Camillus Etim Udoh

Birth and parentage:

Camillus Etim Udoh was born to Leo and Agnes Udoh on July 8th 1953 at Anua-Offot in Uyo LGA of Akwa-Ibom State Nigeria. Cami, as he was fondly called by his family was the 6th child of his parents, and had four brothers, and three sisters. After the death of his mother in 1978, his father remarried, and had five more children

Religious life: Cami, a “cradled Catholic” was baptized soon after birth at the St Luke Hospital Anua, in Uyo. He received his first holy sacrament at St Joseph Catholic Church, and had his confirmation in the same church. Cami as a youth, was a member of his church choir, and also sang in his school choir while attending secondary school at Holy Trinity. While leaving in the USA, Cami upheld his Catholic faith, and was a member of the St. Ignatius church

Education: Because of his family belief in Catholicism and strong faith in catholic education, Camillus was fortunate to have Catholic education from grade school through college. He attended St Joseph school Anua, Holy Trinity College Uruan, and the University of Portland, were he obtained a BSc in biochemistry. Camillus also earned a degree in computer engineering from Heald College.

Marital and family Life: Camillus had a strong belief in the sanctity of marriage, and usually would say “I will only get married once”. Because of his conviction, he waited for a long time, for the right person and the right time. In 1998, he met Ekaete Davies, the love of his life in Nigeria, and concluded the traditional rites with the support of his family. After the traditional marriage, Ekaete left Nigeria for the USA, and on March 2001 Camillus married Ekaete in Vancouver Washington. The marriage was blessed with three children.

Career and social life: Before immigrating to the United States in 1977, Cami worked at St Luke Hospital as an X-ray tech. While attending the University of Portland he worked for the Red Cross. He also worked for Meir & Frank, and later started his own business in building maintenance. Camillus was an active member of his Akwa-ibom community in the USA, and served the organization in many capacities, including serving as the national secretary in 1995. He was socially known by his friends and acquaintances as “Iwoka”. As a friend, Camillus was loyal, and because of his generous spirit, Iwoka was endeared to his friends. Integrity was one of Camillus’ virtues, and because of his strong moral convictions, Camillus was unbiased in his decisions and actions, and would not shy away from speaking the truth regardless of the situation, or who is involved. Because of his integrity, his friends would often say “if you are not sure of it, better not let Camillus hear about it”.

Death: Camillus passed on to glory in Portland Oregon on Sept. 22nd 2014, after four years of illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Agnes Udoh, brothers, Spes and Dominic. He is survived by his widow; Ekaete, son Ubong, daughters Daramfon and Imo, step mom, brothers Anthony, Emmanuel, Joseph, and Christopher, Sisters Benedicta, Catherine, Veronica, Maria, Agnes, and Beatrice, godson Clement, many nephews and nieces, and a host of others to mourn his death. Camillus was dearly loved by his family and friends, and will be greatly missed.