In Loving Memory
August 08, 1948 – May 19, 2022
The family of the late Herbert M’cleod would like to extend our deepest thanks for the words, support, and love shared by his family, friends, and colleagues. You brought light and comfort to our entire family during this very difficult time, and we are eternally grateful.
Loved with a love beyond telling, missed with a grief beyond tears
Messages
Ronke Mcleod
I experience his loss like a sudden realization. As if I can’t hold his passing in my head as a continuous reality, so I re-live learning of his loss repeatedly. My thoughts spiral and swirl in a rising panic until it ends in tears, despair, profound loss. Every day that…
Lisa Owusu
I remember your joy at Hirut’s wedding. Mr. M’Cleod thank you so much for raising such amazing children. Your legacy resides in them and your grandchildren. Thank you for the gift of your daughter who has been a good friend to me for over 20 years. That is a testament…
E. O. Martins
Herbert’s passing is as hard to bear as it is unreal. The days and weeks may pass, “It” remains raw. But some of the abiding memories that formed in my heart and mind, starting from many decades ago, have resurfaced with renewed vigour. Like beacons on the parallel kinship landmarks…
Hans von Sponeck
Herbert, our friendship started in 1974, you a proud Sierra Leonian in our office in Freetown, I a visiting area officer from New York. Years later, in the 1980s, we were a team, a great team for a good number of years, in Gaberone. We could have written a book…
Sierra Leone Telegraph
Sierra Leone has lost an intellectual and great son of the soil – Herbert M’cleod Read the full article here: https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/sierra-leone-has-lost-an-intellectual-and-great-son-of-the-soil-herbert-mcleod/
Rinde M’cleod
What is abundantly clear is that Herbert M’cleod has meant a lot of different things to so many people. For me, as his only son, he has obviously been a role model. He shared his love of music and taught me how to dance. He showed me how to play…
Hirut (M’cleod) Johnson
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 We love our father. Now that I have a boy I understand differently how much he loved us. You love your children enough to be better, to have courage, to be…
Boris Dolgonos
It has been a privilege to work alongside Herbert, to travel with him, to learn from him, and to call him a friend. His wisdom, guidance, and friendship live within me. I remember him fondly and will miss him dearly.
Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie
**Herbert M’cleod tribute: An incalculable loss for us all** I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster happened. Ditto 911. Likewise, I’ll remember exactly when I heard about Herbert’s death. Yes, it was a bombshell. I’d just sat down at…
Emile Carr
I still cannot get it that Herbert will not show up telling me he is back from one of his many consultancies. He was an accomplished diplomat. May his gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace.
Kristian
Herbert, I already miss you. I can remember us sitting in a restaurant in Freetown, discussing politics. I learned so much from you and I am proud to call you a role model and a mentor. I am very lucky to have spent some time with you and fondly remember…
Isabel Ramos
Joining the messages of my former UNDP DRC colleagues and friends. Herbert was a Grand Human Being and a Lead Professional , who taught us to always be better, be good and serve the people we work for with our best commitment. May your travel be in peace and may…
Frank
Dear Selina, we followed the memorial service which was a dignified and fitting farewell for Herbert regarding his sterling contribution to development practice and policy advice across Africa and concern for local-level challenges in different spheres. I was sad by this afternoon ceremony but proud and comforted by the tributes…
Sammy Kum Buo
News of Herbert’s untimely passing hit me like a rock. I was numb from shock and disbelief. The month before, I’d heard from friends in Freetown who’d spent a jolly good time with him at their home and later at his home. Herbert and I were contemporaries at the UN…
Dr. Radcliffe Lisk
TRIBUTE TO HERBERT M’CLEOD Herbert PRINCE M’cleod. Take note of the Prince for Shakespare wrote ‘when beggars die there are no comets seen, the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes’. This Prince, this Herbert Prince M’cleod is deserving of that quotation. The heavens are already blazing forth his…
John Ohiorhenujan
It was 7.45 am and my phone rings at the Doral Inn, a mid-town New York hotel, now closed. I had arrived in New York with my family the day before and Tuesday August 1, 1989 was my first day at UNDP.Mr. John Ohiorhenuan? My name is Hebert M’cleod and I would…
David Saccoh Wright
Mr. Herbert M’Cleod was a gracious and kind man. I first met him and his family in Botswana when he was Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP. Much later in 2001, I was honored to work with him at UNDP, Operations Support Group. He led the office with such humility and…
Sylvester Ekundayo Rowe
Ambassador Sylvester E. Rowe Heartfelt sympathy to Selina and the entire M’cloud family on the passing of Herbert. In my view this sad event has diminished the exemplary contribution of Sierra Leoneans in the UN system, not only in terms of the principle of equitable representation, but more importantly the…
Johan Weijers
HERBERT M’CLEOD I am very saddened to learn of Herbert’s passing. He was a highly intelligent and lovely colleague who introduced me to UNDP’s work in the mid-70s at the Sierra Leone office. Equally important – and proud as he was of his country – he initiated me to…
Ansu Sesay
May his soul rest in peace
Adam Sanders
Sending my deepest love and sympathies to the M’cleod family. May you find strength and comfort during this time.
Matt Genasci
Herbert was a remarkable man, and I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with him through what were — in no small part due to him — the most formative years of my career. His incredible composure, wisdom and integrity set an example that I, and no…
Brian Ganson
I suspect that it is impossible to have worked with Herbert and not to have been deeply affected by him. He brought passion, rigour, empathy—and humour—to every endeavour. His called us to action on the development of African in ways that made one want to bring one’s best to the…
Paul Jourdan
Africa has lost a wonderful man, dedicated to the upliftment of its peoples: A great tree has fallen.
PETIA VANGELOVA
I MET HERBERT IN DRC WHERE HERBERT WAS RC. I HOSTED THE UN REPS ANNUAL MEETING IN KIMPESE, WHERE I WAS HFO FOR UNHCR. DURING AN INTENSIVE WEEK OF MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS INCLUDING AFTER WORK HOURS HERBERT STRUCK ME AS AN OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL, LEADER, TRANSPARENT AND GOOD HEARTED COLLEAGUE, WHO…
Danila Boneva
Dear Herbert, I am sure you are in a better place now and are able to laugh at human vanity, greed, deceipt and all the things that pull us down and which you used to laugh at, meet with compassion and tremendous amount of patience. You are exceptional and you…
Lamin M. Manneh
I hereby send with a deep sense of sadness and sorrow heartfelt condolences to Mrs Mcleod, their children and all the close relatives my heartfelt condolences on the passing of of our dear boss and brother, Herbert. What most of us believe is an untimely passing of Herbert constitutes a…
Farah Abdessamad
You only needed to meet Herbert once to remember him forever. I join his many friends on the continent and elsewhere in honouring Herbert’s memory, his lifetime achievements, and commitments to peace, prosperity, and fairness. Herbert always maintained the highest standards of integrity and human warmth. These values of his…
Fitz Graham
Goodbye my friend. Years ago, we were two little boys at Buxton Boys School and used to walk to our own homes after school. The years have passed, your great achievements testify to your life’s work and, your maker has called you home. Be at peace with him. You will…
Sun Min Kim
Herbert, even with all the knowledge and experience you had, you knew how to show people the same respect no matter their age or background. It was an honor to have learned from you. My thoughts go out to your family and friends.
Bertrand Coppens
We are very sad to learn that Herbert left us. We will cherish memories that go back to our time together at the UNDP office in Freetown in the early seventies, when Herbert and Selina came to visit us in Belgium, when we met again when Herbert was RR in…
Estina Kabia
Herbert, whenever we meet in company of others, would tease me with “do you know what you’re signing?” I was an Auditor and I was in Botswana to audit our UNDP Office where Herbert was Resident Representative . At our introductory meeting, I asked him, as head of the office,…
Solade Pyne-Bailey
The close ties between the McCleod and Solade-Adams families had their origins in far away Botswana. It happened that my late Dad Mr. Solade Adams (God continue to rest His departed Gentle Soul) was on a duty tour with the Govt of Botswana whilst Mr Hebert McCleod was then working…
Sahr Wonday
TRIBUTE TO MY CLOSE FRIEND AND BROTHER, HERBERT M’CLEOD. I woke up to the extremely sad message from Selina on Friday morning 20th May. The fact that the name of my close friend and brother Herbert is now associated with the great beyond was a real bolt from the blue.…
Dr. Mrs. Nemata Majeks-Walker
*Tribute to Herbert Prince McLeod – a Model Husband* December 20th, 2021, has been etched in my memory. That was the day I interviewed you when I was trying to to draft a citation to deliver to you at your 45th wedding anniversary party organized by your wife, Selina. As…
Maarten Voors
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Herbert M’Cleod. Over the past decade we have been collaborating closely with him and his team at the IGC Office in Sierra Leone. He will be greatly missed. Herbert was kind, well informed, independent and committed. An example for us all. He…
Juliane Weymann
It is hard to wrap my head around the fact that Freetown and the world is without Herbert now. Somehow, he gave me the impression he would be there for eternity with this smile….. and with all his wisdom, experiences, expertise which he never used to show off but to…
Ade Lekoetje
Sierra Leone has lost a gem. Herbert was very passionate about development and he supported his country after retiring from UNDP. He was a pleasure to work with. A real gentle and fun person. Rest in eternal peace, dear brother. May the Lord Almighty comfort the family you have left…
Lydia Guterman
I did not know Herbert, but I do know his son Ayorinde, who is a treasure of a person. Anyone who had a hand in shaping him must have been truly exceptional. Sending love and condolences.
Melrose Cole
My deepest sympathy to Miss Lani and the entire family. May his soul rest in perfect peace
Sarah Logan
I am honoured to have known and worked with Herbert at the IGC over the last 7 years, on Sierra Leone & Liberia, as well as our broader fragile states portfolio. I learned an incredible amount from him – he invited me in to discussions, opened up opportunities for me…
Melrose Cole
Mr.Herbert, is gone and will not forgotten.His memory will always be our mind.May his precious soul rest in perfect peace.
Aaron Bergman
My memories of Herbert only conjure up a smiling, warm, and loving man with a quiet presence one was always aware of. Whether he was attending our track meets or inviting me into his home, that presence was always felt. Rinde is truly like a brother to me and the…
Eric Werker
I’m proud to have worked with, and learned from, Herbert M’cleod over the last decade. Herbert brought unwavering commitment and reserves of energy to the challenges of underdevelopment, and sought to identify and bring about solutions through insight, data, and collaboration. Ever the iconoclast, Herbert saw through established wisdom and…
Judith SUMINWA
My condolences to his family and to all those for whom Herbert meant so much. Herbert was my mentor and taught me all the tricks of working at UNDP, as well as the need to be results oriented, …”le petit plus qui fait la différence”. He will be missed by…
Cyril Ashley
The late Herbert Mcleod was my school mate and class mate at the Sierra Leone Grammar School.He used to me (Lord Ash)at school.I extend my sincere condolences to his wife and the entire family. Herbert has gone to be with the Lord. He has fought a good fight. May his…
Patricia Laverley
Dearest Uncle Herbert, I will forever remember our conversation at UNDP’s Global Governance Conference in Washington in 2002, and everything else that followed after that, i.e., the range of economic policy options, from one country to the other. Our conversations were endless … Aunty Celina, Hirut, we stand on John…
Kate Casey
What impresses me most about Herbert is that his advice and trusted counsel were sought by leaders across partisan lines at the highest levels of government. This is remarkable at any time, but especially in these increasingly polarized ones. His intelligence, moral compass, and passion were crucial to the government…
Louis Wells
It’s hard to believe that Herbert will no longer be available to add wisdom and good sense to discussions of mining issues in Africa. More important, I, like many others, I suspect, have lost what I consider a really good friend. Herbert was dedicated to improving lives in Sierra Leone.…
Dr. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay
Who would have known it was the last time we saw you. Dec 2021. It is so sad you left us so quickly when we still needed some time to grow into the very big shoes you left. It is a gap that will not be filled! We can only…
Tamimu Thomas
Uncle Prince, You not being here anylonger is going to take some getting used to. Everytime you’re here from home, it never fails. You’ll call me the following day ” Tokumboh, how you do? Ar reach ya yesterday en ar dae go back ×××××. How de family? How work? You…
Amelia Williams
Herbert was a phenomenal person. He was always so kind and compassionate, with an infectious laughter that would warm anyone’s heart He was a wonderful speaker and a good listener. What a fantastic time we had over the years as members of the Students Christian Movement (SCM) as well as…
Chris Gabelle
We first met in Asmara, in April 1994. We last met in Kinshasa, in April 2021. And in-between we laughed in the Freetown Dinner Club. Rest in Peace Herbert M’cleod..you made the world a better (and a funnier) place. You will be very sorely missed.
Lovette Allen
My condolences to Ms Lani and the rest of the Mcleod family. Mr Herbert was a kind gentleman and always willing to help others. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Frederick Pratt-Davies
The beginning of an illustrious journey that started a few eons ago, has been abruptly halted before it’s culmination by Father Time. Good bye ambassador Herbert M’cleod.
Alim Idriss Sesay
Rest in perfect peace Mr Herbert M’cleod. Coordinating with your office at the vice president’s lodge and working with you at the president’s office at state house was the most refreshing and rewarding experience of my professional career. I learnt so much from you as my boss, a mentor and…
Mano River Union Secrétariat
The secrétariat of the Mano River Union was shocked and remain sadden by the passing of Sir Herbert as I called him. We were finalizing the fragility and resilience report of the joint findings of studies conducted jointly by the UNOPS,the AfDB and the MRU,where he was expected to provide…
Enid Smith
Aunty Lani and Family, My deepest condolences. I pray that God grants you comfort, strength and courage during this difficult time. God knows best.
Bidemi Carrol
Sierra Leone has lost one of its best. My deepest sympathy to the M’Cleod family. Rest in peace.
Sheka Bangura
My mentor has gone. A deep hole drilled in me. A brain lost for Sierra Leone, Mano River Union, Africa and beyond. The father of result-based management and performance contracts in the Sierra Leone’s public sector. A highly accomplished, unassuming professional in strategic think tank circles. I am heartbroken by…
Ethline Sawyerr-Turner
My sincere sympathy to Selena, the children, grand children and other relatives. May Herbert’s kind and gentle soul RIPP.
International Growth Centre
Remembering Herbert M’cleod We are deeply sad to announce the passing of IGC Sierra Leone and Liberia Country Director Herbert M’cleod on 19 May 2022. Herbert played a leading role in developing the International Growth Centre (IGC) programme in Sierra Leone, and later our combined programme in Sierra Leone and…
Ebun Josephine Cole
Why the early depature Uncle Prince? Just two years ago you promised to be there for me because my father was no more. Now you are gone too. I can’t believe I don’t have anyone to call my father anymore, for grandma only had two sons : you and my…
Rachel Glennerster
Herbert M’cleod: The man behind the scenes, striving for peace IGC Sierra Leone and Liberia Country Director Herbert M’cleod passed away on 19 May 2022. Professor Rachel Glennerster, Lead Academic in the IGC Sierra Leone programme until 2017, when she was appointed Chief Economist at the UK Department for International Development…
Eugenia & Leroy Pipersburgh (nee Pratt)
My heart aches!! Such a loss for our family, Sierra Leone and indeed for Africa. Uncle Herbert you left us too soon. But God said your work here is done. I am ever so thankful to God that we got to see you and fellowship with you and Aunty Lani…
Aissata De
Sincere condolences to all. This is such a big loss. Herbert is very special to the whole UNDP family. Will always be grateful for his support and kindness. He will be missed so much. May his gentle Soul Rest In Peace and God give us the strength to accept. 🤲🏽…
Goder Yohannes
Herbert was a manager who cared and nurtured the good in everybody around him. He was a first class mentor who did not tire to recognize the deserving. He listened, observed and empowered. I was lucky that he initiated me into the UNDP in Eritrea and the years I worked…
Mei Mei Gaetz
Mr M’cLeod, Your voice is a voice of reason, kindness and generosity. You have passed all your wonderful attributes to your lovely children. I will think of you when I seek advice and it I listen carefully enough, you will be there to speak the truth. Carefully listening, Mei Mei
Arnold
The passing of Uncle Herbert has left us in a state of deep despair and disbelief. A man so full. Of life and zest and love for mankind. What a loss. As believers in Christ, we know he has gone to be with the Lord. I pray that God in…
Perrindo Palmer
My sympathy goes out to Aunty Lani and the children. This is indeed sad news to hear. Rest Peacefully Uncle Herbert.
Remie Toure
Herbert, How dare you leave planet earth at a time when our country needs special talents and unique competencies to transform the social and economic landscapes?I first met you in the 1970s . As the National Programme officer in the UNDP, you were all over the place , having meetings…
Carrol Bimbola
First of all let me express sincere condolences on the passing of your dad, Herbert. It came as terrible shock to all of us. I interacted with him on many levels both professionally and socially. He was a keen supporter and client of our business and I shared social moments…
Memorial Service
Service will be held at Samaria W.A.M. Church Waterloo Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 1PM GMT.
Link for virtual attendance Passcode: 644106
“Your life was a blessing; your memory, a treasure”
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