In Memory of Ake Undieh
A Tribute to a Life Lived with Grace

"Just be happy. It will be okay."

Those words were not spoken by someone untouched by hardship. They were spoken by a young man who had spent much of his life in quiet negotiation with sickle cell disease — the pain, the uncertainty, the visits, the waiting rooms he knew perhaps better than he should have. And yet, on a day when I arrived for his office visit clearly weighed down by my own troubles, it was Ake who paused to comfort me.

That single moment says more about Ake Undieh than any list of accomplishments could.

I had the privilege of being his primary care physician for several years, which meant I saw him not only in the ordinary rhythms of check-ups and care, but in the harder chapters too the ones his illness wrote into his life without his consent. What I witnessed, visit after visit, was a young man who refused to let illness author his character. He carried sickle cell disease with a bravery that was never loud, never performative. There was no bitterness in him, no resentment at the hand he'd been dealt. Just a steady, unshowy courage and an instinct, even in his own difficulty, to look outward and tend to the people around him.

Ake was pleasant. He was measured. He wanted good things for everyone he encountered, and he had a gift for making that want known in small, sincere gestures like reassuring his doctor on a hard day, when he was the one who'd come in for care.

As Maya Angelou once wrote, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Ake made people feel steadied. Hopeful. Reminded that things would be okay because he believed it, and because he lived it, even when his own body gave him every reason not to.
To his parents, Amaka and Ashwiel Undieh dear friends to me  I share in your grief not only as Akes physician but as someone who loved him too"Just be happy. It will be okay."

Rest well, Ake.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be there today! Ake was a true inspiration to people to not see obstacles but stepping stones! His incredible joy was infectious and strength of character inspiring! Miss you buddy! But I know that heaven needed you more and you are with the Lord laughing more than you did on earth!

I was deeply saddened to hear about his death. Though it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. I would always remember MEMORIES of Ake and I playing around the compound when I was wa little. Eating coco pops like no man’s business. And there was this striking resemblance between us. My thoughts are with the family and I pray for strength, peace, comfort and joy during this tough times. 😔😔

Dear Bro Ashiwel and Sister Amaka,
We are joining you in remembering Ake’s life. May the memories you share continually bring comfort and peace in the days ahead. We thank God for Ake’s life and impact at home and the wider community especially our ACF community. May his soul continue to rest on with our God. 
May the Holy Spirit abide in your home at a greater measure in the days ahead.
E Pele! 🙏
Tayo and Tokunbo Ibikunle

​Dear Dr. Ashiwel & Family, 
​We are  deeply heartbroken to hear about the passing of your son, Ake. Please accept our most sincere condolences during this devastating time. Ake's gentle spirit, kindness, and light touched so many lives, and his memory will always be held in the highest regard. Holding you and your family close in thought and wishing you strength, comfort, and peace 💝

I had hoped to get to meet you sometime this month, Sadly that never Happened. I hear you were the Smartest and Most kind Human! Till we meet on the other side, RIP King.

I remember my first time meeting Ake. It was in 2016, and my family and I were staying with his family for the summer. Throughout that entire experience, he was always helpful, positive, and kind. He will forever be remembered for his generosity and kindness. I cannot begin to explain how much I am at a loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Bosede & Kehinde Olagunju & family
I remembered the first time I met Ake. It was in 2003 when we first came to US & the family welcomed us into their homes.
Ake was unique, he was friendly, eager to help & ever smiling. If there was anything to learn from him, it's to be kind, & extend a hand of compassion to others. Ake, you'll be dearly missed but your smile, love & kindness will live on in everyone that has ever met you. Rest on in the bosom of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Our deepest condolence to uncle Ashiwel, sister Amaka & the family.

I spent  a very memorably week, Summer of 2024 with Ake, most times just the two us in the big house. Our common meeting point was the dining where he comes to take stuff from the fridge while I was enjoying my meal. He always had this smile while greeting or signaling his going back upstairs. Calm, peering and welcoming grin that let you know you were welcome. All I ve pictured since your passing is that sweet grin. Ake, rest well in the bosom of the Lord till we meet again. Adieu 🙏🏽

I thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new. 
I thought of you yesterday and days before that, too. 
Your life was a blessing,
And you fought so resiliently.
I wish we could have more time, 
As I never got to meet you physically.
I'd hoped that we'd meet one day and I'd get to see you smile,
Cook you my favourite meals and talk about all the things you love. 
But heaven chose to give you wings. 
Cousin to Cousin we'll always be,
Special friends from the same family tree. 
Till memory fades and life departs, you live forever in our hearts. 
Rest well, Ake and say hello to Grandma for me.

My dear sister, Amaka and brother, Ashiwell, God, who blessed you with the life of Ake and chose to call him home when He did, is still in control.  Receiving the news of his passing was devastating to me.   In spite of everything Ake, I thank God for your life and for the blessing of knowing you.  Thank you for the impact you made on us all.  You will greatly be missed.  Rest on in the bosom of the Lord.
Amaka, Ashiwell, the siblings and the entire family, may God give you the strength and grace you need to get through this time.   
It is well.
Felicia Edoga & family

"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
1 am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush 
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die."

----

My cousin was an incredibly beautiful and kind soul; all of us, and indeed the world, are poorer for his loss. Last time I saw him, we hung around the kitchen island and joked around about everything and nothing. We had hoped to have more mornings like that. 

I stumbled upon these words from a poem by Clare Harner, shortly after Ake died; and I hope it brings the Undieh family even more comfort than it has brought me.

We sorrow with you and your families at this time of our Young Man’s Departing to spend the rest of his life beholding the Face of our Almighty!!!

We also rejoice in part for Ake’s resilient and indomitable personality while he was here with us!!

He never gave up in the daily battles of life!! He was a great soldier for JESUS!!!

And may GOD crown him with HIS Honor as he goes the way of all human beings and pour into each of you HIS everlasting Comfort in JESUS’ Name. AMEN!!!

We LOVE you all.
Emenike & Chidi Ukazim

It was impossible to meet Ake and not love him. He was a fighter, an inspiration, and a light that could not be dimmed. My only comfort is that he is home with the Lord and one day, we shall see him again in glory. To my brother Ashiwel, my sister Amaka, and my children, Ada, Abegim, and Ashikam; I pray God comforts you according to His promise, and fills the hole that this unspeakable loss has left behind with His peace.

In this time of grief, words are not enough. I pray that may God continue to comfort the Undieh family, and may His light guide us until we all meet again at His feet. On behalf of my family, please accept our heartfelt condolences.

"I am not there. I do not sleep. 
I am a thousand winds that blow. 
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush 
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die."

I recently read these words from a poem by Clare Harner, and I hope they bring you all even more comfort than they have brought me.

My sincere condolence to the family of Undieh on the passing of their son, Ake to glory. May the most high God grant peace and comfort to the entire family in Jesus name. Please accept my sincere condolence. I pray and encourage you to please take consolation in God's eternal comfort according to II Corinthians 1:3-4.
I met Ake when he was about 15 years old. It took just a bit of time to understand him, but as soon as I did we could relate smoothly, he was a gentleman. Even with life's difficulty's he carried on like the rest of us.
Another time I came to the house with my family, Ake could still remember me and had lot of fun time with my children especially my son. He was very delighted to show them the various toys games and how to play with them. I watch him laugh when any of the children finally understand how to play the toys. He took joy in impacting others. Behind the shape was a man made in image of God, and we saw that great work of the Father through him, his quiet demeanor, his ability to communicate his thoughts, his smartness, his sense of duty and responsibility, his friendliness, his willingness to share what he has and to teach others what he knows, his laughter which was always unique.
We would miss him, but I know that the one who formed him before the foundation of the world have chosen in His sovereign will to take him back to Himself, where like angel he will appear before the throne with other saints of ages. And when our own time comes to an end on this side we would all reunite with him in joy, peace and love without sickness, pain or tears.
We missed you Ake, we will always love you and one day in eternity we will see you again. 
Adieu!

Dear Brother Ashwel, Sister Amaka, and the entire Undie family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the painful loss of your beloved son, Ake. There are no words sufficient to express the sorrow that comes with losing a dear child and loved one. During this difficult time, may you find comfort in the love and support of family, friends, and all those who share in your grief.

Ake’s life and the memories he created with you will forever remain a precious part of your family’s story. Though his passing has left a deep emptiness in your hearts, may the beautiful memories of his life bring you strength and comfort in the days ahead. We mourn with you and pray that God will give you the grace, courage, and peace to endure this very difficult moment.

Emeka and Amaka Ezeonu

My deepest condolences to the entire Undieh family. 

My heart grew heavy when I heard of Ake’s passing. I found myself reminiscing about those early days when I had just arrived in the United States and became part of the Undieh household.

Ake was only about three years old then, but I still remember what an incredibly smart, industrious and helpful little boy he was. Everything in America was new to me, and amazingly, little Ake was the one showing Auntie how so many things worked, the electronics, gadgets and even the children’s toys.

He probably never knew it, but in those first weeks when I was trying to find my footing in a completely new country, Ake was my little bridge to America. I have never forgotten that.

It was heartbreaking to learn what he later endured, but I was also so proud to hear over the years how he persevered, went to school and earned his degree. What a testament to his strength and determination.

May Ake rest peacefully with the angels. I will always remember that bright, helpful little boy who made a newly arrived Auntie feel a little less lost in America. 

With love,
Judith

I recall that when I first met Ake we were all visiting in about 2017 and we watched the Flash together till past midnight. I recall visiting for Thanksgiving and Ake coming to the kitchen to say hello. It had been a while since I saw my cousins so I was very excitedly asking about wellbeing and being met with excitedness back. I recall that Ake was always very welcoming and always smiling, making sure to carry a conversation whether that be through technology,  or with facial expressions, or with laughs. Ake was a very generous person and I will miss my dear cousin greatly. May God grant His eternal rest to Ake and His comfort to all of us in this difficult time. Amen

Dear Undieh family,
Our hearts are broken with yours at the transition of your dear son unto glory. We are comforted in knowing that he has been made complete now. He has no sorrow and he is wanting for nothing. He is surrounded by love in the bosom of the Lord. We miss him here but you would not want anything better for him than the love and joy that he is feeling in heaven.  Please accept our deepest condolences. 
Ifeoma and Sunny Aroh

Back in 1992 when I first saw Ake during the Philadelphia Christian Fellowship, he was a gentle and reserved boy. Ake remained personable and wore a smile continually over the three years that I interacted with the Undie family. 

When I left Pennsylvania in 1995, it was with fond memories of a brave and sweet soul that God gave the Undie family in the name of Ake. 

May the Lord  grant Ake eternal peace as He also comforts the rest of us.

Sincerely,

Rachel Takali Lugwanirya in Kampala, Uganda.

To our brother Ashiwel and our sister Amaka and your entire family:

We grieve with you at the loss of your amazing son and brother Ake. 

We are thankful to have known him from childhood all the way back in Cheltenham PA, always gregarious and lighting up the room with his smile even as a young child. Thank God who gave him a loving father, mother and family who showered him with love and received love from him.

Ake fought the good fight, he finished the race having kept the faith, and is now crowned by the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

May the God of all comfort hold you in His embrace and soothe all your pain. May He renew your strength as the eagle and nurture you in His tender care.

Ifeanyi & Ifeoma Onyemaobim

My Deepest condolences, beloved  Sister Amaka and Brother Ashiwel, and the entire family. 
   Praying for Devine strength and heavenly peace at this time.
  The Lord will not leave you comfortless. 
His presence will surround you always. Amen!!
From Sister Ola Chijioke.

Oh glorious God we thank you for the wonderful gift of Ake who showed us how to be joyful in the face of challenges and afflictions. Who can forget Ake’s big smiles and hugs? As a true soldier, Ake stood at his post, did valiantly to teach us perseverance and diligence . Early memories from 1997 when we set our eyes on Ake are now flooding through our hearts and minds!!! 

To our beloved brother Ashiwel and sister Amaka’s family, you have demonstrated in practical ways how to carry our cross and follow Jesus Christ. Please receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to your hearts. Halleluyah! We will be united with Ake on the resurrection morning. 

Love from Sonny & Elizabeth Ikotun

To my dear sister, Amaka, and my Brother Ashwel , and to Ada and brothers,
Your love and care for Ake through the years have been an inspiration. He fought a good fight. Now, God has given him rest. 
Please accept our deepest condolences. We are praying for peace and courage to press on until you see and hear him again in the great beyond. 
Much love and prayers:
Diuto for the family.

OBITUARY

Akeke Ashiwel Undieh

October 16, 1988 – July 31, 2026

Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park

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