GEOFFREY NIYONZIMA RUGEGE : A life well lived

In life we meet people who leave a lasting impression, deep and meaningful anecdotes that help shape our outlook on life. Geoffrey was such a man. A literary giant in his own right. Humble, for sure not simplistic. He spoke measurably with philosophical acumen not found in average men. He loved deeply, laughed often and heartily. He loved a good story and cherished a good joke.

He was in many ways old school — too proper and measured to engage in mindless talk. He had an un-expected gift of banter for a man of his stature.

Geoffrey has finally answered the final call after a long, gallant struggle with health issues that were made easier by his dear lovely wife Ann. She has earned our love, respect, and admiration for her devotion and steady hand.

I was privileged to call him “brother”, honored immensely to call him my friend. I know no other who valued friendship the way Geoffrey did. He was a masterful communicator whose words meant exactly what he wanted to express. Academia has lost a gentle giant, and humanity scarred for the loss of a sweet and honorable man.

Many years ago Geoffrey visited me in Los Angeles. We spent countless hours catching up on our Uganda days. We argued and disagreed on the meaning of words. Never disagreeable. Not once. He accused me of hubris. But now, tongue in cheek, I forgive him!

Ann, please forgive me for recounting this: back in the day, Geoffrey’s walk made girls on the streets of Kampala stop and gaze at the deliberate style meant to say “I have arrived.” That was vintage Geoffrey.

His middle name, NIYONZIMA, describes what manner of man he was. This much I know: history shall absolve him. It is hard to accurately describe who Geoffrey was, what he stood for, and how definitively and purposefully he lived his life.

Education was the cornerstone of Geoffrey’s mission on this earth. He lived it, honored it, and excellently sought to impart its worth, through his achievements and how he passionately imparted its value among us all, his kith and kin, and beyond. His decades at Grambling University speaks volumes about his immense contributions to educating Africa’s youth, future and guardians of our place on the world stage. Hundreds of young Ugandans, nay Africans, benefitted from his largesse, counsel and big heart. He sought to make a difference without claiming recognition. He tirelessly laid the groundwork for Africa’s future leaders without expecting accolades or compensation.. Geoffrey clearly knew his mission in this world, executed it markedly, with humility, class and a sense of purpose.

We will for long, if not forever remember him by his deeds. His word was his bond. To a fault he knew what we all expected from him, what we demanded from his larger than life presence in our midst.

I personally deciphered his outlook on life and meaning of it all by how effortlessly he expressed his love for Ann, his unconditional love for his daughters, his friends that transcended father-child love. He glowed through it all. I suspect that was the strength that enabled him to fight his health wars without flinching. Gallantly. He was truly a class act.

Why do the good die young? That is the age old question. That we don’t know the answer may hold the eternal truth, protect us from assuming the wisdom we do not possess, and the assumption that we know it all. Geoffrey knew what he didn’t know. He had the wisdom and temperament to constantly seek out the simple truth. We are the poorer now to be without him.

Rest, brother. Your humanity is the symphony that will for time to come temper our loss.