Tuesday 16 December 2008

Passing away of Victor Emmanuel Wood


It is with a heavy heart that the Wood family in Accra announce the death of Victor Wood -Sibi -, he was 44 years old.

Victor passed away peacefully on the 9th of December 2008 in Harlow near London.

He left behind a wife, Jo and three lovely boys, Frank, Victor Jnr and Michael.
Victor will be buried in London on Saturday 10th January 2009.



He was a student of Adisadel College from 1975 to 1982.Victor proceeded to study Architecture at the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi for six years before settling down in the United Kingdom.

Details of the funeral arrangements will appear on this site.
Alternatively, you can email wanzamus@googlemail .com or adzpa@aol.com for further information.
You may also post your messages/tributes etc on this site.



Damerifa due, Damerifa due, Damerifa due, due due.

From Sister Queenie
This is for you Vicky my sweet brother,

Q misses you terribly and believes this poem below is very much like what you would want to tell us.
Mama, Mamaa Hetti, “Baby Kojo”, Jamesey and Papa send their love too.

Victor
My First Christmas In Heaven

I see countless Christmas trees around the world below With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars Reflecting in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, Please wipe away the tear. For I am spending Christmas With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs That people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare With the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, The joy their voices bring. For it is beyond description To hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart; But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear And be glad I'm spending Christmas With Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, From my heavenly home above, I sent you each a memory Of my undying love.
After all, love is a precious gift More precious than pure gold; It was always most important In the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, As my Father said to do. For I can't count the blessings Or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas And wipe away the tear Remember I'm spending Christmas With Jesus Christ this year.

36 comments:

  1. The news of Victor's departure from this world and leaving behind a lovely young family is a sad and emotional moment for all Santaclausians especially the 1980 year group, family and friends, especially those of us who have been around him and his family over the last 6 months. Not mentioning the fastings and prayers said during this period.
    The unfortunate thing is, we can not ask God "why?". My only prayer is that our almighty Father in Heaven who gives peace that surpasses every human understanding keep Victor in peace, console Victor's family and loved ones he has left behind. As I write now, my heart is very heavy with sorrow, seeing Victor lying there motionless throughout this period. May we all continue praying for the family and nobody should feel let down by Lord because we have all said so much prayers. Our Lord knows best.

    Once again, May he rest in peace.

    Asare Amaning

    Quaque House 1980

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  2. Like A Comet
    Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
    Gone Too Soon

    Like A Rainbow
    Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
    Gone Too Soon

    Shiny And Sparkly
    And Splendidly Bright
    Here One Day
    Gone One Night

    Like The Loss Of Sunlight
    On A Cloudy Afternoon
    Gone Too Soon

    Like A Castle
    Built Upon A Sandy Beach
    Gone Too Soon

    Like A Perfect Flower
    That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
    Gone Too Soon

    Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
    Here One Day
    Gone One Night

    Like A Sunset
    Dying With The Rising Of The MoonGone Too Soon
    Victor, May you rest in perfect peace

    Louie Stanley-Pierre
    Aglionby Hse, 1980

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  3. To the 1980 Year Group, Adisadel College

    It is with a heavy heart that I write to let you know that our dear brother, friend and fellow Santaclausian Victor Wood passed away last night Tuesday 9th December, 2008.

    Victor was a member of the class of 1980 and a resident of Canterbury House.

    To the family of our dear brother, please continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths and comfort you as you go through this difficult period.

    May his soul rest in perfect peace

    Damirifa due, Damirifa due, Damirifa due

    Louie Stanley-Pierre
    Aglionby House
    1980

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  4. Victor! Class 1A through to Form 5, my pal, my confidant. You gave me sugar for my garri, you taught me to draw... you have left! I pray for you and your family. Though I haven't seen or talked to you for 28 years I will miss you. Rest peacefully my friend.

    Kwame Pobee
    Hamlyn House
    1980

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  5. Bad bad news. What a shock!. We pray that the Merciful God will take care of his family. Vic, may his soul RIP.
    Brookman
    Hamlyn Hse
    1980

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  6. In one spirit,1979 year group send our deepest condolences to Victor's wife and children, not forgetting Henry and Frank our brothers. May the Almigthy God give them sense of direction and keep Victor in his bosom till we meet again.

    Godfrey Tetteh
    Elliott '79

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  7. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the Lord. Yes, indeed, answered the Spirit. They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their good work go with them” Rev.14:13.

    When the news of the death of Victor filtered through, my family and I were numbed with shock. We perceived him to be a delightful, peaceful and excellent gentleman. We are short of words to express the pain and sorrow of his departure to eternity. Victor was a close family friend of ours, more than a brother to me. I counted on him to grace all our family occasions. As a Christian, our only consolation is that “God knows best”. It is our fervent prayer that the good Lord grants the family fortitude to bear this great loss. We wish to assure the family of our continued support at this sad time. Victor Emmanuel, Rest In Perfect Peace.

    From: Fergus Kumi

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  9. Silent Tear.

    Each night we shed a silent tear,
    As we speak to you in prayer.
    To let you know we love you,
    And just how much we care.
    Take our million teardrops,
    Wrap them up in love,
    Then ask the wind to carry them,
    To you in heaven above.


    From Vivien Attipoe

    God Be with you till we meet

    we love you.

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  10. when I first heard the terrible news of victor's passing, I was very heartbroken. Sleepless nights followed me for days filled with sorrow. we were neighbors, we grew up together, we were like family. He was such a wholeheartly good person, always smiling and compassionate. He would be remembered as the loving, kind person everyone knew him to be. My condolences to his family, especially his mother, as we call her Maa, as it is not easy to bury a child. To victor, may you rest in peace. I will always love you, words could not echo my sentiments.

    Love,
    Danny.

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  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. BURIAL CHURCH SERVICE & BURIAL WILL BE AT NEW SOUTHGATE CEMETERY ON SATURDAY 10TH JANUARY 09. For directions copy and paste the link below into your browser window.

    http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=N11+1JJ&countryCode=GB#map=51.61909,-0.14207|16|4&bd=useful_information&loc=GB:51.61909:-0.14207:16|N11%201JJ|N11%201JJ

    Sibi: May Your Soul Rest in Perfect Peace
    AVO

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  13. May his soul rest in heavenly peace! Deepest condolences to Victors family from the class of 1982.

    Mckay
    Aglionby '82

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  14. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Victor although gone, will never be forgotten. The memory of Victor will always be in our hearts.

    May God's Grace stregthen you all through this difficult time and may your hearts and souls find peace and comfort always.

    Victor Wood Rest In Perfect Peace!

    Patricia Anson and Kay Darkwa

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  15. Victor's passing away comes as a big shock to us. They say men don't cry but this is too hard to stop the tears.

    Such was my confidence Victor would pull through I am in denial, but the Good Lord knows best.

    Amid a noisy gathering of friends at the Safari wine bar and restaurant, Victor always remained his cool and calm self just smiling and having an ear for all.

    Respect for Victor was easy because he was genuine and sincere.

    Victor, Rest peacefully with the LORD.

    Kojo Gyamera

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  16. My deepest condolences to my dear friends Frank and Henry Wood and the entire Wood family.
    I have known Victor since his Tech days.
    I was in London last January and I spoke to Victor. He was his cheerful self and we chatted a few times. We could not meet because of his busy schedule. I am so sorry we couldn't meet. I'm thankful that I got to talk to him after so many years.

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  17. Victor,I believe was one of the youngest and smallest in the Class of '80. I remember then, that despite the serious 'homoing' we went
    thru during our first year,I was ashamed to find my self in tears at times when he was not. Being in Hamlyn House, I remember him always popping in with Gallopa, Nana Kofi, Kamoto,etc to alert us that Prep time was up. I still believe it was only yesterday,that we use to cross the road to Cantab. to respond to our Gari soaking invitations.

    We were too young to understand that life never gives what one wants and seldom provides what one expects. It is only in the flux of
    time that what one learns is acceptance.

    What I would have preferred to say was GOODBYE VICTOR. However life has taught me to say REST IN PERFECT PEACE, VICTOR till we meet
    again,cos surely we shall meet again.

    To the bereaved family,on behalf of the Class of 1980, Adisadel College, we share your
    grief, take solace in the Lord for he knows what is best for us at all times.

    Inca
    (Samuel Twi-Yeboah)
    Hamlyn House
    Class of 1980

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  18. Bad bad news. What a shock!. We pray that the Merciful God will take care of his family. Vic, may his soul RIP.

    Brookman
    Adisadel College
    Hamlyn 1980

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  19. This is devastating news.
    May CB rest in peace.

    Charles Longdon (Netherland)
    Adisadel College

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  20. My sincere condolences to his family especially his wife and children and also his brothers Henry and Frank who were great friends of mine at Adisco.
    My prayers go out to all and especially his wife Jo and children.
    Victor, May you rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ till we meet again. Rest in perfect peace.

    From Robert Yalley,
    Your friend and classmate from Form 1A
    Adisadel College

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  21. My sincere condolence to Jo, the boys, extended family and all friends.Victor has been taken away from us at the his prime. My prayer is that we shall all meet again,once we have accomplished our misson down here.Rest in peace !!!.

    Sammygyei
    Romford, Esssex

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  22. The last time we saw Victor was at the Old Achimotan 1981 year group dinner dance in May 2008.Our table was made up mostly of Santa Clausians and we had a night to remember.

    Brother Victor you have always been a brother to us, always ready to listen and giving kind advice. Uncle Victor, the children miss you, serving them their burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and devoting your time totally to them at your sizzling summer barbacues.

    Victor, May your soul rest in abundant peace.

    Our sincere condolence to Joe, the boys-Frankie, Vickey and Michael.

    Michael Mensah Boakye and family(Canterbury House)

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  23. With deepest sympathy to Jo and children, Henry, Frank and the entire Wood family.

    Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

    Victor, Till we meet again, may your soul rest in peace.

    Nicholas de Heer (Canterbury House)

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  24. Victor, thank you for your companythanks for the memories that we will alway cherish, the friendship we enjoyed and the joy you brough to all our lives. GOd be with you till we meet again.
    May the good Lord comfort Jo and the kids your mum brothers and sisters and give them the strength to carry on.
    From the Turkson & Classpeter families of London, Winneba and Cape Coast.

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  25. We prayed without ceasing that Victor would recover, but we do not understand or have answers when terrible things happen to us. We can only take solace in the fact that our Lord loves Victor.

    Though we do not question the wisdom of the Lord’s ways, this is so painful to bear and understand. We take solace in our unflinching belief that you are in heaven, where there is no sickness, nor sorrow, pain nor death, but ETERNAL HAPPINESS.

    Your mother, wife, children, brothers' and sisters' will sorely miss you.

    Victor, your memory will remain forever more precious to us. Sleep peacefully, dear friend.

    To Victor’s mother: Words cannot describe the extent of pain you are going through, but take heart, mum – for God will ALWAYS be with you.

    Mabel D.
    Hornchurch, Essex

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  26. If ever there was a gentleman
    If ever there was a good listener
    If ever there was somebody you could rely on
    To drive you home after all night booze at Safari wine bar and restaurant
    It was always Victor Wood.

    For neither did he argue as baseless as we oft did
    Paying no heed to what say others
    For neither did he shout as badly as we did
    But coolly and calmly he listened and nodded
    He drinketh not alcohol as oft as Waszam does
    Not even okino-wobεkume milk stout

    He was a friend to trust
    He was a good friend indeed
    Even when he was a friend in need
    He was a trusted friend
    But above all he was a gentleman.

    Damirefa Damirefa Damirefa Due

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  27. “God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”

    Some say he was a Victor of his time? Did you know Victor means “Champion”, a very popular saint in Christian Roman times? My favorite definition of Champion is “One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner”. Yes, Victor was a champion throughout his life and he showed this in everything he touched, family, school, work and most importantly caring for others. He was a friend, brother and father to all who have gathered here in his honor. Surely not to be forgotten because one way or the other he touched our hearts.

    My most cherished moments knowing Victor was when we lived in Tamale located in the Northern part of Ghana. I remember the little guy (that’s what I always thought) because he was always hanging around his brothers Henry and Frank. I later determined what made Victor not the “little guy” that I thought, it was his ability to excel in everything he did at school. He was always ready to answer any question and usually received the highest score in class. What I also remember was his over whelming appreciation to study and express him. I used to think “Why was this little fellow so filled with Wisdom”. I guess each one us might have his or her opinion? However, through years I have learnt to understand that each one of us shares this special gift that Victor always expressed (God Given ability). Victor’s innocence, peacefulness, and ability to calm you down were one of his unique qualities. He was always thoughtful and methodical in his approach. In respect, I always wanted to be like him. However, more importantly, I was glad to know him and will continue to cherish each memory I have of him because he was a “Champion” to me.

    Cedric Darkwa

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  28. Vic
    Henry and I are still here in London following your burial and thanksgiving service this past weekend. Seeing you lying there as if you were just in a deep sleep is enough consolation for us that indeed you are at peace. It is still too early for us to come to terms to your departure and we still cannot accept that you will no longer drive through Platts Road, stop at No.8 and walk up to the door and enter to scoop up your boys in your arms when they come rushing to meet you at the entrance anytime you arrive from work in the evenings. As difficult as it is for us, one thing Mama, Henry, Frank and Hetti are sure of is that you will have seen Dada by now and are both sharing the peace in heaven that God gives only to good men. Someone told me that I should know that God takes only the best first and really needed you up there to free you of the worries and stress of this world. I can almost hear your voice telling us to take care of Mama and keep contact with your boys. Be assured we will do just that.
    I would like to use this medium as an opportunity to say thanks a million to Wanzam, Mr Agyeman, Aspa, Yaw, Nic, Aggie, Fergus and the many, many friends who assisted in various ways not forgetting Santaclausians here in London and beyond. These are true and loyal friends who turned up in their numbers to pay their final respects to you in spite of the very chilly weather on Saturday.
    We send to you Vic, a thousand shipfuls of kisses and love from Mama, Henry, Frank, Hetti, myself, Henry, Henry jnr, James, David, Sherry, Sheryl, Michelle and Nadine.
    Just carry on sleeping. We will surely see you again some day.
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Q

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  29. The previous comment was not sent by FKumi but by Queenie Victoria Wood, Victor's sister.

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  31. I knew Victor in the Republic Hall in the then University of Science Technology. He seemed quite conscientious and serious with his academic work. I got to know him better through Wanzam when I lived in London and saw how warm and a good listener he was. Though I left London for Canada in the mid 90's I would meet him together with the group of friends whenever visited London. Being close to the Degraft-Johnson family also helped me get closer to him and his family.

    I will not forget when, during my bachelor days, attending an Adisco wedding with a group of friends, Wanzam and Victor, they introduced a young lady doctor to me. Victor took me to the
    gents and passionately gave me a piece of advice as to how to talk to impress the lady by making
    her laugh. That was how thoughtful I found Victor to be in addition to his ability to listen. He would patiently listen before uttering the few wise words which would make a lot of sense.

    Last year, I heard through a relative of mine in London that Jo's mother had passed and that she had returned from Ghana after the funeral. I called and talked to Victor and family to sympathize with them. I promised to call again, only to hear 3 weeks later that Victor was seriously sick and was hospitalized. We were all praying fervently that he would pull through but the Lord knows the best. Victor's call to glory leaves all of us with deep sorrow and a big blow.

    We pray that the Lord will take care of the wife Jo, children, mother, brothers and sisters and
    all other family members and that they will be comforted knowing that we will meet him again.
    May all the close friends who are hurting at the moment be also comforted, especially the group
    of friends in London who have worked so hard to organize a fitting farewell for our dear friend.

    Abeeku Bansah,
    North Carolina,
    USA.

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  32. We were all very saddened when we heard the news of Victor’s passing. To most of us who knew Victor, he was not only a great friend, he was like a brother.

    I met Victor in 1975, our first year in Adisco. We were in Canterbury house (Cantab) together and were such good friends that we became room-mates in upper six. Victor was not only a very brilliant student he was also a gifted artist. Victor together with his brothers Michael, Frank and I, were all members of the “Cantab” football and athletic teams during our junior our years.

    Victor was a very kind and generous person who was always ready to help others no matter the situation. He always kept his composure and never lost his cool. Our friendship continued after adisco while Victor was in “Tech” and I in Legon. We visited each other on campus in Accra and Kumasi and at his house in Achimota and mine at Ringway. Victor was the kind of friend who you could always count on.

    Although Victor moved to England and I to the US, we always kept in touch. After many years, I was very fortunate to get together again with Victor when I was in London in December 2007. I still remember Victor laughing at my bald head and jokingly asking me what had happened to all my hair. Little did I know that was going to be the last time that I would see him.

    I am grateful for all the years that I knew Victor and cherish the memories that we shared. Victor will forever be missed by his family and all of us.

    Victor, Rest In Peace.

    Larry Quaicoe (Gallopa)
    Canterbury House 1980

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  33. Still in our thoughts Vicky. Not a single day passes that we do not think of you. Only God knows how much we miss you and Dada.

    I had a bad day on Sunday as I wanted to speak to you and part of me knew that was impossible, why? why did you leave us so so soon?

    Sleep well Vic, love you.
    Q

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  34. still believing you are near yet so far away. We spent your birthday on 7th August with memories of your jokes and things you used to do. You are still very dear to us and shall forever remain in our hearts.
    Love you loads from all of us here in Accra.

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  35. We attended Sakasaka Primary School in Tamale in the 70s. We were best of friends with a guy named William Gogoe.I can attest to Victor's sharp brain for which he left for Adisco. I still remember his dimpled smile and cultured left foot. Although I had no pedigree in football I was always his biggest fan on the pitch in sunny Tamale over 30 something years ago whenever his left foot caressed the ball. i also remember his dad's blue car stencilled with 'SCC MANAGER'. I never forget my sadness when he left for Adisco that was the last I ever set eyes on my childhood best friend. He used to tell me about his previous school,'Madonna'etc He was a very warm person who I continued to miss until my bro George gave me the unwelcome news about his homegoing. I know the Son is smiling at him right now imitating his unforgettable dimpled smile in heaven. For me he will remain frozen in time in Tamale's sunny afternoons on the grassless pitches in the 70s.
    My heartfelt condolences to his family and i remember mum,henry(sakasaka middle)frank[school prefect} and queenie.

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