*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 usual you were candid, honest and utterly humorous as you shared with me some salacious and juicy details of your marriage. Now, barely five months later, I’m sat here fighting the tears as I write a tribute to mark your passing. Life truly does not prepare one to deal with such a situation. What makes this task a bit easier is when I reflect on the amazing life you lived and the footprints that you left in the countless lives that you touched.
Herbert, you were a true icon of our nation and you represented the very best of our country. Throughout your life, you have sailed life’s rough seas acting like a beacon, while helping others to navigate. This tribute is not only about you who has left us but I want to take this opportunity to recount some of what you told me about your journey together, which you said started at the Fourah College. As a fresher, you, Herbert were struck by the elegance, beauty and very sexy figure of this post graduate student. You however kept it to yourself, not only because you felt the competition would be unequal, but you also thought she must be suffering from the arrogance of beauty. You however kept your distance, not realising that similar emotions were running havoc on the other side. Not until Selina had returned from post-graduate studies three years later did you find the courage to unleash courtship charms on her only to discover that she had been ready all along.
Fast forward 3 years later, after so many aspirants on both sides had dropped off, you got married. Two very strong personalities, Selina, a teacher by profession and a disciplinarian by reputation, while you Herbert was an economist by training with a passion for Africa’s emancipation. You agreed to have a uniquely quiet wedding of not more than 50 guests. No wedding reception, no fanfare and you left for Holland a few days later after making sure Lani was pregnant.
The continuation of that journey took you both from Addis Ababa to Gaborone, to Yaoundé to Asmara and eventually to New York before a sojourn in the DRC. During this period, you both crisscrossed the globe: – Brazil, many islands in the West Indies, Hawaii, China, Singapore, several countries in Africa, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Belgium, Holland, France, Switzerland. Your marriage was blessed with two beautiful girls, Hirut and Ronke and a boy – Rinde. All have left the nest and are living successful lives.
Some stars are meant to shine together, and this is one case in point. Selina’s hospitality, creativity and sense of style is legendary and a perfect complement to Herbert’s drive and professionalism that is acknowledged all over the world of development practice. Selina’s feminine intuition combined with Herbert’s guidance and perception – the result is a power couple. Your love and support for each other has led to internationally recognized achievements. The maxim that behind every great man is a great woman, without doubt, holds true of Selina – and of you both of each other.
Herbert, you were an example of what a good, solid husband should be like. You demonstrated love for your wife and family, throughout your marriage and, without setting out to do so, been role models to younger husbands. You contributed to giving your family’s life meaning and substance.
Today I celebrate the life you lived and reflect on the love you shared with your wife and family, a love that was grounded on the principles of tolerance, understanding, Love and God’s blessings.
Herbert, you may be gone from our eyes but you will never leave our hearts and minds. Your wife will continue to burn the torch of your legacy and memory. Our nation will forever owe you a huge debt of gratitude for what you have contributed and for the countless souls that you have touched.
So Herbert Prince McCleod, I will not bid you au reviour or good bye. It’s – till we meet again.
Rest well in the arms of your saviour – Jesus.
Dr. Mrs. Nemata Majeks-Walker
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