Boniface Udoka Eze

Boni, as we fondly called him, was born on July 20, 1960, in Uke, Anambra State, Nigeria. He was a bright man and never hesitated to share his God given talent at every opportunity, by helping those who need it most. The youth of his hometown were beneficiaries of his largess. He was a coach, a mentor who gave his all to aid the youth to become achievers in school, through his extramural classes and extracurricular activities. Many of his mentees grew up to become accomplished professionals in their fields of endeavor. When Boniface left his hometown to immigrate to Canada, there was a big outcry for the loss; a loss which turned out to be real with his passing.

On arrival in Edmonton, Boniface was admitted to the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. His intellectual prowess stood out and drew the attention of like-minded students and his Instructors. He enjoyed research as well as creative writing. Unfortunately, his emerging success was short-lived. Debilitating ill-health dimmed the rising sun.

Boniface bore the nagging physical pain with equanimity; he never wore the agony he was going through on his face. His caregivers of various medical specialties were marveled by his determination to fight on; to them, he was a model patient; their kindness and compassion were palpable.

Our family remains grateful to Dr. Youssef Wafaa, Boni’s primary family physician; Dr. Jon M. Adamis, his Otolaryngologist; and the other specialists. All of them, in addition to the expert tender care they offered, grew to be his friends/mutual joking mates who did all they could, to alleviate Boni’s load of stress. The nurses and other caregivers offered incredible tender loving care as well.

Boni is survived by three sisters, three brothers, aunts, in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins, who sorely miss him. Oh Lord, may Boni rest in perfect peace in your bosom.