The cold hands of death struck our SOBA America family on November 9th, 2023 when SOBAN # 2388 – Georges Louis Bikai Abanda of the 1972 class- was called by the Lord to rest. SOBAN Bikai died in Buea after a protracted illness. He was an active member of SOBA Tri-State and a registered member of SOBA America in good standing at the time of his death.
He leaves behind his mom, Mama Anna Abanda, his brother SOBAN Alfred Abanda, his siblings, extended family, friends, and classmates to mourn him. Please join me to pray for the repose of his soul and for his family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers also go to his fellow 1972 classmates and SOBA Tristate members who had been by his side showing love and support during his illness.
As a registered member in good standing, our fallen brother was honored with our SOBA America Final Farewell protocol. Since he died in Cameroon, we had to modify the protocol but ensured that elements that were possible were carried out. He was laid to rest on Saturday November 25th in Small Soppo, dressed in his SOBA America official attire. A SOBA America memorial flag in his honor draped his casket. His death benefit of $10,000 was paid out to his next of kin prior to his funeral. In an honor to our fallen brother, the profile pictures on our WhatsApp forums were changed to his picture the weekend of his funeral and we dedicated that weekend to him as we shared stories of remembrance and tribute in our WhatsApp forums. As a brotherhood, one of the biggest ways to be our brother’s keeper is to honor him at death and give him a befitting goodbye. That is what our Final Farewell protocol is all about.
May the soul of SOBAN Georges Louis Bikai Abanda rest in peace with the Lord.