He was 62. He was full of life. And he touched many lives. That is the testimony about Mr. Olanrewaju Awodeinde. He passed on few days after his 62nd birthday.
While he was on this side of eternity, Awodeinde an accountant of note radiated an unusual aura. He connected well with friends and relations. He showed great concern in other people’s challenges and always offered to render help. He was a vision supporter and a destiny helper.
After a few weeks of battling with sickness he succumbed to the cold hands of death. At his wake-keep which held on November 9 at the Bishop Ajayi Memorial Anglican Church, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos where he worshipped, many testified of how he touched their lives and brought smiles to their faces.
A testifier and member of the Christian Unity Band, the society he was a strong member noted at the wake keep how he literally gave himself to work for the Lord in the church. He recalled the early days of the church stating how he literally carried canopies and set the place of worship when the church was still without a physical building.
The Vicar of the Church Ven. Babatunde Adegoroye noted while giving a charge at the wake-keep “that death is a necessary end. It will always come unannounced. Any man could be called home anytime.”
He described the late Awodeinde as a great servant of God who found pleasure in carrying out assignments put in his care. “I can say this of our late brother that he went the extra mile working for the Lord. He did not shy away from assignments committed to his care and he did all with due diligence. We are going to miss him greatly.”
His wife Oludolapo Awodeinde a civil servant in Ogun State took solace in the love of God. A few days after, he passed on. She wrote in her tribute, “I bless God for the day I met you. You were my world but it pleased God to call you at this time. Adieu my love continue to rest in the bosom of your creator whom you served till you departed this sinful world. Your memories no one can erase .I promise, your wonderful daughters will be well taken care of with God on my side…”
Some other friends and well-wishers expressed shock. Olafemi Ikuejuyoni wrote in his tribute. “My wife woke me up last night telling me what she saw on Facebook about my dear friend -Olanrewaju Awodeinde’s death. I couldn’t believe it. But after making some phone calls it was confirmed that Lanre has gone to rest with the Lord. A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven.
“An erudite Accountant and worker in God’s sanctuary. A Bishop nominee to the Diocesan Board and Diocese of Lagos West Auditor. What a great loss. Lanre, just few days after your birthday. I am pained, I am weak, I am short of words. It is shocking to me but I believe that God knows best and so I wish that He grants you eternal rest in His bosom. Remembering your wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in my heart. Saying Good Night is very hard at this time. Death surely is no respecter of age.”
Another friend Omowunmi Ghani wrote, “Rest in peace my dear friend. It is too much for us all to bear but we cannot question God. Goodnight Mr. Larry.
An associate, Oloruntosin Adewole wrote, “The reality of your death hit me hard. I had to check the last mail you sent to me in October for the budget training you were meant to do for us at my office, but alas it can’t hold any more. I feel so much pain that you’re gone. Heaven has won you and the devil has lost. Good night sir. May your gentle soul rest in peace.”
Sister of the late Accountant and committed church worker, Olabisi George described her brother in glowing terms recalling all his sacrifices and love that he showed while he was alive. While expressing confidence that her brother has simply gone to rest, she said, “Who are we to question God. He decides to do what he wants to do.”
Indeed, His family, The Anglican Communion, his acquaintances and the community of accountants will miss Mr. Awodeinde. His signature seemed etched on many of those who came across him.