Obituary of Uko T.

FUNERAL NOTICE SEASIDE UKO THOMPSON UKO SEPTEMBER 26, 1950 ? JANUARY 8, 2012 Uko Thompson Uko, 61, of Seaside passed away on January 8, 2012 at a local hospital. He was born on September 26, 1950 in Kaduna, Nigeria. Visitation: Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 12:00 p.m. ? 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monterey Chapel, 1 Forest Knoll Road, Monterey, California 93940. Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment at Mission Memorial Park, 1915 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside, California. Arrangements are under the direction of Seaside Funeral Home, 1915 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside, California. For more information please visit www.seasidefunerals.com. BIOGRAPHY OBITUARY Uko Thompson Uko (Aniema) was granted his angel wings on January 8th 2012. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Uko had touched in some ways throughout his short, yet very memorable life. Aniema?s life would seem too short to many, but those whom he touched understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His gentle smile lightens our heart and his wisdom reassures us that life is not that bad. He brought so much joy to our friends and family. He was born September 26, 1950, in Kaduna, Nigeria to Thompson Akpan Uko and Ekaette Uko. He was the first child of ten children. Aniema grew up in a home full of love and care. He enjoyed being the only child briefly until the family grew over the years. He graduated high school from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria. In high school he ran tracks, and set numerous school records in javelin, shot put and hurdles. He was the bandleader of the school music band. He performed several Motown, rock and roll, and country hits. He was a big fan of the late James Brown, Otis Redding, Elvis Presley, and The Temptations. He also performed with local Nigerian band including Chief Ebenezer Obey. He had a unique style of singing and dancing that earned him the nickname ?Young Otis Redding?. He joined the Nigerian Customs and Excise in 1972 and lived in various cities in Nigeria while working as a custom officer. He later retired in January 1997. In 2005 he relocated to Chatsworth, California to live with his brother Ekong and wife Cheryl. Living in the U.S. was an exciting experience for him. He was reacquainted with his nephews and nieces and other extended family members. He met and married Lynda Wirth in Fontana, California, on November 30th of 2006. Aniema and Lynda moved to Seaside, California in 2007. He was a devoted Christian and believed in Our Lord Jesus Christ. While living in his new community he became a member of the Mormon faith. Aniema loved serving the Lord. His interest included spending time with family, reading, dancing, singing, and physical fitness. Aniema was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ekauko and Imoh; and brother Ekerette (Charlie). He is survived by his wife Lynda, daughter Bosede and her spouse Abayomi, sons James and spouse Buki, and Itoro; brothers Ekong and spouse Cheryl, Barry, Ebong and spouse Bonsel, Imeh, and Anietia; sisters Lizzy Ekanem, Mfon Nwankwo, Uduak Uko and spouse Imeh, and Ima; and 4 grandchildren, Laughter, Precious, Emem, and James Jr.; several nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family members, and friends. We, the family of Aniema will like to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to all for your well wishes, cards, flowers, greetings and gifts. Special thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1st Ward, Seaside, California for supporting the family during this time of bereavement.