Tributes From OMFA Worldwide Discussion Forum
Marju Mansaray
July 11, 1956 – July 31, 2009
“Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”
Macbeth
OLD MAKENI FRANCISCANS ASSOCIATION (OMFA)
NO TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
GONE ARE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE
THROUGH THAT DARK TUNNEL THAT ALL MUST TRAVEL
THE CALL THAT MUST BE ANSWERED
COMMAND THAT MUST BE OBEYED
NO TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
LITERARY, LINGUISTIC, ERUDITE MARJU: TRUE FRANCISCAN
OF WHAT USE TO DEATH ARE YOU?
RUDE, OBTRUSIVE, INSENSITIVE DEATH: RUTHLESS INVADER
OF WHAT USE IS OUR MARJU TO YOU?
WE SCREAM OUT AND SEEK AN ANSWER
BUT MARJU AND DEATH UNITED
WOULD NOT SPEAK TO US
THE PILE OF BOOKS YOU DEVOURED
THE FOLDED NEWSPAPER YOU ALWAYS CARRIED
THE LIVELY OUTDOOR CHATS WITH CHERISHED PALS
AND THE NEVER ENDING INTELLECTUAL DELIBERATIONS
LITTLE MIGHT THEY MEAN TO YOU NOW
THE OTHER SIDE MUST BE COLD AND QUIET
BUT YOU ARE BLEST WITH ENOUGH HUMAN WARMTH
AND THIS SHOULD CARRY YOU THROUGH
AND WHAT IF THERE ARE NO BOOKS AND PENS THERE?
DEAR MARJU,
IN GOD’S GOODNESS WE TRUST YOU NOW RESIDE
TOUCHED ETERNALLY BY HIS DIVINE HAND
SO DEAR MARJU,
SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP
SLEEP THE SLEEP OF THE PEACEFUL
EDWARD SESAY (TEDSON) LONDON, UK
THAT WAS MARJU
TINY EYES, RED EYES: THAT WAS MARJU
CALM, QUIET AND FRIENDLY: THAT WAS MARJU
TALENTED, UNASSUMING, INSPIRATIONAL: THAT WAS MARJU
It is indeed with great shock and sorrow that we learnt of the sad departure of one of St Francis’ greatest talents- Mr Marju Mansaray who amongst some close friends was fondly known as Al Maj. Death indeed is no respecter of persons and every individual is destined to travel along that undesirable but inevitable road.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met Marju, first at St Francis and some years later at Fourah Bay College. Marju was not only my academic senior in both institutions, but a source of great inspiration. While he lived, little would he himself have realised what great inspiration he was to many of us and to what great levels he catapulted our lives by making him the man whose academic success at St Francis and FBC we always wanted to emulate.
Years back while in the English and Literature classes of Mr James Koroma (former teacher and principal at St Francis) some of us would often go to Mr Koroma to complain that he had not been liberal in awarding marks in his assignments and tests. Mr Koroma always had a ready made answer for us. He would say, “Mediocre work can only get mediocre rewards. You people are lazy. You do not work hard like some of my past pupils. To deserve my marks, write like Marju Mansaray.” Mr J B Koroma was, in my St Francis days, saying to us about our work, “Write it like Marju, just like the modern football world will say, “Bend it like Beckham.”
To our great teachers like the late M.A. Jalloh, and JB Koroma now living in Canada, the only way to help us measure our academic inadequacies was to make us realise the wide gap in our learning between us and people like Marju. To me in particular, and without doubt, to many of my peers, the name Marju was a synonym of success especially in the areas of Literature and English.
I became a student at FBC in 1980 when Marju was already making his mark in the English department of the university. Being that devoted disciple of Marju, I took up the challenge of studying for a degree in English, the department being headed then by the great Dr Prof Eustace Palmer (Doc P. ) The going did occasionally get tough during our studies in the department and often, I would run to Marju and tell him of my plan to quit English and choose another discipline. Marju would first of all rub his tiny red eyes and quietly say, “You must be kidding. I know you can survive the rigours of the course; your only problem being a lack of confidence in yourself."
He would then add, “In our Arts Faculty, tell me which other subjects beside English and French will you graduate in that will make you feel really proud?” I knew Marju never meant to cry down subjects like Geography, History, Biblical and Religious Studies and a few others. It was his own way of encouraging other Franciscans to follow his example of excelling in the English Language discipline. Moreover, he would say, if you are stuck, come over and we will work together. I would then return to my Block M room with a change of mind and a determination to hang on.
When Doc P’s Literature and Mr Adjai Coomber’s Linguistics assignments caused me nagging headaches and nightmares, those who knew me frequently observed me rushing across to Block H where Marju held Literature and Linguistic clinics for those of us whose academic souls needed immediate therapies. Calmly but confidently, Marju would “dissect” and analyse for us what hitherto would have appeared to us the most untouchable poems or passages that needed “linguistic appreciation”. We would then return to our rooms feeling relieved, relaxed and disentangled. I personally would say, “having got this much needed help, I will today dash down town to Sonny Marke (many of you will know this popular beer spot in the heart of Freetown), have a few pints of beer and see my girlfriend.”
To those of us privileged to have been inspired by Marju, his departure from us is like the bright sun being extinguished and the night sky losing its stars. Of what use to death is our talented and inspirational Marju? I wish he had lived on to fully enjoy his achievements. I am however confident that he will continue to be inspirational even posthumously.
Many will argue that there is nothing in life when you consider that life can be taken away in an instant irrespective of our dreams, aspirations or achievements. When we worry so much about our personal success even to the point of engineering the downfall of others, little do we realise that life is nothing but a stage where we sojourn only briefly and exit to the other side. Remember the famous soliloquy of Shakespeare’s Macbeth?
“Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”
Indeed, life is brief and a man’s role in it is limited. Marju lived briefly leaving behind elder brothers like Cherie in the US and Taqi in the UK. But I am sure Marju knew and appreciated the meaning of life: the truth that life is nothing and the need therefore to be in peace with others. Marju was a harmless man of peace who only had a smile and compliments to give away. He was not a perfect man. He had his weaknesses and limitations but without which he would not have been the Marju we knew and loved.
We will miss Marju’s sharp intelligence, astonishing wit, his quiet but inventive sense of humour. May his soul be granted eternal peace and may those he has left behind, wife and children, his brothers including Ali Mansaray (S/Leone’s Deputy Min. of Agric) his sisters and every family member have the strength and courage to cope with this great loss.
Edward Sesay (Tedson)
London, UK.
It is ironical that my first participation in the Forum is today and from a sad note. May I on behalf of OMFA (SL), extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mansaray family for the loss of a father, husband, son, brother and a friend. Marju was indeed a lovely, harmless and intelligent person, who expressed his talent (amongst others) in journalism. He served CCSL with dedication and defended her fearlessly when it was necessary. In 2001, I intimated him that he could one day become the Peter Pen of Sierra Leone in Journalism, if only he would become more extrovert and could reach out to more people.
I’ve already talked with Ali Mansaray (OMFA_SL VP) twice and OMFA (SL) will participate fully in the funeral services of Late Marju Mansaray, which will be on Wednesday. May his soul rest in peace. ’Shared sorrow is half sorrow and shared joy is double joy’
Siray Alpha Timbo
OMFA National President
Visiting USA
Marju Mansaray was one of my very best students in my sixth form Literature class and was among the first set of Literature students. I had the opportunity of teaching him English Language in forms four and five and then at A-Level classes. He was quiet but very effective, well disciplined and focused.
James B. Koroma – Former Teacher (Forms 4 – 6)
Winnipeg, Canada
Those to whom we say farewell, are welcomed by others – Author Unknown
Good people never live long, and as the old saying goes, "God calls early those he loves." This saying should be seen as true testimony of the late Marju Mansaray.
He was one of my sixth form students in the late 70s and I can still recall him as an unassuming, taciturn student with a gift of intellect, a quality he displayed during his student days both at school and at university.
Always smiling, and ,as one of the best students of sixth form History and Government of his time, Marju was endowed with a powerful gift of memory, and a fast learner, as reflected in his essay writings both at exam time as well as in assignments. It was therefore no surprise when I started reading his powerful articles on local newspapers years back as an indication that the late Marju had entered the profession that suited him best.
The news of his demise should sadden every Franciscan and teachers of his old school. At this stage, I wish to join his many friends world-wide, OMFA as a whole to express my deepest sympathy to his wife and child, his brothers and sisters both at home and abroad for this irreparable loss to the family. They should take consolation and feel comforted from the good Marju has done in his life time, remembering that the world is a theatre where everyone is an actor, and as soon as one’s role is over, he quits the stage. No time for an ’encore presentation’. The Almighty God has greater need for Marju at this point in time than his family or friends.
Anthony Kamara (Snr) -Former Sixth Form teacher.
Winnipeg, Canada
It’s sad to lose someone like Marju at this time but death is inevitable and will come at any time. Marju and I sat in the same class and were in the same dormitory at Saint Francis. I always teased him about his tiny eyes and ask him during study period, Marju, can you see what you are reading? He will look at me and just smile. Marju is very intelligent and I used to admire his perfect handwriting.
As a contemporary and schoolmate, any time his name comes up, I am reminded of one incident between us at Saint Francis: It was mid morning on a Monday when both skipped our Math class and "broke bounds" to downtown. Unfortunately, on our way back to campus, R. A. Kanu, the then principal, saw us with his red Volkswagen around Yiks Road. I tried to hide in the tall grassy area but couldn’t and Marju ran away. Well, R. A. Kanu caught me and asked who the other boy was. I had no choice but to call Marju’s name. That same day we were expelled from boarding home at fifth form. We have lost a scholar and a friend. My condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace!
Ibrahim Sanusi (Lilly Bun)
To say I was shocked and saddened to learn of Marju’s death will be an understatement. Death can be indeed cruel at times. Marju was a fine, quite and intelligent gentleman with a good sense of humour. He was a journalist and a communicator whose desire for professionalism was admirable. I even drew inspiration from him to be a journalist when I was a high school pupil at St. Francis and living then at Mathanko Street. He was indeed one of the few journalists I used to admire. May God grant him eternal rest and may his soul and the souls of all fallen Franciscans rest in perfect peace. My heart goes out to the bereaved family, especially his brother, our charismatic vice president and deputy minister of agriculture, Alie Mansaray.
James Tamba Lebbie
Ohio University,
Athens, Ohio.
Marju was a perfect gentleman. I spent a lot of time with him after he graduated from FBC, because we both initially refused to accept any teaching job due to personal reasons. Marju was a man of his words, and a no nonsense person.
Albakry Koroma
Maryland, USA
I am saddened by the untimely death of Alpha Marju Mansaray. Marju, by no means, one of the brightest sons of Makeni, and most gentle and unassuming of all the Makeni descendants I know. I would like to express, on behalf of my family and all my Nabe siblings condolences to his wife and children, his brothers: Mr. Ibrahim Taqi Mansaray and family in London, Mr. Sulaiman Chernoh Mansaray and Family in Reading. PA. Mr. Alie Mansaray and family in Sierra Leone, His Sisters Capt. Isata Mansaray of the SLMF, and Ya Fathu Mansaray and Mother Or’ Komra. This is a great loss to the family and to all Bombalians, more especially the Old Makeni Franciscans all over the World. He is also survived by so many nephews, nieces, and cousins in Makeni, Freetown, London and USA.
We pray that God grant him Eternal Bliss and forgive him his mistakes, May his Soul rest in peace.
Mohamed Aziz Nabe
New Jersey, USA
It’s indeed another sad loss in the OMFA family where bereavement has been the HEADLINES in the forum. God the Almighty is the giver and taker. Times like these are not the best ones as we continue to share our tributes and condolences for our beloved ones.
On behalf of OMFA UK/Ireland branch, I would like to express our shock and sincere condolences to Mr Ali Mans and family for the loss of a dear loving brother, son, father, nephew and uncle.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Charles S. Kamara
London, England
The thoughts of Marju will never be forgotten by any Franciscan that knew him in the 70’s. He was just a funny guy. I remember when we used to escape classes (way we bin dae kek from class) behind the toilets to go down town. We will all miss him.
Patrick E. Kamara
Maryland, USA
I would like to deviate from my normal practice of contacting the family directly and offer my condolences to the Mansaray family. I think I have crossed Marju before and remember a perfect gentleman.
Joseph Marah
California, USA
Don’t weep at my grave,
For I am not there,
I’ve a date with a butterfly,
To dance in the air.
I’ll be singing in the sunshine,
Wild and free,
Playing tag with the wind,
While I am waiting for thee.
(Author Unknown)
Editor’s note: The late Marju Mansaray(photo) was a dear friend, brother and professional colleague, one of the finest journalists Sierra Leone has ever produced. The last time I saw him was in 1997 when I went to Makeni (his home town) to do a story for a foreign news organ. ECOMOG fighter jets were bombing the town, screaming in from their base at Lungi. The inhabitants were confused and terrified beyond imagination. Marju (then freelancing) and Emmanuel Turay of Radio Maria (now studying in Kenya) and Jonathan Kamara (deceased) of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) were the perfect hosts, taking me to the places I wanted to visit and the people I wanted to interview.
A worried-looking Paramount Chief Kasongha was one of the people I interviewed at the Makeni Town Hall surrounded by local government officials who were still collecting market dues to provide basic services like electricity and garbage disposal. I also met senior civil servants still working in their offices in colonial-style buildings on a small hill not far from the Makeni-Kono highway. Ex-president Kabbah, who had been overthrown and had fled to Guinea, called them collaborators and traitors. He promised to severely punish them when he returned from exile and he eventually did, according to reports.
There were also foreign and local doctors and nurses at the government hospital ( engulfed by misery, pain and death). Foreign aid workers were running up and down, feeding the hungry and healing the sick. I was amazed by the resilience and fortitude of those guys.
Marju, who used to call me "Mister", overwhelmed me with hospitality during that trip and we used to chat at his home late into the night while listening to constant threats and vituperations from Kabbah, his acolytes and ECOMOG commanders on the BBC. Marju was very upset by the suffering imposed on his people in Makeni by pro and anti-government forces. Marju and I were at Fourah Bay College together and studied English at the feet of the erudite Professor Eustace Palmer. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Gibril Koroma
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