Ghanaians in New York are in a state of shock to hear the sudden death of popular Kwame Bonsu Sr. His death has sent a shock wave around the USA and those who know him around the world. Kwame died at home in the morning of Wednesday; September 26th, 2007. The cause of death not yet known.
Bonsu Sr. is very well known in America. He had lived in Brooklyn for many years and has an interesting story worth hearing. The story is inspiring and worthy of emulation. A story of the biblical good samaritan and portraying that someone's kind deed changed one's life for the better. The one who received the kindness was forever grateful and never forgetful.
Kwame was born in Kumasi of the Ashanti region in 1949 to the late Mr. Albert Kojo Sarpong and Mamme Akua Owusua both from Akyaa krom in the Ejisu district. They lived in Dechemso and he went to school at State Boys. Upon completion of State Boys he went to Kumasi Polytechnic Institute where he acquired his skills in building engineering and auto mechanics. He came to the U.S. in 1973. He started working at the 92nd St YM-YWHA in 1975 as a porter and rose to the rank of Director of Facilities. He worked there for 28 years. He moved to the Harlem YMCA in 2005 and was the Property Manager until his passing.
Kwame invested a great deal of his time and effort in several community events, and was of great help to many. Among his many deeds included the founding of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Reform Church of Brooklyn. He was also a Patron of several associations and sat on many committees.
THE GOOD SAMARITAN STORY
Osei Yaw of Coney Island met Kwame Bonsu who changed his life for the better. Many years ago, Osei Yaw used to work as a helper at a grocery store at a location in Brooklyn, NY where he assisted customers in loading their groceries after checking out.
On one occasion, Kwame Bonsu had come and completed his shopping. After checking out, Osei saw him and decided to assist him. Kwame then offered Osei a tip afterwards and asked if Osei was a Ghanaian and what he does for a living. Osei replied he was a Ghanaian and arrived from Ghana not long ago and was looking for a job.
Kwame took Osei's phone number and promised to give him a call. Accompanied by his daughter, Kwame asked his daughter to remind him when they get home to call Osei. True to his word, Kwame called Osei the following day and instructed him to come to his place of employment to complete an application form. Osei Yaw went and Kwame told him to complete the application form and start working immediately.
Osei Yaw became very happy for such an honor and vowed never to forget this kindness from a man he had never met in his life. He said Kwame Bonsu's kindness changed his life and always wanted to find a way to repay him.
When Osei Yaw visited Kwame's family and was informed the story of his death, he was shocked and became tearful. Osei Yaw offered 15 cartons of various drinks and promised to contribute towards the funeral cost. Osei's gratefulness teaches a lesson to be learned by all that one hand washes the other and the hand that takes must give. Gratefulness and graciousness are devine. Ungratefulness/forgetfulness lead to a curse. Even though Kwame is dead but his kindness lives on.
Kwame was a devoted family man who gave 150% in everything he was involved in. He will be truly missed.
MAY HIS SOUL RESTS IN PEACE, NANA DAMIRIFA DUE !! DAMIRIFA DUE!!
Funeral Arrangements are follows : One week cerebration: Saturday Oct. 6th, 2007, at Anglican Church, 230 Classon Ave (corner of Willoughby), Brooklyn, NY.
Final/Traditional Funeral Rites - Friday, Oct. 26th, 2007: Viewing 4-7pm and Service 7-9pm at Bethel Presbyterian Reform Church of Brooklyn (formerly Ghanaian Presbyterian/Reform Church of Brooklyn) 850 Flatbush Ave corner of Church Ave.
Traditional Funeral Rites at Nazareth High School Hall - 10pm-4am - ALL ARE INVITED
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