Today, as the clock struck noon, under blue skies and scorching African sun, in the sprawling green valleys and towering hills of Ntungamo my dear nephew, Ian, was put to rest. See, this was his ancestral home, and how befitting that this gentle, sweet and handsome man was laid to rest, next to his dad.
True to form, men and officers of UPDF fired off three rounds of volleys to salute one of their own, Maj Ian Kangahho.
A true Officer and Gentleman, and a gentle man per excellence.
He wasn’t “ heavy”, in the words of that famous John Denver song, “he is my brother.”
Ian loved being a soldier, and he looked superbly striking in his green fatigues. You knew when you shook his hand, you were greeting a true warrior. Firm and painful, a handshake you felt for days, always accompanied by his beautiful charming smile, originating from a soft, but sincere loving heart.
Ian was felled by lung cancer and other complications. He was by no means a quitter. His heart simply quit on him.
And now, he belongs to The Ages.
As a non-believer I will not disingenuously throw about religious and overly used cliches. It would not be sincere. But a message I received from my dear friend, Jimmy, himself a cancer survivor said it all and comforted me, immensely. It was accompanied by a simple, sincere message, “ Was thinking of you …” He is that kind of man, though goofy at times.
It said;
“Those we love
don’t go away.
they walk beside us
every day …
unseen. Unheard
but always near.
still loved,
still missed.”
Ian’s wife, and friend, Judy and his young son Angumya will miss him dearly. But he is not gone, for sweet memories and Ian’s towering goodness will abide.
Ian’s simplicity was his strength. Truly, a peacemaker. We are all the better for having known him, little did we know that this Prince of a Man lived in our midst.
He has the last word. His smile.
