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Grandson lit a candle
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
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R.I.P Papa
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Michael L. Taylor posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Text as presented by me during the funeral service:
Feeling intensely sad about the loss of my dear friend and co-worker Kofi Antwih. I have known and worked with Kofi for nearly 30 years. The news of his death last week came as a great surprise. It is very difficult dealing with the sadness that this has brought on.
His chosen field (& also mine) was test equipment and measurement technology, or Metrology. For those who don’t aware of it, the field of “Metrology is in the background, behind the scenes, but without it nothing would work*” Throughout these many years Kofi has very much impressed me and many others, in more ways than I can count. His intelligence and exceptional abilities for accomplishing the many advanced technology related tasks that we routinely face, always stood out. He was easily able to accomplish many very difficult tasks; things that challenged others, were easy for him. Through the years his keen mind has solved countless difficult and challenging problems, in addition he created numerous new and better ways to do things. Kofi much loved his profession (of Metrology), and it showed. He brought Metrology in its purest form to our place of employment. He was a true practitioner of this little known, yet very important art and science.
As a person Kofi had a very warm heart, and a ready and often an even extraordinary wit. With this sense of humor, he brought a lighthearted spirit wherever he went; he seemed to naturally be able to produce harmony, in even difficult circumstances. He never gave up in his quest towards accomplishing his goals, and nearly always found successful, and often surprisingly ingenious results. Except maybe regarding some very personal, and perhaps also some negative things, Kofi was a very open and sharing person. He always seemed to want to include everyone. When he learned something new, he shared it. Even outsiders were welcomed and quickly were made a part of whatever circumstances were occurring during the time. One fact that describes Kofi very well is that for us he was often the glue that held things together; he created success, where without him, too often likely there only would have been division and failure. I sincerely believe that throughout the years our organization could not have been nearly as successful without him. His sense of humor, even keeled reflections, and ability to uncomplicate otherwise complicated matters, almost always brought to the room an air of relief, good cheer, and common sense. In his unique way, he consistently made it clear that good solutions, to even the difficult problems, usually only require careful consideration, calm. and a sense of unity. Very importantly, he created a team, from what otherwise was only a group of people who were at odds and disconnected. Not having him in our laboratory now certainly leaves a significant void, one that may never be filled. However, bringing us hope is the fact that if we remember the many things that he did and said, and most importantly, if we cultivate a continuous, sincere desire to succeed, and as he did; and if we share equally our successes with all people involved, and also keep a cool head, we can still succeed and continue to build on the foundations that he set for us at Fermi.
The final area that I'll mention about Kofi is without doubt the most significant of all; his Family. How many people do we know in our own circles of friends and family where one hundred percent of their children were college educated, and even achieved advanced degrees? I think we can all agree that this occurs only in the most exceptional of families; such as Kofi's. And this does not only include his immediate family! But also nieces and nephews and more! Furthermore, I have been aware of his significant influence and stature in the part of his Family that is still in Ghana, (southwest Africa). I feel that I know to a good degree that among his many accomplishments, he also had an extraordinary impact there. The accomplishments that Kofi achieved in Africa (as I understand) include providing in part or all, for the employment, security, prosperity and happiness of his family members and friends that are there. Consequently, whether we knew it or not, among us here in Monroe Michigan for the past 30 years, has lived what doubtlessly was an exceptional and even a great man; a man who devoted ALL to his family, to his extended family, and to his career. As a result, due to his great faith he succeeded; and he did this to a measure that few others ever even dream of! How very fortunate and blessed we all have been to have known him, and worked and lived around him. Perhaps all that remains to be seen now is whether we will take a lesson from his very many successes, from his determination, from his personal strength, from his integrity and professionalism, and most of all from his love for the people around him, his friends, and especially those in his own family; who were his core and his deepest strength and who, to all of our very good fortune, are still in fact here among us today. God has very much blessed his Family and friends. He is known by his people in Africa (and also some of us here), as King Kofi Antwih, and he has clearly provided each one of us that knew him many great and useful things, such as a good King would do, and these most certainly will last far beyond the days of his life. Thanks be to God, Amen.
* Credit for this quote is to the Open University's YouTube Metrology presentations.
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Nancy Fishwick lit a candle
Thursday, March 23, 2017
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Femi Gaffar-Oduntan posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
You were just here one day, and now you have gone home to be with the Lord.
You will be missed.
May your soul rest in perfect peace, and May our Lord God bless and comfort your family during this time.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Femi Gaffar-Oduntan
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Femi Gaffar-Oduntan lit a candle
Thursday, March 23, 2017
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Michael L. Taylor posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
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Michael L. Taylor uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
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Photo of Kofi at 2016 Spring Regional NCSLI meeting at Consumer's Power Co. in Jackson, Michigan. This photo is from The July 2016 Metrologist Magazine
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Daryl Wireman posted a condolence
Monday, March 20, 2017
Please accept my heart felt condolence on the death of my friend and co-worker. From July 2001 through November 2015, I was employed as a contract Calibration Laboratory Technician at the Enrico Fermi 2 metrology laboratory several times. In all of the occasions when I was there I was impressed with Kofi’s intelligence, dedication and strong work ethic. In a career spanning of over 40 years, he was and will remain one of the most knowledgeable metrologists I have ever met. He was always willing to assist others in ensuring a very high quality of production from the lab.
Because of the itinerate nature of my employment, I did not know much about Kofi’s personal life. From what I did learn, he was a dedicated father and uncle who made it possible for his children and nephew to complete their college educations. He was well aware of the advantages of a higher education. Although born in a foreign land, he was truly an American.
I will really miss you , my friend.
Daryl
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The family of Kofi A. Antwih uploaded a photo
Monday, March 20, 2017
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Please wait
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Mike Ward lit a candle
Monday, March 20, 2017
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brenda johnson posted a condolence
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Dear Sister Loretta and Family,
May the love of your family and friends comfort you in the days ahead during this sad time. It was a blessing to see Kofi at Bro. Gary's b-day party with a warm smile on his face. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. - Mathew 5:4 "As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens." - Author Unknown
Elder Brenda Johnson- Christ Love Fellowship