Tribute to Mr. Philip Fugar

† Mr. Philip Fugar †

Sent: Wed, Sep 23, 2009 8:50 am
Subject: In Memoriam


Agooo na mi,

For me personally, it is with great sadness in my heart that I announce the passing of Mr. Philip Fugar
this morning 6:00 am GMT in Ghana.

Mr. Philip Fugar was a founding member of Southern Volta Association of Canada, a staunch member of EMAO,
the creator and moderator of CEANA, Eweland and Anlosusutialawo forums over the last 10 years.

I will keep all posted on further developments in days and weeks to come when more information becomes available.
He'll surely be missed by some of us.

MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Thanks,

Gustav Quist
From Southern Volta Association of Canada

Efo Philip, Uncle Philip, Efo Korku, Grandpa…. These are some of the names we variously called Mr. Philip Fugar, one of the founders of the Southern Volta Association of Canada (S.V.A.C.). He was a widely read, well educated man who spent many hours researching various issues and subjects. He was well versed in the use of the Internet as a tool to access information on a variety of topics and had a wealth of information to share.  

Uncle Philip was a visionary as evidenced by his participation in the formation of the S.V.A.C. He readily welcomed new ideas, as demonstrated by his willingness several years ago to contribute to a newsletter for the Ewe Multicultural Association of Ontario (E.M.A.O.). His account of Hogbetsotso and his retelling of Ayiyi stories in the column “Efo Korku’s Corner,” provided valuable information to the youth on these two important aspects of Ewe culture and folklore.  During his time as Chairman of the Board of E.M.A.O, Philip brought a serious attitude to his duties and did his best to ensure that the work of the association flowed as smoothly as possible.  At meetings he would take his time to expound on his views of the constitution as it pertained to the members and various issues.  

Uncle Philip loved to debate!  Bring up any topic and Efo Philip had a well thought out opinion on it, which he expressed with great animation and conviction.  Many of our S.V.A.C. brothers will attest to the fact that Uncle Philip never missed a chance to participate in a good, old-fashioned argument.  One always came away with a feeling of satisfaction that issues had been debated thoroughly, even if those on either side of the argument did not see eye to eye on the issue being discussed. Notwithstanding the intensity of many of his lively discussions with others, Grandpa was a peaceful man by nature. He did not hold grudges and one always knew that these sessions were just what they were intended to be: a forum for expressing one’s views in a logical, educated manner.  Many in the Ewe community recognized the peace loving aspect of his character and he was called upon on several occasions to help mediate complex family situations. 

Uncle Philip’s involvement with the Ewe Multicultural Association of Ontario (E.M.A.O.) and later, the Southern Volta Association of Canada (S.V.A.C.) spoke to his strong belief in the importance of keeping the Ewe culture alive, teaching salient aspects of it to the youth and finding ways of sharing it with the larger Canadian community.  Each year during ‘Hogbetsotso Za’ in Canada, he gave a detailed and engaging explanation of the symbol of unity of the Ewes, ‘Nake tsi deka’.  The void created by his passing will be felt deeply, particularly on special occasions such as ‘Hogbetsotso Za’ in Toronto this year.  

Always ready to engage the youth of our associations in conversation, Philip was young at heart and often brought a smile to the faces of the younger ones, such as when he played the role of ‘Santa’ many years ago during Christmas parties held by the Ewe Multicultural Association of Ontario.  More recently, he showed that he was very much ‘with it’ when recognizing the relevance of the latest technology in communicating with others; he was one of the first of the older members of S.V.A.C. to open a Facebook account.  
 

All of us in the Southern Volta Association of Canada owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Philip Fugar for his contribution to the formation of the association, for his friendship, for his caring attitude towards the youth.  We will remember all this for a long time to come.   Uncle Philip’s sudden passing has left us all shocked and saddened.  Our grief runs deep as we mourn, but our memories of him and all that he meant to each one of us will stay in our hearts to brighten those days when the sadness comes.  Efo Philip, God's speed till we meet again. Zor Nyuie!  Rest in perfect Peace.
 

SOUTHERN VOLTA ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

TRIBUTE TO EFO PHILIP FUGAR- A FALLEN COMRADE IN THE VINEYARD OF CEANA
                                               
FROM CEANA SECRETARIAT

We are grieving; we are distressed and soaked in our tears, for our loss is great and immense. To temper the intensity of our aching hearts, we employ these simple words of Epictetus: “Never say of anything that I have lost it, only that I have given it back.” For, indeed, as we speak, our beloved Efo Philip Fugar is back in the arms of our Lord.

Efo Philip Fugar was a proud Ewe and his love for his Ewe community knew no bounds.   He always found time to pursue issues that would enhance the lives of community members. It is therefore not surprising that he was very instrumental in forming the following Ewe groups: Ewe Multicultural Association of Ontario (EMAO), ANKODECA, THE SOUTHERN VOLTA ASSOCIATION and ANLO SUSUTIALAWO to find solution to the myriad problems facing Eweland.

When CEANA wanted to set up a web site, Efo Philip offered his time and other resources to ensure that it was firmly established. If CEANA is boasting of a website today, a site which has become the source of information for EWES in the Diaspora, we owe this to the singular efforts of Efo Philip Fugar. He showed great concern for the lack of development in Eweland and sought assistance from developmental organizations to improve upon this situation.   Efo Philip was always at the forefront exploring ways to enhance the lives of our brothers and sisters back home.  During the heat of the Awomefia crisis, he co-chaired a group of concern citizens in the Diaspora, which deliberated the situation and sent a delegation to Ghana to mediate with the stakeholders.  Until recently, he had urged the CEANA Secretariat to provide a forum to a group of individuals to present a proposal on Anlo Developmental initiatives at CEANA's convention in Atlanta.   But count for what! He did it not for praise or reward. For him it was his duty.

In life’s struggle, we want the courage to strive and dare; and if we should win, let it be by the code, with our faith and our honor held high. These were the attributes more than anything else that he brought to bear on his services to the EWE community. And that is what he has left us with.

Death is a necessary end for all mortals and it is the turn of Efo Philip Fugar to depart to eternity. CEANA cannot sing enough.  We conclude with theses words “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race and I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing.”  2Timothy 4: 7-8  Efo Philip Fugar rest in the bosom of Our Lord.  Dor Gbe, Dor Gbe,  Norvi hede nyui  

President & Secretariat