I first met Ellis back in 1983 at Aggrey Memorial School in 6th form. He was a very tiny boy — and very, very jovial. We were in the same house and prefects’ dormitory, and that’s when I really got to know him. One unforgettable memory? Ellis would head to the kitchen, scoop out some ash from the coal pot in the dining hall, mix it with toothpaste, and — voilà! — we suddenly had a makeshift shaving cream. What I’ll always associate with Ellis is that wide smile and constant stream of jokes. He’s always happy and spreading that joy wherever he goes. If I had to sum up our bond in one word: Awesome. Because that’s exactly what it’s been like knowing him all these years. Happy birthday, Ellis. May this day bring you the kind of joy you so generously give to everyone else. I pray that God richly blesses you in everything you do. Kwabena Darko The Aidoo family met Uncle Ellis several years ago. A memorable experience was when Uncle Ellis visited and stayed over at our home in London. We cooked, ate, and had fun just chatting and sharing jokes. His wonderful sense of humour always brings a smile to my face. You can bet on him to say something funny when it’s least expected. One word to sum up our bond: Genuine. May God grant him many more happy years in health and wealth, and may all the desires of his heart be met in Jesus’s name. Selasi Aidoo Too long ago to remember when we first met, but I do remember thinking he seemed very serious — how very wrong! So many memories come to mind, but one comedy encounter will always stand out. We had gone to a restaurant for lunch, and the waitress asked if he would like fish, chicken, or beef stew. He asked for fish — they didn’t have it. Then beef — they didn’t have it. Finally chicken — they also didn’t have it. He then asked, “So you’re asking me to order something you don’t actually have?” She politely confirmed this without a trace of irony, but his long, bemused stare and huge bellowing laugh after she left will live with me forever. A funny and quirky trait of Ellis’s is his deadpan humour, delivered with the straightest of faces, always followed by a quiet, infectious smile. If I could sum up our bond in one phrase, it would be: the provider of eternal optimism… for a myriad of reasons. My birthday wish for you, Ellis, is that you never lose the ability to encourage and inspire — it is the rarest of things. Sheba & Petr Gilbert has known Ellis since their KNUST days, but I first met him in the year 2000 when we moved into Jogis Estates from Koforidua — and I’ve loved him since. There are too many memorable moments to count, but our poolside escapades have always stood out. If you know, you know! His sense of humour is unmatched. He’ll crack an extremely funny joke with a straight face while the rest of us are in uncontrollable stitches. If we had to sum up our bond with Ellis in one word, it would be brother — simply put. Ellis, we thank God for your life and all that you mean to us. Age in grace, love, and wisdom. Happy 60th birthday! Gilbert & Anna Buckle The Birthday Journal 23 E L L I S AT 6 0
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