THE HUSBAND'S STORY

Margaret Schultz, 92, died peacefully of natural causes at her home on April 25, 2020.

The bereaved at bedside were her husband of 72 years, Bob; her daughter Janet; her younger brother Johnny; a family friend Dick Tetreault; and, in spirit, her son David who preceded her in death two years earlier.

Marge was born on February 27, 1928 in Pennsylvania, about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. In 1946 she graduated from High School, where earlier she had met Bob at a school dance. They were married two years later. Shortly afterward they moved to Detroit. Marge quickly began the search for a better paying job to supplement their income during Bob’s formal education under the GI Bill.

In Detroit, Marge found employment at Chrysler Corporation. She started as a stenographer, was promoted to secretary, and promoted again to executive secretary (which included periodic duties for the CEO) -- all in about three years.

When her husband joined General Electric Lamp Division in Cleveland in the mid-1950s, Marge of course accompanied him. Indirectly, GE became aware that Marge was an experienced secretary, and they inquired if she might be interested in joining GE in that capacity. She was, and she accepted their offer. Later when GE heard that Marge had modeled for a department store, they inquired again. This time they asked if she would be willing to pose for promotional photos regarding some of GE’s household and automotive lighting applications. She agreed.

In 1958, Marge’s husband left GE for a position with the General Motors Research Laboratories just outside of Detroit. This began a new phase of settled-down living for the couple in their future roles as homeowners and parents of the above two children.

Marge was a loving wife and a devoted mother (she adored babies, so it was a major disappointment to her that she had no grandchildren). Still she was happy staying home with her immediate family. However, being an excellent cook and hostess, she also looked forward to entertaining and socializing with friends and relatives. Marge especially enjoyed playing bridge as a member of the women’s Village Club of Bloomfield Hills, where competitive bridge sessions were held regularly.

Among Marge’s favorite activities were gardening (she won first prize in a related community contest), dining out, and dancing to the 1940’s “Big Band” music of Glenn Miller, Harry James, Benny Goodman, etc. And she danced nimbly whether the music was relaxed or swinging.

Equally high on Marge’s activity list was golfing. She felt that being out on a beautiful golf course with close friends was almost like being in paradise. From time to time she, Bob, and other couples spent weekends together lodging at not-too-distant golf resorts.

But probably what pleased her most was traveling. At one time, Marge and her husband were fortunate enough to belong to a flying travel club known as the “Nomads,” based at Detroit Metro airport. As Nomads, they toured fascinating sites around the globe for several years. But that club no longer exists, as eventually happens to all things . . . and all people.

In her journey through life, Marge could hold her head high. She was a warm, friendly, caring woman with a terrific sense of humor. She will be deeply missed; we will be ever saddened without her.



THE DAUGHTER'S STORY

My mom was beautiful, smart, and had a playful sense of humor.

She was many things - daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She was den mother, house manager, head chef, gardener, party organizer, vacation planner, tooth fairy, Santa’s helper, the Easter bunny, and a shoulder to cry on.

While never a grandmother, she did have several grand dogs and adored and spoiled them like a good grandma should. Over the years we had fish, turtles, a cat, a dog, and even a duckling. She loved animals and would excitedly remark on the first robin of spring and other garden visitors. Our baby duckling followed her around the kitchen flapping its feet on the ceramic tile in her wake. When she found a bunny nest in the yard, she ran in the house, grated fresh carrots, and placed them near the nest checking often to see if they needed more snacks. She earned the trust of the backyard squirrels, calling them with a surprisingly good imitation of a squirrel chirp. They would come to the patio door where she handed them crackers spread with peanut butter.

She took pride in her home and had a talent for interior design. The right accessory was always in the right place purchased from an antique store, department store, school auction, flea market or the church bizarre. It did not matter where she found it, it just had to inspire her in some way and then she would find the perfect spot to display it. The yard was filled with colorful flowers lining the walkways and spilling out of window boxes. She had the biggest ferns on the block.

Always interested in fashion, she was elegantly dressed for every occasion. High heels and hats of every color filled her closet and she wore them with flair and perfectly matched handbags. Her hair was artfully arranged in the latest style and no ensemble was complete without the right accessory. She had yards of scarves and miles of belts in every print and hue. She liked anything that twinkled and reflected the light, so she often had a shimmer of gold or a flash of sequins on her outfits topped off with beautiful jewelry. She was elegant and stylish with a sparkle.

Cocktail hour was strictly observed with ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS. Martinis at 5:30 were a must. This time was spent nibbling on a few snacks, and reminiscing, planning the future, or just sharing thoughts of the day. It was fun for her and she looked forward to the evening ritual every day.

Aside from a disastrous attempt at split pea soup that she could never live down, she was an excellent cook. She spent hours flipping pages of fancy food magazines and clipping recipes from the newspaper. She collected and shared her favorite finds with friends and her brother Johnny. Whether it was meatloaf with the family or Steak Madagascar for a dinner party, she prepared thousands of meals with love and care on paper plates or fine china.

Holidays (especially Christmas) filled her with the excitement of a child. Every corner of the house was tastefully adorned with a decoration of the season. Homemade candies and cookies shaped like hearts, bunnies, stars, turkeys, and Christmas trees were lovingly created and presented for every occasion. She would sneak into our bedrooms at night and place Easter baskets and presents on our nightstands, so we were greeted with a surprise when we awakened on special days. She was always the first person to call and sing happy birthday to you. Her excitement was contagious, and she inspired us to see the joy in all seasons.

She liked Westerns like her father. She had a crush on Gregory Peck, thought Marshall Dillon was the perfect honorable man and Clint Eastwood the epitome of tough guy generally righting wrongs. Dancing made her happy. Jitterbugging with her brother Johnny for fun or held closely by the love of her life, she was in her element kicking up her heels on the dance floor or gliding across the living room in her bare feet. Big Band music, mainly Glenn Miller, was her favorite. Even while seated, she would bop to the beat and play air keyboard on the kitchen table. Singing was not her gift but when she sang and everyone cringed, she doubled over laughing at herself. In fact, I am sure she sang for the joy of watching the reaction of her family.

She had wonderful friendships. In high school, she and Beverly were always together. Even though their paths led them to different parts of the country, they remained close all their lives. When too much time had gone by, they would meet each other smiling, laughing (snorting), clasping arms, twirling in a circle, and jumping up and down. They maintained this greeting tradition well into their 80s. While the jumping and twirling lacked the height attained during their youth, the genuine enthusiasm was the same. She bowled, played Bridge, golfed, and cherished the time spent with the Pentwater girls.

She met my father in high school. He was the love of her life and they were inseparable for over 75 years. My father recalls first seeing her when she was in 9th grade and he was hooked. They were a striking couple with movie star looks. They had their own language filled with private jokes and intentional mispronunciations. Laughter was a big part of their relationship. Once, they literally bumped into each other unexpectedly in the same greeting card store searching for the other’s anniversary card. They exchanged cards in the aisle, read them, laughed, returned the cards to the rack, and went home chuckling about it. That story was told over and over for years.

They had mini adventures all over the world making friends wherever they went. They rode camels in the shadow of the Great Pyramid, drank Yagona from coconut shells with a Fijian tribal chief, played Morra with the locals in Florence, got a speeding ticket near Nice, and were invited to follow the waitstaff of a restaurant in Florida to an afterwork party. From the cobblestones of Europe, to the sands of the Caribbean, to holding hands on the living room couch, they simply enjoyed being with each other. They had a certain magic and the comfort of a long and loving union. They kissed each other and said “I love you” every day and they meant it.

Ten things you probably did not know about Margaret Schultz:
• She could recite the entire Gettysburg Address.
• Lavender Roses were her favorite.
• She never got a speeding ticket.
• Carol Burnett was her favorite comic – especially, the “Gone with the Wind” scene.
• Her favorite color was orange.
• She loved “The Blues Brothers” movie and would cry laughing every time she saw it.
• “Wuthering Heights” was her favorite book.
• Roast Beef, mashed potatoes and gravy was her favorite meal.
• She would send us to bed, make homemade popcorn, and wait for us to excitedly come back downstairs for the treat and TV show.
• She once grabbed a brown bag lunch to take on a road trip only to find it was a bag of onions when it was time to eat.

She touched the lives and hearts of many and will be missed by all who knew her.

Ronald Wayne Bradford, 86, passed peacefully from this life to the next on July 14, 2020 at Good Samaritan Loveland Village, in the Heritage Square memory care unit where he lived since 2015.
Ron, the 3rd of 6 children, was born in Earlville, Illinois on 8/25/1933 to Dwight Bradford and Clair Billington Bradford. The family moved to Michigan in 1934. In 1946, they moved to a cattle ranch in Hill City, South Dakota where Ron lived the life of a true cowboy. In 1950, the family moved back to Michigan, where he graduated from Muskegon High School in 1951.
Ron served in the US Air Force as an Armaments Mechanic from 1951 -1955. He was stationed in Korea in 1952-53 and was honorably discharged in 1955. He married Donna King on 2/2/1968. They made their home in Fort Collins, CO with her two children, Kim, and Troy. Ron worked in accounts receivable as a Control Specialist from 1973 until his retirement from Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins, CO in 1998.
Ron was a member of Meadowlark Church of Christ since 1968 where he served as treasurer for 10 years. For many years he was the secretary for the Weld Country Fish and Game Association. He also served on the Poudre Valley Hospital board and was instrumental in helping implement better employee benefits.
Ron was an avid outdoorsman and always a cowboy at heart. He won many 1st place awards in Benchrest Rifle shooting competitions. He was a hunter, fisherman, hiker, boater, water skier, motorcyclist, bicyclist, and adventurer. He was a “sharpshooter” billiards player, a stone-faced poker player, and won many bowling league competitions. He also loved listening to music, especially cowboy songs, and swinging to the beat.
Ron had a sweet, caring, and affectionate spirit with a delightfully wry sense of humor that never left him. He will be greatly missed and remembered often with smiles and tears by his family, friends, and care givers.
In passing Ron joins his wife Donna, his parents, an infant brother, his sisters Marilyn and Karen, his favorite pet dogs, Lady and Sugar-Baby, and his favorite horse, Sugar. He is survived by two stepchildren, three step-grandchildren, his sisters Beverly and Wanda, and several nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made on Ron's behalf to Good Samaritan Loveland Village or The Colorado Alzheimer's Association.

Dawn was known for her larger-than-life feisty personality. She would strike up a conversation with anyone. She knew no strangers. She would befriend anyone with an open heart. Dawn was very compassionate & giving to others. She would give you her last dollar, the jacket off her back or even loan her car to someone she just met. Dawn was very spontaneous in her actions. If you dare tell her she couldn’t do something, she would prove you wrong and do it anyways.
She always wanted to drive our dad's car he was restoring (a 68' Cougar). He told her no more than once. My dad clearly remembers taking my mom to the store that day and as soon as they left, my sister said I'm taking the car. I remember telling her, "You're going to get caught." She said, "No I'm not," with pure confidence. Dawn then explained to me how she marked where the tires were in the garage so she wouldn't get caught (I'm not sure my dad knew that part of the story). Sure enough, she drove away. Little did she know, my dad forgot something, so they were on their way home. Dad remembers watching his 68' Cougar wiz right by him down the road with Dawn in the driver's seat.
My mom remembers Dawn under 3 years old just jumping into the pool before she even knew how to swim! She would jump and then figure it out her entire life. Dawn was fearless.
She had a strong voice and she wasn’t afraid to use it. You could always count on Dawn to tell it like it is. Dawn would tell you that she fiercely loved and defended her family. She was the much-loved daughter of Pat and Shelley Murphy. The treasured stepdaughter to Carol Murphy. The funny beautiful sister of Pam Boulware and half-brother Riley Murphy. But the most important role in her life was being a mother to her adored daughter Kayla Marie Doebler. She proudly boasted a tattoo that proclaimed her devotion to Kayla - two doves with the phrase "Just the two of us." Dawn would brag about Kayla every chance she got... she was her #1.
Dawn raised Kayla as single parent. She battled with everyday struggles, but somehow, she always found a way. Dawn dabbled in a lot of different careers before she settled on being a care giver for the elderly. She used her humorous personality and witty comebacks to make them laugh. Dawn brought them joy and reminded them they are not alone. That is something to be proud of…
We will be forever grateful that God brought Dawn into our lives. As our grandmother, Helen Whitcomb said, "God took her home on Easter. She must have been very special to him." And she was very special to us, we will always love and miss you Dawn.
With all our love,
Pat, Shelley, Pam, Kayla, Carol and Riley

Roland Rowland Johns (fondly known as Pete by his family, or Waldo by his sister, Ethel) was born July 27, 1950 to Robert William and Mildred Fay (Davis) Johns in San Luis Obispo, CA. He was born and raised in Arroyo Grande, CA living on the Mesa with the Johns crew including his Grandpa Bill & Granny Hazel, four siblings - Ethel, Annie, Ray & Jack, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He attended Arroyo Grande Public School. Roland was united in marriage to Patricia Cavender in Grover City, California and to this union was born three children, Roxanne, Rhonda, and Richard. They moved to Hinton, OK in July, 1977. He worked as an automotive mechanic for England Ford, and later co-owned and operated R&R Johns Welding and Auto with his dad for many years. Roland had a love and passion for automobiles. You could always find him repairing vehicles, tinkering with motorcycles or building new bikes & go-carts for his family and friends. With a kind and compassionate heart, he often would repair vehicles for little or no cost, or a friendly barter.

Roland was gifted with music and had a propensity for playing guitar, piano and drums. Most evenings after work he would play for his children or held jam sessions with his dad. While he played everything from Country to Rock, he held Gospel music closest to his heart. He was a member of the Pentecostal Holiness Church where he was a part of the church band, and later was a member of the Wells Fargo Express band where he played lead guitar and bass. He passed this love of music on to his children and grandchildren leaving them with the fondest memories and a song in their heart. He had a God-loving soul and a gypsy spirit. Always the story-teller and jokester, he loved being around his family and spending time with his close cousins or “cuz”. He was happiest outdoors working on cars, hunting and fishing. He is remembered for his humility, generosity and loving nature. He will be dearly missed as God gave us a precious gift when he gave his Roland. “So, Go rest high on that mountain. Son, your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a shoutin, love for the Father and the Son”

Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mildred Johns, brother, Jack Johns, and two sisters, Anne Pebworth and Ethel Cooper, Uncle Raymond, and nephews Michael Pebworth & Tyler Johns.

He is survived by his three children, Roxanne, Rhonda & Mark, Richard & Anna; grandchildren, Hayden & Nikki, Desirae & Ben, Haylee & Robert, Cole, Peyton, Autumn, and R.J.; four great grandchildren - Dayln, Eli, Jack, and baby Roland due in August; brother, Ray Johns; Uncle Russell & Aunt Dee, Uncle Ralph; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

You met him, and you never forgot him. Ever. Charlie gave so much to every single person he met without expectation, and a lot of times not even on purpose. He was a life-changing force at his core. He had an unlimited capacity to uplift his brothers, no matter how many times people tried to bring him down. Here we can return the love that he's given, in hopes that we can make him smile up there in the way he has done for all of us.

Freddie was born on the 10th June 1966 in Daveyton into a family of 9 children, and he was the last-born child. He’s married to Ngingi, and they are blessed with two handsome young men, Boitumelo and Kabelo, as well as a granddaughter named Paballo.
He underwent schooling at Moshoeshoe and Baikagetse primary schools, then proceeded to Nyathi and Mabuya secondary schools. His tertiary education commenced at Rhodes University where he studied journalism, but was cut short by financial constraints, upon which he returned to Daveyton, and took up a temporary teaching job at Mabuya secondary school, teaching English and History. With the seed of teaching now planted in him, thereafter he proceeded to the University of the Witwatersrand to study B.A. Education. He has also acquired various diplomas including Adult Basic Education and Training, as well as Project Management.
Freddie worked at Phuting Nest from 1992, before proceeding to Unity secondary school. In 1995 he became a district official of the department of education responsible for ABET. In 1996 he took over the responsibility of School Governance and Education Management, and later worked in the Policy and Planning Sub-directorate, which he eventually headed as a Chief Education Specialist. At the time of his passing, he was the Chief Education Specialist managing the Education Operations & Support sub-directorate of the Ekurhuleni North District of Gauteng Department of Education.
Throughout his life, Freddie has demonstrated to be a motivated initiative taker, a team player, a firm yet friendly manager, a critical thinker, a visionary leader, and a committed community builder. He was also an avid reader, thus able to quote various authors in most of his interaction with other people. And he liked to laugh aloud a lot.
At high school he was part of student protests against bantu education, having to flee home to evade the police during his matric year. He survived shooting and poisoning incidents during this period. He would often remind his peers that he is a proud product of Caiphus Nyoka, the youth activist who was brutally shot and killed by the apartheid police at his parents’ home in Daveyton in 1987. He was also active in student politics at tertiary level, occupying various leadership positions.
As a district official, he interacted with a wide range of stakeholders, including SGBs, RCLs, Teacher Unions, NGOs and business partners. He was instrumental in the establishment of ERSA, recruiting both staff and learners, publicised and marketed the institution, and also participated in fundraising programmes for the school. He even twinned the school with international institutions such as Cheshire Country in Britain. He was also instrumental in the opening of many other new schools in the district. He executed his duties with great enthusiasm. When Bekekayo was changed from a combined school to an ordinary primary school, Freddie used his own car to ferry learners to go and register at the new schools around Etwatwa area, he literally chased after a few learners, put them in his car, and transported them to schools nearer to their homes. Freddie had an amazing amount of energy, and refused to allow obstacles to stand in his way during the course of executing his duties. He was at the forefront of establishing non-racialism in school sports, which led to the formation of Benoni Schools Sports Committee, of which he was part. He was also part of the Gauteng Department of Education Mission to Canada to exchange views on educational matters with the provincial education department of Toronto and Quebec.
Freddie was a community builder and leader, having served as the secretary of Daveyton Community Development Forum in 1995; the forum‘s many achievements include the building of the Daveyton Mall and Etwatwa cemetery. He also participated in the CPF, whose duty is to assist the police to fight crime. He has also served as an official of the Independent Electoral Commission.
Freddie was part of teachers who were active in NEUSA, and was a founding member of Benoni Teachers Union (BETU). He was part of the team that actively prevented the apartheid inspired school inspections and stopped the police from invading schools and harassing learners. He was also a founder member and leader of SADTU, serving as an organizer, whose main task was to recruit and mobilize teachers in the Daveyton / Watville area. True to his strong character, he was adamant that every school is a SADTU base. Freddie was nicknamed “COSATU “within SADTU circles because he tirelessly campaigned for SADTU to affiliate to COSATU, and indeed that mission was accomplished.
He actively participated in re-building strong ANC/SACP structures, following the unbanning of political organizations in 1990. He also actively participated in the ANC programmes in Crystal Park / Chief Luthuli area, serving as the branch chairperson from 2010 – 2012. During this period, he energetically ensured that community needs are attended to, and refused to be confined to petty squabbles. His loyalty was to the movement, not individuals. The organization, under his leadership, remained intact and implemented its programmes, ensuring that community needs are attended to by those in authority. He participated in the election campaigns of the ANC, to ensure that his party wins decisively in both national/provincial & local government elections. He clearly understood what it means to lead and to be led.
He leaves behind a rich history of fighting for a better schooling system for our learners, and a better life for our communities. He will forever occupy a special place in our hearts.
MAY HIS SELFLESS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE!! GO WELL CHIEF!!!!

Unto Jehovah, the Almighty God and His Beloved son Jesus Christ be glory,
Honour, Praises and Adoration for ever.

BIOGRAPHY OF PA B.E AJUYAH (1933-2020)
Early years and education
Pa Bimino Emiko Ajuyah, an Itsekiri by tribe hailed from Bateren in the present Warri South
West Local Government area of Delta state. He was born on July 23, 1933 to late Papa
Emmanuel George Ajuyah who passed away on 19 th October 1933 and late Mama
Oritsemabinomi Erayenvayoma Ajuyah
Late Pa B.E Ajuyah father, the late Papa Emmanuel George Ajuyah was a trained Marine Engineer
and worked on ocean liners plying between Nigeria and several European countries. He later
became a Registrar and Interpreter in the courts the nineteen-twenties as well as a renowned
merchant. E.G Ajuyah earned the nick name, Edemayibo (a European gentleman) by reason of
his impeccable European style dressing in 3-piece suits. he was the first African member of the
then Warri Township Advisory Council and remained a member until his death in 1933. Pa E.G
Ajuyah (the family great forebear had several wives, one of whom was late Mama
Oritsemabinomi Erayenvayoma Ajuyah (nee Idiga) who lived in her matrimonial home at 19
Dore Street, Alders town, Warri for about sixty years after her husband’s demise. She passed
away 12 th January 1993 at about 100 years old.
Pa B.E Ajuyah was the 5 th born of his mother and 14 th child of the late Papa Emmanuel George
Ajuyah.
Pa B.E Ajuyah was educated at St Andrew's CMS School in Warri where he was captain of the
football team for some time. He took overseas tuition courses in pursuit of a career in
Accounting. First, with Rapid Result College London, for the General Certificate in Education and
then with Benneth College, Sheffield England for the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) stages 1 and 2
Accountancy courses, which he passed in flying colours.

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Professional Career
He started his professional career as a Cashier in J. Allens Limited, a Division of John Holt Plc in
the year 1952 in Ibadan. In consideration of his diligence to duties, he was elevated to position
of Bookkeeper in 1970 and was promoted Office Supervisor in 1972. He became a Senior Office
Supervisor in 1977 and was transferred to Lagos the same year as a Manager-In-Training.
Before the end of the 6-month probation period, he was confirmed as a Manager grade 3 and
rose through the ranks to position of Manager Grade 1 from which he retired voluntarily in
1987. In his 35 years of service at J. Allens Limited, he was well acknowledged by peers and
superiors alike, as a prudent manager of resources and very diligent in service. He attended
many training courses and was a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
Having retired from the John Holt Group, he and some Nigerians partnered with an expatriate,
Mr. Edward Valcke in 1987 to form 3 companies: Tambco Nigeria Limited, AMC Nigeria Limited
and AMSCO Nigeria Limited. He was a Financial Controller and subsequently General Manager
for the Group before finally retiring in in 2003 after 16 years. He garnered a total of 51 years'
experience in Accounting, Finance, Administration and other spheres of Management in his
professional work life.

Faith
Pa B.E Ajuyah was a devoted Christian and a recognized member of God's Kingdom Society
(GKS) - the church of the Living God. He joined the faith in the year 1948 in Warri at the age of
15 through the influence of late Brother Lawani a foundation member of the church who was
married to Pa Ajuyah’s elder sister; late Sister Grace Lawani. He was then a student of the CMS
school. He started preaching in Sunday services in 1950 at Sapele. He preached the saving
gospel of Christ with zeal at every possible opportunity. This he did until he became unable to
do so by reason of age. His sermons at church services were delivered with such passion and
skill that hearers remembered them for long after hearing the sermons.

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He was the first laity member of the church to preach at the Christian Feast of Tabernacles. This
he did in the year 1950 in Warri, having been requested to do so by Saint G.M Urhobo, the
founding instrument of the church. The sermon captioned "God's Kingdom" was delivered in his
native Itsekiri language. He was only 17 years old when he delivered that sermon at the Last
and Great Day of the Feast which was held at the King George V Memorial Hall in Warri.
As a member of the Christ Youth Member (CYM) in his youthful days, He (and some other
young men) trained in boxing to enable them defend and protect the church from people who
sought to disrupt St Urhobo’s lectures in Warri and other places. He was so passionate about
the faith.
He was the Secretary at the Ibadan branch of the church and later served as Branch Chairman
from 1965 to 1977, when he relocated to Lagos with his family. He served at various levels in
different committees and groups in the Lagos church such as: Financial Secretary and member
of Administrative Committee, GKS Okota branch, member GKS Central Choir and member
League of Freedomites. He joined the League of Freedomites in Lagos in the year 1984 and has
since remained active in its activities. He once served as the League's Financial
Secretary/Treasurer and discharged the duties of that creditably, as in all other positions in
which he has served. As a member of the GKS Central quoir, he taught them the Itsekiri
choruses now popular in the Lagos church: Ene Dokpe and Niko Mase n' Edumale? He was a
Sunday discourser and study leader in the church for many years.

Family life
He got married to Mama Sarah Okiemute Ajuyah (nee Akpojotor) from Jesse, Ethiope West
Local Government Area of Delta state on the 1 st of May 1965, having first met in Kano in 1963.
Mama Sarah Ajuyah is a trained fashion designer who worked for many years sewing clothes for
corporate and personal clients. She was the pioneer Fashion Design / Sewing Instructor at the
S.O.S Children's Village Vocational Training Centre, Isolo Lagos; where she developed the

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curriculum, set up the centre and served meritoriously for 15 years before voluntarily retiring
on 31 st of January 2011.
Pa B.E Ajuyah instilled virtues of discipline, diligence to duties and fear of God in his children,
three of whom followed in his footsteps and became Accountants. The others are professionals
of various other disciplines in the Arts and Sciences. He is highly spoken of as a stickler for
punctuality, discipline, uprightness and love of God. He is survived by his wife, seven children
eighteen grandchildren, a great grandchild as well as his many nephews and nieces.
Until his death on 10 th May 2020, he was the eldest in the extended family and hence the Olori-
Ebi of the Ajuyah, Ireden and AyeOluwa

Where do you start with a man who was so complex?

Dad was born in Gosport and was brother to Brian, Paul, Ronnie and Carol.

He joined the army where he became pen pal friends with Eileen Pryer who soon became his wife and together they had two children, his daughter, Jenny and son, Robin.

During his career in and out of the army he always had stories to tell of his amazing accomplishments, his part in the Iranian Embassy Siege (he drove SAS equipment from Hereford to London) and driving for Elton John being two of his most incredible achievements.

He was also so proud of his children and would tell anybody within earshot how proud he was of their accomplishments and achievements. Watching their graduations and award ceremonies with the size of grin which could be seen from space.

At home Kevin was not always the most honest of people, when things went wrong he had the uncanny ability to just not remember or just pretend that things didn't happen in an attempt to save himself. He wasn't a bad man by any stretch of the imagination however and he was very dearly loved by his immediate family and friends.

Before his autoimmune disease started to work its evil over every aspect of his life he was full of life, vigour and despite almost losing a finger when he dropped a car engine on his hand, losing a leg when he dropped a chainsaw down it and losing his life in 2019 to Sepsis he got stuck into everything and fought with all he had until the very end.

He loved his children and absolutely adored his two granddaughters. Whilst his illness made him tired and a little grumpy on occasions, his face when he was with his 2 princesses was a joy that could never fail to warm your very soul. He loved them with every fibre of his being and for his family he would be there in a heartbeat to do whatever he could for them.

This included driving up from the Isle of Wight to save his 20 year old daughter stranded on the M25 near Kent whilst she had been heading home from Police training college. Without hesitation or second thought, (and with some thanks going to a useless car recovery company), he picked up a new car radiator and fitted this on the side of the road, in the dark, so she could get home again. Also driving up to Gatwick when a delayed flight meant his daughter and her man (soon to become his son in law) couldn't get home on the train after a trip to Edinburgh. He had been so concerned about going to get them he completely forgot where he parked his car and they ended up walking around the multistory car parks of Gatwick for 40 minutes until it could be located!

You cannot mention Kevin without also mentioning his baking, wow, that man could bake as anyone who tasted anything could attest to. His daughter once made the mistake of saying his, legendary, steamed treacle pudding was a bit 'heavy' on one occasion, the hurt look he gave in response would have made his angels cry! His hot cross buns were beyond anything you could buy and he relished cooking for his family. When the old yellow 'do not cross' cone went against the closed kitchen door (especially at Christmas) you knew you were in for a gastronomic delight. 'Diet' was a dirty word in our household, the second you said to Kevin you were trying to behave yourself he saw it as a challenge and the kitchen would be full of delicious aromas that you were powerless to resist.

The examples of his selflessness and his heart are many in number and we want everyone to remember who he really was.

Covid 19 is a cruel cruel disease, it prevented family and friends supporting him when he needed it most in the 3 months he was in hospital. He was so unwell that nursing staff found it difficult to see the man he was, to help staff truly understand who he was his wife wrote the following to give insight into who Kevin really was which was pinned up on his notice board for all to see.

'This man who lies here fragile and angry is so much more
This man has loved his family
Has cried at his children's births
Cried at his daughter's wedding
Cried as he tried to start the heart of our beloved donkey
Cried as we dug the grave to bury him
Cried when his parents died
Went looking for our runaway cook who had got himself into debt
Lent the cook money (i don't recall its return)
Helped me nurse my mum dying of pancreatic cancer
Thought nothing of feeding and changing our babies when I was so tired
Would chat for hours to little old folk in our care home who loved him
Was kicked in the chest when I dropped the halter of our donkey whilst he was cleaning his hooves of foot rot
Fed the geese (who preferred me) and was attacked for the privilege
Rescued a pig when I told him no as we already had two (I called the pig Kevin!)
Stopped the car and rescued a woman who was being abused on the pavement by her partner
Rescued a young man who was laid in the country road at the dead of night when we had to collect our beloved son at 3 in the morning
Helped neighbours and friends alike
He is so loved and this is breaking my heart'.

There are no words that we can add to the above, that tells you all you need to know about Kevin, a much loved, and much missed, husband, dad and granddad.

We're so sorry that everything conspired against you health wise and you weren't able to enjoy your retirement doing everything you should have been doing, travelling the world on cruises, fishing, enjoying watching your granddaughters growing up and of course, canal boat holidays with mum. We're so sorry for all you and your family will miss.

It was so cruel as it wasn't your time to go, we're just so grateful that we were able to sit by your side and tell you how much you were loved and would be missed before you took your last breath.

Watch over the family and keep them safe. We hope you are somewhere warm, safe and surrounded by all the loved ones and pets you and your family lost throughout the years.

Thank you for being ours xxx