TRIBUTE TO THE LATE GEORGE KORLEY BY HIS IN-LAWS-THE ASHONG AND ALLIED FAMILIES

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. “Yea saith the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14: 13

THE LATE GEORGE KORLEY, whom we affectionately called George or Uncle George, came into our lives when he started a friendship with our younger sister Joyce Aatsoo Ashong. Their friendship blossomed into marriage and he became our brother from then. 

When George married our sister, they lived at our family home at Accra Newtown and “oh my God!” we had fun living together. He was part of every family event. Trips from Accra Newtown to Kokomlemle were filled with laughter because George made life around him fun. He readily offered a helping hand to any one of us and our tenants. He helped our family in so many ways. He was our voice of comfort when we needed it. He was our judge who made sure family issues were settled and most importantly he was a great source of financial support to us and our children. 

When he left Ghana to the United States (US) in the early 1990’s he never ceased to be part of us. He made sure we knew he was just a telephone call away. He cheered us on with his encouraging words. He made us understand that life was too difficult to be carrying the weights of grudges and pain. He lived a peaceful reconciliatory life and encouraged others around him to do same. He was everyone’s favorite person because he was just larger than life. Every family needs a person like him.

George’s humor and laughter were one of a kind. O God, why did you take him away from us at this time? He was that pleasant person who meant something special to every one of us in a different way. He had pet names for most of us. He was a rare breed. It is so sad how those very nice people pass through this world too quickly. They step off the stage just when you want more of them, leaving behind memories. It was the same with our dear George, he stepped off the stage of life just when we wanted more of him. 

On Sunday, 21st February, 2021 around 6:30 am GMT Aatsoo called to tell us about his sudden death. To say we were shocked is an understatement. Our world just froze in time. How can he be dead? George is dead? How is that possible? Unfortunately, death laid its icy hands on our cherished brother-in-law. Our lives just changed as news of his death reached us in our various homes. We were filled with shock, denial, questions and grief. We once again experienced how painful death can be. 

George has left us but our memories of enjoying him through the years still lives with us. Thomas Campbell said “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” He is gone from our midst we will never see him again but he lives in our hearts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

We will always remember George for his pleasant nature, good sense of humor, generosity, readiness to help everyone and his ever-smiling self. Those qualities will be missed and fondly remembered by all of us. We have indeed lost a gem. 

George, we thank you for everything you did for us. We should have had a big party in your honor to say thank you. We assumed we had more time to thank you but we didn’t. Thank you very much for giving us a part of you. Your good deeds have impacted our lives and we promise to be there for your immediate family. May your good works of love for family and friends follow you and give you a place at God’s side. Rest well dear brother.

To his dear wife Joyce Aatsoo, our sister; his children - Karen, Klaudia and Konrad and the entire family in the US and in Ghana, we extend our deepest condolence. We pray the Almighty God will comfort all of us and strengthen us as we live life without George.

On behalf of the Ashongs, the Netteys, the Ashiteys, the Annans, the Tagoes and the allied families in Ghana we wish our dearly beloved brother and uncle a peaceful rest in the Lord’s bosom! 

Father in thy gracious keeping leave we now thine servant sleeping. 

Rest peacefully in the arms of the Almighty God until we meet again!!!

Yaa wor odzogbaa!

Amen!