Every conversation started with “Eii Axix, what up?” “Zee, ibi you dat?”

As teens, we lived on the same road growing up; you got a special pass because my mum was also a twin. We roamed and learned to drive together, we were flatmates as we moved from boys to men.  Families interlinked. The roaming never stopped.  There are simply too many anecdotes, memories and shared experiences to even attempt to recount.  I can’t even select a ‘favourite’ or ‘stand-out’.  You were just part of my life.  The Idren glue.

Zeash was not only the consummate networker, he went beyond that.  He was a 'pollinator'.  He not only brought people together, but he left ‘flowers’ wherever he went.  I have never personally known anyone to have such deep and meaningful relationships with so many people.  As I reflect on this, his gift was to touch people’s inner selves and connect with them there. He was a one-off.

I’m devastated that you’re gone. I prayed for a miracle, but your work here was done and it was time for you to take your bow. God knows best.  And to adopt the words of Leigh Hunt in his poem Abou ben Adhem, “Stephen Clarke’s name led all the rest…”Yosi, da yie.

Tribute to My Dear Brother

From Senam

I had heard of people going numb with shock, but I hadn’t quite experienced it myself, not until that fateful Sunday when the call came through. Everything that transpired in that space of time, felt sour and bitter.

Today, I want to take a moment to remember and celebrate my special person, who was not just a brother but also a confidante, a friend, and a source of unwavering support. To me, he was more than just a brother; he was my anchor, my guide, and my protector. We shared countless memories that are etched in my heart forever— to the quiet moments of understanding that only true friends can share.

My heart has been broken open into a million little pieces. I miss you so much already, Yosi. The pain is indescribable and unbearable. The role you played in my life is as big as it gets. From the jump, you took me under your wing and became my big brother in all the ways. You taught me how to toughen up when it mattered. And you played this role the whole time through the example you set. But you also helped me soften up and remember all would be ok.

You faced life's challenges with courage and a spirit that never waned and you taught me the true meaning of perseverance. Your laughter was a melody that could lift the heaviest of hearts, and your kindness was a lesson in love and generosity.

With each passing day, it became more and more of a reality that you are gone. It slowly dawned on me that I was never going to see you again – not that gentle smile of yours, nor the loud mischievous laughter you let out. All of that was gone.

In your absence, your lessons will continue to guide me, and your love continue to be a source of comfort. Your memory will always be a blessing, and I will carry your love with me always.

Painful as it is, we celebrate your life. Thank you for so many years of amazing brotherhood. The friendship, the fellowships, the jokes, the teases, the encouragements, the sleepovers, the nightly talks, and the list goes on. All of those are eternally etched in my heart. The narrative is the same on everyone’s lips Yosi — you had a golden heart. And for it, you were beloved. Beloved by all who knew you. My dear Yosi I end on a note from Mark Twain:

Warm summer sun,

Shine kindly here,

Warm southern wind,

Blow softly here.

Green sod above,

Lie light, lie light.

Good night, dear heart,

Good night, good night.

Zeeeaaassshhh!!!!!!!!!

Keep resting in the Lord’s bosom. Till we meet to part no more.

I was about a week late getting to Lower 6 , and I noticed this new guy feeling very confident and at home, obviously rolling with people already. 

He seemed to know his bearings very well on the Hill.

I'm like' who be this guy wey e make comfortable like that' considering he's only been here a few days.

When I eventually met and got to know him, I understood the confi - he was easy going, charming and very affable.

He wasn't perfect though, he supported Liverpool after all. I mean how?

Zeash, 

Damirifa Due.

4th November 1985, re-opening day Lower Six, Mfantsipim School.

Flushed with excitement, in our Khaki trousers and blue shirts with epaulettes, we converged in school. Many old faces, some missing faces and some new faces to replace the old faces. One of those new faces belonged to this smallish but confident to the point of almost being cocky, handsome young Motowner. He smilingly volunteered that his name was Stephen Clarke “but you can call me Zeash”. Ei!!!

How dare this Motowner enter our hallowed institution and behave like he belonged already? We decided to ignore him, to disregard him; some even tried to bully or pond him. But diminutive as he was in stature, Zeash was big in personality and wouldn’t be bullied, disarming us with that smile of his and his “but you why”. Within a couple of days he had won us over and become one of us, a brother for life.

From that rather inauspicious start, Zeash wove himself right into the fabric of life in Mfantsipim and became an integral part of the Mfantsipim student body. he was an Arts student and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with when he continuously topped the Econs I and II exams, earning him the nickname Ndugu Kwame Atease I & II, the I & II testifying to his prowess in Econs I & II.

Zeash joined the hockey team and became the winger leveraging his incredible speed and dribbling skills to power the team to beat Adisco on their own turf in 1987 and become Zonal Champions.

After sixth form in Mfantsipim, we all went our separate ways but we were bound together and constantly in touch with each other via email, old boys meetings and recently social media. He was as always, an integral part of MOBA85, contributing to all causes, discussions and attending all MOBA85 gatherings. We had heated discussions on our alumni group and he was an active participant, always stating his perspective on an issue in a very logical, concise and analytical manner.

Zeash was first and foremost, a gentleman. He rarely got angry or displayed anger, he was always approachable and open, possessed no airs and graces. He was down to earth, always smiling and an extremely social person. He would go anywhere and fit right in almost immediately. One amazing thing about him was how he gelled with those of us who didn’t attend sixth form in Mfantsipim. In many cases he became as close to them as if he had attended Form 1 – 5 in Mfantsipim.

Such was his dedication to MOBA that on his last day with us, he attended a MOBA85 gathering. The next day, we were hit with the news that he had been hospitalized and we prayed incessantly for him to make a full recovery. But alas, the Lord our God decided that he needed another angel in heaven.

To say that we will miss him would be an understatement. But ever the Liverpool supporter that he was, Zeash you will never walk alone. You will always be in our hearts and we will always cherish the memories that we have of you.

Job 1:21 states that The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. We thank God for giving Zeash to us in 1986 and we surrender to God’s will in 2024.

We will always praise the name of the Lord until we meet Zeash in Zion.

Stephen. Zeash. My brother and friend. It’s taken me so long to digest everything that has happened. You were at my home when you returned from the Founders Day celebrations to deliver my copy of the brochure.  As usual we had a long personal conversation . We talked about getting the group together again for a hangout  

Little did I know it would be the last time I was going to see you. 

I am heartbroken and really struggling to deal with this. It’s too raw and very painful. 

I will miss you. Your jokes, advice, lovely and gentle presence. 

Rest In Peace my brother. 🙏🙏

A Tribute To Stephen From His Cousins:

Across the UK, Ireland, Ghana and the US, there have been scenes and sounds of unrestrained grief following Stephen’s passing. Our family has received an incredible outpouring of sincere love and support from Stephen’s friends, colleagues and even those who only met him briefly and were impacted by him. For this, we wish to express our heartfelt thanks. Your messages and kind words have helped to comfort us during what has undoubtedly been a very trying time.

From the outside looking in, it would be understandable to wonder who this man was, and why his passing has rendered so many of us broken and inconsolable. Collectively, we who have had the privilege of being his cousins, we who have been with him in one way or another through the various stages of his life, will do our best to tell you why.

The Bible has a thing or two to say about the inherent qualities of true love and it goes like this:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Stephen was an embodiment of all these qualities. He lived them every day, without strain or effort. Stephen was a kind soul. Some would say perhaps on occasion, he was a bit too kind. He gave selflessly of his time and resources without expectation, condition or reason.

Stephen was gentle, exceedingly so. From his speech to his gaze, right through to his walk. He never rushed anything and thoroughly enjoyed the journeys, processes, and interactions that were necessary to arrive at a desired outcome or destination.

Stephen delighted in the success of others and celebrated these like his own, never begrudging anyone’s good fortune, be it a promotion at work, a significant material acquisition or a life changing blessing. He understood that life is neither a competition or a race and that each one of us has their own time.

As cousins, we shall miss Stephen deeply and will struggle to rediscover the joy in the things we so often took for granted. Joy in our various encounters with him and even joy when we parted, already looking forward to the next time. Joy in laughter, joy in sharing, joy in reminiscing about our glorious younger days, and joy in a united hope for many better days ahead.

Rest well dear cousin, until we meet again.

What Would Stephen Say?

Weep not for me though I am gone

Into that gentle night

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul’s sweet flight

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest

There is no need for tears.

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,

The fear now all is gone.

Put now these things out of your thoughts

In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife

Please do not dwell upon my death,

But celebrate my life.

Herr Zdok,

A few months ago ... when I left GE, you sent me a message that spoke volumes, and today, I find it fitting to play those same words back to you. You said it best:

“Abu Craze! From the Mitcham days, to the Southfields days, and onto the New Jersey days… so many memories along this journey. I remember so vividly when you dropped me at my hotel to start work with Prudential Inc. Your 40th birthday, hanging out with Taso, Bendilee, and the rest of the crew in Manhattan. Our cinema days with Rene, Harry & co., our table tennis matches with the NJ boys, including Magnus George. And of course, watching *Kill Bill* at your first home cinema setup with Dajoe & co. So many fantastic memories, even some wild nights.

All good things come to an end, and GE was one of them. Stay blessed, my man. We’ll catch up soon. Much love forever!"

Zeash Craze, you were right!! All good things come to an end, and life is one of them. Stay blessed in the Lord’s embrace. And yes, we’ll surely catch up one day .... but not too soon though. Not too soon.  LOL.

Love you too, Bro.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

May Stephen's soul rest in perfect peace.