Obuoraegbunem Ezeji-Okoye

It is with profound sadness that the Ezeji-Okoye family announces the passing of Dr. Obuoraegbunem (Obi) Ezeji-Okoye, who passed peacefully away on 8 September 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by family at his home in Edmonton, Alberta, after a long life devoted to the service of others.

Dr. Obi, as he was known to his patients, was born on 30 September 1930, in Awka, Nigeria. At 25, he journeyed to England to study medicine at Bristol University. After seven years of study, he returned to Nigeria, where he practiced for eight years before fleeing his war torn country. After a few months in England, he left for new opportunities in Canada, practicing in Saskatchewan for a year, before settling in Cold Lake, Alberta.

For 34 years, Dr. Obi dedicated himself to the community of Cold Lake as a General Practitioner. His practice included a busy clinic, surgery, obstetrics, gynaecology, and emergency room work. He cared for countless patients and delivered thousands of babies, some of whom were second generation. For 14 of those years, he served as Chief of Medical Staff. His lobbying of the government resulted in the construction of the Cold Lake Regional Hospital (now the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre) in 1987, a three-story, 100-bed facility that would replace the previous 27-bed facility.

Beyond his medical contributions, Dr. Obi was an active member in Cold Lake’s civic life. As a Town Councillor, he secured funding for the construction of a Senior Citizens’ Lodge, a Seniors’ Recreation Centre, a library, and tennis courts. As Chairman of the Tourism Council, he helped create Cold Lake’s first tourism booklet. Though deeply devoted to his patients and community, he eventually retired at 75 and moved to Edmonton to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Dr. Obi carried his Igbo heritage with great pride. In Edmonton, he embraced the city’s vibrant Igbo community, where he was respected as an elder, attended events, and gave speeches. He always loved dancing and could often be found on the dance floor at parties, cultural events, and community gatherings. At home, he found joy in tending his garden, especially his tomatoes and potatoes. Above all, he treasured his family and traveled far and wide to spend time with his children and grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, and love with them.

Dr. Obi will be forever remembered by his wife of 63 years, Kathleen; his five children, Stephen (Sally), Stella, Chinedu, Ngozi (Clayton), and Kene (Michaela); and his 12 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, and sister.

A private ceremony will be held shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation in honour of Dr. Obi’s love of children and lifelong devotion to healing and service.