Bernard Tuka Fru

Today, we gather to honor and remember a remarkable man, Daddy Bernard Tuka Fru. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye and celebrate the life of our beloved Papa Bernard, a cherished father, grandfather, uncle, and husband. Papa Bernard FRU was born to late Papa Mimba Nde Tuka and late Mami Debora Lum in Mankon-Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon. Before we even get to say thank you for burying daddy Fru`s late son Collins Fru who was laid to rest while daddy was hospitalized, we are here again yet for another demise as daddy did not make it. Daddy Fru was married and is survived by his lovely wife for 46 years, Mrs. Jeannet Lum Fru, and children Dr. Franklin Fru, Retired Army Corporal Donald Fru, Ernest Fru, Edwin Fru, and Cynthia Fru. We do not forget the last of the children, Collins Fru (RIP June 6th, 2024), who passed and Daddy was not able to bury till his own passing on July 19th, 2024. Daddy is also survived by his eight lovely grandchildren Abigail, Gabriel, Joshua, Smith, Samuel, Asher, Jaden, and Desmond Jr. Born January 1st, 1952, in Mankon-Bamenda, Daddy was 72 years old before his passing and his favorite thing he told us before his last days was to live life every day with a purpose and noted that he has lived a good life. We should not mourn if he is not here, but we should celebrate his life and continue to live our lives purposely. His going message was not only limited to his children and family; as he shared with friends who visited them when Collins just died, he shared this message of living life every day with a purpose. As we reflect on his life, we celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind and the indelible mark he made on all who knew him.

From the very beginning, Bernard's life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His commitment to his roles as a father, grandfather, uncle, and husband was unwavering, and his influence extended beyond his immediate family. He was a born and baptized Presbyterian Christian who lastly fellowshipped with Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) Dallas chapter under Rev. Dr. Joe Set Aji Mvo and Mami Helen Dilys Aji move who were our neighbors in Ntamulung, Cameroon and close family friends. While dad was gone to school in Dschang and mommy also going to school, Mami Pastor Helen Aji Mvo checked on us at home, and I remembered calling me “small papa,” and I assumed because it was the first child status as I acted as the father while mom and dad were gone for school He loved his liturgical hymnals and his last days were happy days as he sang and frequently taught Jaden and Desmond Jr. his favorite hymnal “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Yes, we believe Jesus was his friend on his exit because he frequently talked of his going and sang of this hymnal.

Daddy was an avid scholar whose love for education was paramount, and he ensured all the children were educated. Compiling his education and work accolades has been challenging because he never stopped going to school, even if it meant taking continuous education certifications; he kept going with that energy that he made sure he transcended to the children. As a summary of what we could compile, after Dad`s primary education in Mankon, he obtained his secondary education at Cameroon Protestant College (CPC) Bali. As an alumnus, Dad was a Bali Old Boys Association (BOBAN) member. In 1985, Daddy later pursued a Diploma in Business Management and Trading at the Trans-World Tutorial College (TWTC)-A distance learning institution of higher education in Jersey, Britain, United Kingdom. He enrolled at the University Of Dschang Western Region Of Cameroon, where he obtained his Associate's Degree in Law and Political Sciences. To continue his educational cadence, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Law with Honors (L.L.B. HONS) and a Minor in Administration from International University Bamenda, Cameroon. This was followed by a Masters in Law with Honors (L.L.M. HONS) as a Major and a Minor in Human Rights.

His passion for Law, Criminal justice, Human Rights, and Administration was evident in his career transitions. He seamlessly blended his educational achievements with his career pursuits. Before marrying Mom, he had just joined the Cameroon Military and was trained in Koutaba, Western Region of Cameroon, as a Parachutist after his high school diploma. He then sat for the Police exams and served under then-President Ahmadou Ahidjo as a Public Security Constable. With the transition of power in 1982, he decided to change careers and pursue law and criminal justice. He served with the Ministry of Justice as a Court Registrar with the Court of Appeals, Court of First Instance, and High Court Bamenda. He was then transferred to the courts of Appeal in Funding Northwest Region Cameroon, where he retired as a Civil Servant from public Service. He joined the private sector after retirement and worked with private law firms in Bamenda. He later served as Legal Counsel for a Financial Institution, Star Credit Financial Company, PLC, before migrating to the USA in December 2008 with his spouse.

Papa Bernard was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom throughout his life. He carried the values of his heritage with pride, and his commitment to his family was evident in every action he took. His life was marked by love, sacrifice, and an enduring sense of duty. Beyond his family, Papa Bernard was known for his involvement in the community. He was a man of action, always ready to lend a helping hand or support those in need. His contributions and the respect he earned from his peers are a testament to the values he held dear. Today, as we grieve the loss of Papa Bernard, we also celebrate his life and the many ways he enriched ours. His legacy will live on through the stories we share, the lessons we’ve learned, and the love he spread so generously.

In Cameroon, Bernard Tuka Fru was a pillar of his community. He served and volunteered his time in numerous charitable organizations. As a Cameroon Civil Society Organization member and New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Daddy provided Pro Bono Socio-Legal services to these organizations. He was the Patron of the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) in Presbyterian Church (PC) Ntamulung and the Hallelujah choir PC Ntamamfe in Mankon. He also served as the Ntamulung Council Chairman and was the President of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) at Government Bilingual High School (G.B.H.S Bamenda). His commitment to his communities was unwavering, and as children growing up, we struggled to keep up with his social engagements. Before his passing, I had the privilege of serving with him as a member while, at the same time, he was the Constitutional Chairman for the Mankon Cultural And Development Association (MACUDA) in Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas. He also served as the Association`s Advisor.

While in the Dallas Fort Worth area, after he migrated here in 2008, he continued his pursuit of the Justice System and joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as a Correctional Officer in Palestine, Texas. While serving as a Correctional Officer from 2009 through 2016, his love of educational cadence never stopped. He enrolled at the Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) in Palestine to boost and support his career here in America. While pursuing a Public Service Degree pathway in Criminal Justice, he was later promoted to Sergeant at the TDCJ. At this point, he saw growth within the career ladder and put a pause on the Applied Associate Degree pathway. As Dad started having grandchildren, he needed to move back to Dallas closer to his children and grandchildren. Here in Dallas, he joined the Dallas County Sheriff's Academy, earned a Departmental Certification as a Detention Service Officer (DSO), and served for a few years, then felt like something was missing. Again, it was that educational aspect. Ever since we knew Dad, he had been enrolled in some form of education, even if it was a certificate course. His last educational stop was a rather unusual turn from his usual administration, criminal justice, legal, and paralegal pursuits. We were shocked that he enrolled with the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) through Aviation Institute Maintenance (AIM) for two years, where he graduated Cum Laude in Airframe and Powerplant Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate. With his Cum Laude performance, he was duly inducted as a member of the National Honor Society Alpha Beta Kappa of the A.I.M. Beta Delta Chapter of Texas. Unfortunately, he had a stroke and was unable to sit for the FAA General Written Test. He mentioned that even though he never tested, he felt comfortable closing his educational journal with a National Honor, and with that, he never obtained a terminal degree; however, he encouraged the children to make him proud and receive a first-generation terminal degree or doctorate. Today, he did not get to see that celebration of the first general doctorate in his family. He was the successor to his late father, papa Mimba Tuka who was well learned and also forged for education. Today I want to assure Dad as we celebrate his life that the goal was achieved successfully before his burial, and I believe he is smiling, given that was his ultimate pursuit of education.

In our hearts, we carry the memory of his strength, his kindness, and his unwavering spirit. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his influence will continue to guide us and inspire us to live with the same grace and integrity he exemplified. Papa Bernard Tuka Fru, you have left an indelible mark on our lives. We are grateful for every moment we had with you and will cherish your memory. May you rest in peace, knowing that your legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you. Daddy, as you journey, please extend our regards to Collins, Grandpa, Grandma, and all the faithfully departed of the Tuka, Fru Mimba, and Dinga families. Rest well in Peace with the Lord.

A visitation for Bernard will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6300 South R.L., Dallas, TX 75232. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6300 South R.L., Dallas, TX 75232. A graveside will occur Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home & Laurel Land Memorial Park, 6300 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75232.