Most important of all, Churchill loved God and was a disciple of Jesus. He shared his faith selflessly and lived a life that showcased Jesus.
Republished By Eugene Onyeji
Dr. Churchill Daberechi Onyeji was born on 16th of April 1963 to the family of Rosebury and Iris Onyeji in Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. He was the second of eight siblings and the first son of the family. He started his early education at St. Paul’s Primary school Nsukka in Enugu State Nigeria. He attended the esteemed Government College Secondary School in Owerri, Imo State where he graduated with distinction. He gained admission into the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka where he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Medicine and Surgery. He further obtained a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. In 2017 he came to Boston to pursue a fellowship in Emergency Medicine at Harvard Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center where he was a research fellow. He published many papers. He was also a certified Patient Safety professional. He was an excellent clinician who gave all his patients, whether rich or poor, the best possible care.
Churchill had a rich career beginning as an intern at the Military Hospital Benin. He moved on to join Hanoba Medical Center as a junior doctor before becoming the Medical Director of Women’s Medical Center. A greater call to service beckoned thereafter and he left Woman’s Medical Center to accept the role of Health Coordinator of United Nations High Commission for Refugees [UNHCR]. At UNHCR, Churchill’s large heart was always on display. His compassion for the displaced and vulnerable people under his care made him go above and beyond the normal call of duty as he was known to often provide the money for the prescription that he had just written for a patient that was in dire need. He empowered several of the female refugees with small grants to start small scale industries so that they can have a livelihood to feed their children. He worked tirelessly to resettle many of his patients in different countries facilitating a fresh start in life. Many of his former patients are still in touch after years of resettlement.
An intellectual and quick thinker, it was no wonder that he was an ardent chess player. Along with a friend of his, they founded a chess club in university. He was so good that even the computer at grand master level often had a tough time beating him! He was also an avid reader and loved listening to music.
Read Also: Tribute to my brother Churchill Onyeji
Most important of all, Churchill loved God and was a disciple of Jesus. He shared his faith selflessly and lived a life that showcased Jesus. He was a shining light in darkness. Like his Master, Jesus, he went around doing good. He could never see anybody in need and turn a blind eye. Many widows, orphans, friends, and associates are beneficiaries of his generosity. If you had a problem, Churchill would make sure he found a solution. Even on his sickbed, he was sending money to widows and finding jobs for people.
On a personal level Churchill was married to his heartthrob, Abimbola for almost 30 years. They were best friends and loved to travel the world together. They are blessed with two beautiful sons Chiazam (Samuel) and Kamsiyochukwu (Kamsi). Churchill was also a big brother to Stan, Ihoma, Chioma, Ijeoma, Chika and Nonye. He doted on his siblings like a father. He was more than an in-law to Tayo, Moji and Debo who saw him as the big brother they never had. He was a detribalized Nigerian and had friends all over the country. A loyal friend that proved to be more than a brother to too many to mention.
Even though our hearts are bleeding and there is a gaping hole that can never be filled, we are comforted that He has eternal life and rests in the bosom of His loving Heavenly Father. He would have indeed heard his Father say “welcome faithful and loyal servant. Enter into your rest!”
We love you but God loves you more! Till we meet again rest on!
Obsequies
Saturday 23rd July 2022
Viewing – 8.30am – 9.30am @ Robert J Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Center Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Funeral Service – 10 am @ First Baptist Church, 71 Bond Street, Norwood MA 02062
Internment follows @ The Gardens at Gethsemane, 670 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA 0213
Sourced from Tribute archive
