackah, Evelyn, Audrey and Bobby,
We are so very sorry for the loss of Mr. Ackah. He was such a kind and wonderful person, and his passing will be felt by many. May treasured memories of him and the joyful times you spent together help see you through this time of sorrow.

It was like yesterday when Auntie Bea and Uncle James took time off their busy schedules to plan and prepare for our wedding. It was like yesterday when Evelyn and Audrey played prominent roles in our wedding as maid of honor and flower girl respectively. How fleeting life is!
Time and time again Uncle James and Aunt Bea invited us over the phone to come over to Vancouver for a visit. Unfortunately, not everything happens the way we imagined. Auntie Bea, Evelyn and Audrey, our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time of grieving. Hope your hearts will find a way to see the good that life still has to offer in the midst of Uncle James' untimely death. Our words are not adequate enough to express the sorrow we feel for the loss of our father, uncle, friend, and political commentator.
He was a delight to be with and an inspiration to everyone in his circle of influence. We were so blessed to have him as our generous landlord, close friend and wedding planner. We will keep his spirit alive with the many beautiful pictures he took with us during our wedding while playing the role of Katie's father as her biological father couldn't make it to the wedding.
Perhaps it is better to look at Uncle James' death in terms of healing. He is healed because he is no longer in pain. That said, we can also process our pain and move to deeper and deeper levels of healing. Yes, we can learn to smile, laugh and love again when we focus on the fact that those who die in the Lord never die, they just depart before we do. Perhaps Uncle James would want us to find ways to move on and channel our pain into productive activities as described in the poem, Grieve Not for Me:
Grieve not for me nor mourn for a long while, for happier would I be to see you smile. Let no tears fall since I have passed away but miss me and remember me each day. Live your lives as God would want you to, and share the secret of your strength with fellow men grieving for their loved ones. And when your life on earth is over, I shall be waiting here for each of you.
Auntie Bea, Evelyn and Audrey, we feel your pain but wish you strength above all. Keep following God's path and we know you will overcome the painful sting of death. Cling unto God as He is the Rock of Ages, Immovable and Unchangeable! Remember, sometimes the road of life seems so long as we travel through the years. With broken hearts and eyes brimful of tears we falter in our weariness and sink beside the way. But God lovingly leans down and whispers, Child, there'll be another day and the road will grow much smoother and much easier to face. So friends, do not be disheartened for this is just a bend in the road.
Rest, relax and be strong. Let go and let God carry your load because your work on earth is not finished or ended. You have just come to a bend in the road. And when the funeral procession is over, when the last dirge is sung and all relatives and friends have returned to their homes, know that whenever you feel you need shoulders to lean on, we will be there!
With heartfelt condolences,
Richmond, Katie, Jeremy, Kay & Teresa Danso-Danquah
Henrico, VA

Evelyn,you and your entire family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss and hope that your wonderful memories of your Dad will be of some comfort to you throughout this very difficult time.

Marsha

Uncle James, You are not around but your memories remain captured in our hearts. You are the angel of hope that came to encourage and inspire us. Your kindle will always be shining.

Serwaah,Nana, Elizabeth Frimpong

Mr. Ackah, may you rest in perfect peace. I will always remember you for your assistance !!!

Evelyn and Audrey
It was with heavy heart that I received the news of your Father's passing. I am deeply sorry for your family's sudden loss and I send both of you and your Mother my love and support. Your father was a very stately man, proud of his family and especially of each of your personal and professional achievements. May Almighty God envelope you all in His loving arms as your Father is lifted up to join Him.
In His Grace,

Audrey & Bobby,
Our deepest condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mrs. Ackah, Evelyn, Audrey and Bobby: we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ackah was a real gem. I will always remember his warmth, good humour and kindness. What a blessing it is to have known him and to be friends with two people who have inherited his most wonderful attributes. This is a huge loss and we send you our deepest condolences and prayers for comfort. His light lives in you and in his beloved Lauryn and Nate. May you be comforted.
Love you,
Omo, Jean, Ari and Ayoka

Words are inadequate to express my sadness upon learning of Mr. Ackah's passing. To his most incredible legacy, his family, may your faith, love and community support you all through this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.

This is such a shock. Your Dad was always the picture of health.
My sincere condolences to Mom and the entire Family.
I will be praying that you all will find the strength to endure your loss.
RIP James. You are needed here but the Lord needed you more.

Evelyn, I am so sorry to hear this news. Although I only met your father a few times, he was one of the most elegant gentlemen I have ever met. Please take care and know that we are thinking about you and your family during this difficult time.

Evelyn, I am deeply saddened by your father's passing, and very thankful that I was able to meet your mother and father last Christmas Eve. I know he will be missed very much by your family. I will be thinking of you and the children, and all the family at this most difficult time. Hugs from Terri and Dom.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed. Please relay my deepest condolences to your family - especially your Mom and Audrey. May your memories and great family love sustain you in your sorrow. All of you are in my prayers.

Your Dad was such a wonderful, caring, funny, loving person. He will be missed terribly, but he leaves behind so many wonderful memories and so much love.

Your family is in our thoughts. I can't even begin to imagine your pain. Take care xoxox

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dad and your kid's grandpa. My all the wonderful times you had with him bring you solace in your time of grief.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm grateful to have met him and hoped to meet again. Love and Prayers to you and your entire family.

May you rest in eternal peace. We will hold the family you have left behind in our thoughts and prayers. You and your family have been great contributors to our cause. You are very loved and appreciated.

Your friends at the Canadian Association of Canada - British Columbia Chapter

Mind-bendingly surreal!! Uncle James, affectionately called Effie Wura by those of us who enjoyed the shelter of your unassuming generosity and care - the warm Christmas greeting card came again this Holiday season, as they have in their unfailing regularity for the past 26 years. The only thing missing was the warm and cheerful echoes of your voice across the great chasm.

Sister Bea, Evelyn, Audrey and the rest of the Ackah family, please know that we share in your pangs of sorrow. Perhaps knowing that Effie Wura's contagious self-effacing selflessness touched our lives, may provide a fleeting solace that his was a tapestry of a well-quilted legacy.

We share in your deep sorrow - the unfathomable nature of it all - and pray the Lord of all comfort will meet you at the point of your need.

Fred and Belinda Wireko, West Chester OH, USA.

"May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding keep the family safe and blessed. James has fought the good fight and may he rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. We feel your pain"

Safe passage to, and peaceful rest in, the Eternal Realm.

Damrifa Due to the Ackah Family.

There is no goodbyes for us. You will always be in our hearts where ever you are.

Mary, Joseph Frimpong

Psalms 90 say it well. Uncle James rest in perfect peace.
For none of us lives to himself and no one dies to himself...

Sorry for your loss

George and Elizabeth

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Words cannot express the void which the loss of our dear friend has created. We were deeply saddened to hear of his sudden transition but God knows best. Uncle James as I called him, led an exemplary life. He was caring, smart, generous, funny and community oriented with an unconditional love for his family. Our family feel honored to have been part of his circle of friends. Our heart goes out to Sister Bea, Evelyn and Audrey for their great loss. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Rest in peace dear friend, until we meet again. You may be gone, but your legacy lives on forever.

My sympathies to the Ackah family during this difficult time. May you rest well Mr. Ackah. God grant peace and comfort to his family and friends who will miss him greatly.