Leo was born in Lagos, Nigeria on March 11th, 1946 to David Udo Etuk and Arit David Etuk. He was the fourth child of eleven children. He was given his African name of “Etop Ekong” which meant “news of war”. His father fought in the second world war during the invasion of North Africa. Leo lost his mother at a very young age and was raised by his stepmother. He attended elementary school at Ladi-Lak Institute in Yaba, Lagos and then went on to secondary school at Methodist Boys High School on Broad Street, Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria. Leo was an outstanding midfielder on the secondary school soccer team where he made a name for himself. He later decided to join his brother, the late Rowland Etuk, in America to further his education. He attended Texas Southern University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
After graduating, he left for San Diego where he interned and started his Master’s program at San Diego State University. He later returned to Texas Southern University where he earned his Master’s in Clinical Psychology. After graduation, he practiced his profession first at Sand Dollar Counseling and then at Texas Health Services for MHMR as a Psychologist.
After practicing for some years in Houston, he decided to travel to Nigeria. While in Akwa Ibom, he met the love of his life Nse Udofia and they soon got married and started their family. He relocated to Calabar where he worked at the University of Calabar as a Clinical Psychologist. Leo returned to Houston and later brought his family over to join him.
Leo was very entrepreneurial and later launched his company Bayou Landing Mortgage & Finance.
He was an avid sportsman and he love to play Tennis. You could always find him at a tennis court on any given Saturday. He and his friends established the Tennis club and they competed in tournaments all over Texas.
Leo enjoyed life to the fullest. He had an infectious laugh that was disarming to say the least. He was nicknamed “Inuen” (Bird) by his friends because he was always on the go. He was a very loyal family man and took pride in talking about his wife and children. He was one of those rare and dignified men who when faced with adversity always had a joke and a laugh for you. Even during his period of illness, “I’m fine” and “Let’s go” were his favorite phrases. When asked where do you want to go, his reply was usually “anywhere but here”.
Leo is survived by his loving wife - Nse Leonard Etuk, Daughters – Fortune and Confidence, Sons – Providence and Durable, Granddaughter – Audrey Adeeko, Brothers, Sisters, and a host of Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and a multitude of friends.
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