Words from the Heart

From His Children

Daddy, our role model and our hero

To our beloved Dad, the great tree beneath whose shade we grew, we honour you with hearts full of love, gratitude and sorrow.

Daddy, it feels like only yesterday that we celebrated you, listened to your counsel, and watched you smile as the family gathered around you. We never imagined that so soon we would have to speak about you in the past. Your passing has left an emptiness in our hearts that words can hardly describe.

To the world, you were Mr. John Eudes Kuutera Sotenga, a hardworking man, a dedicated public servant, a mentor and a helping hand to many. But to us, you were simply Daddy, our role model and our hero in ways that perhaps only we, your children, could fully understand.

You worked tirelessly to ensure that each of us received a solid education and had the opportunity to build a meaningful future. Much of who we are today carries your fingerprints. Your sacrifices became our opportunities, and the foundation you laid gave us the courage to become who we are.

We will carry your values, your lessons and your love with us always. Rest peacefully, Daddy. You will forever remain in our hearts.

From His Wife

A lifetime of love and memories

Looking back on the years we shared, I am grateful for the life, family and memories we built together.

I will always treasure the many milestones we celebrated, especially your 70th and 76th birthdays. Your 76th birthday, celebrated in the village where you grew up, remains especially meaningful. The large crowd that gathered was a beautiful reflection of how deeply you were loved, respected and embraced by your community.

I also remember the words you used whenever I was distressed: “Be thyself.” Those words remain with me as a reminder to stay grounded in who I am rather than allowing the opinions or actions of others to define me.

Thank you for the years we shared, for your companionship and for the family we built. Your memory will remain a treasured part of my life.