Cameroon Tribute to Fr Hubert Stockmann MHM

It is with deep sadness that we the members of the family of late Boniface Wimdzerem, learned of the death of a beloved priest Fr. Stockmann, His death reminds us that the passage of time never really heals the tragic memory of such a great loss, but we carry on, because we have to, because father would want us to, and because there is still light to guide us in the world from the love he gave us.

As we remember and commemorate the life of Fr. Stockmann; our lasting memories of him are simple: a hard-worker, passionate figure of strength who never waned in his love for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist every day, his love for his friends, duty conscious, decency, reliability, love for the poor, commitment to visiting the sick and in living a simple life style: these are all qualities that Fr. Stockmann not only held in high esteem, but practiced every day during his time on this earth. He did have his serious side, too, of course. He was a serious and disciplined priest, but he could never resist the opportunity to have a laugh and crack jokes with friends and loved ones.

As a priest who loved people, he gave endlessly to the needy; and was never a burden to the people he served in Cameroon which he so much loved. Although in his final years, we’d all moved on to different parts of the world, especially as he moved back to his native homeland of the Netherlands, that bond was never broken. Father kept in contact through phone calls and even though he lost his eye sight, he still managed to write letters; and our letters to him were often read to him by whoever was close to him at the time. He often lamented the fact that he left Cameroon. He had loved to die while in Cameroon where he would be close to those dear to his heart; unfortunately his health could not permit him to remain in Cameroon.

Fr. Stockmann had a deep faith and he leaves those of us who grieve his passing with the memories he gave, the good that he did, and the enduring image — the image of a priest who held on to his faith. We would like to thank God for the time we as a family were privileged to share with Fr. Stockmann; whose love for us as a family, will never be extinguished from our minds and hearts. May he find eternal rest in the hands of the merciful Father!

The family of the late Mr. Boniface Wimdzerem in Buea, Cameroon: Mrs. Anna Bushu Wimdzerem and children: Delphine Vinyu, Fr. Sylvester Ponjé MHM, Adeline Kinyuy, Albert Bongbi and Bernard Wimdzerem,