It is not in the order of things to see one’s child go first. When it happens, it is  always a cause of deep emotional pains for people affected by the loss of a loved one. Aware about this, the staff of ONACAM as well as the Veterans from various localities, decided to stick together for supporting and accompanying their General Manager and his family during this difficult and sad trial.

As part of assistance, the Minister of Defense gave among other things, an army bus for the transport of the team of the ONACAM’s head Office, on August 24th, 2023 at 2pm. The bus arrived in Douala at 8pm, and made a stop at the house of mourning before heading later on into their quarters.

The Deputy General Manager of ONACAM, Major ® OSSONGO ADAH Jean Léonard and head of delegation, shared his feelings on the matter. Remembering the death of his own son after a car accident, he shared his experience by saying that he did not wish it to anybody as it is a very hard experience difficult to accept. He then added that even though it’s always shocking, we could not fight God’s way.

The removal of the mortal happened at the Mortuary of the Military hospital of  Douala Garrison 2nd Military Inter-Army Region  on 25 august  2023, at 11am in the presence of  civil authorities and few military, notably the Brigade General EKONGWESSE Divine, Commander of the 2nd Gendarmerie Region.  At 12:30pm, it as the departure of the funeral convoy for Colonel ® Alfred Fuller’s Residence in Bonamikano, Bonaberi.

The Wake ceremony started that same evening at 9pm, with a church service animated with many religious songs of the Men’s Choir of Douala, the JBB Choir and the JCBC Youth Choir. Among local authorities, we noted the presence of the Sub-divisional Officer of Douala 4th District.

During the ceremony, many speakers paid a vibrant tribute to the deceased through testimonials. Luther Eric Fuller had an actively pious life. Instructor at the Bonaberi UEBC Church for Sunday School, he was a calming, friendly and inspiring figure who knew how to manage and show support to the people in need. As a proof, the announcement of his death, drew over a thousand people of all ages.

On 26th August 2023, the burial ceremony started with a church service at the Jerusalem, Bonaberi, and UEBC Church in a full house, with the Commander of the 2nd Gendarmerie Region besides the parents as well as many guests.

The preacher reminded the attendance on the power of forgiveness and the importance of moving away from grudges and hate. The attendance was then invited to accept Jesus within itself, with the belief that it becomes easier to forgive once you accept him and let go of suffering, despair and anger.

As parting words to his brother, his eldest, Georges Fuller Aimé shared a message, letting him know that his family and friends were there for him to celebrate his life. Even though he was gone too early, his life should serve as a lesson, that we should enjoy every moment, learn to make the best of what life has to offer, and react with empathy, love, friendship and happiness.

Luther Eric Fuller was buried in the the Bonaberi cemetery on 26 August 2023; he now rest in peace next to his ancestors.

Carole Tchaptchet Teupa
Celcom/ONACAM