Vincent, N. Che "Sante", the first of 7 siblings was born on January 19th 1956 in Nkongsamba Cameroon to late Joseph Che and Mary B Chenjo. The family then moved to Bamenda where he spent his early childhood and started elementary education at Azire II Catholic School. He went on to Sacred Heart’s College Bamenda (SAHECO) then to Cameroon College of Arts Science and Technology (CCAST) Bambili. After graduating from CCAST, he returned to SAHECO to help groom the next generation of proud SHESANS as a science instructor. After a few years he moved to the USA and attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMASS Lowell) then onto Northeastern University where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.
He worked at Thermo-Fisher Orion up until present. He met his wife of 30 plus years Phoebe Eckfeldt of Cambridge Mass and together they had Azah, Chi, Fru and Keenan. Santay as he was widely called amongst his family and close friends, was known for his effervescent and easy smile, a gregarious personality, immense generosity and a quiet demeanor. He was also known for his insightful, thoughtful, and inspirational anecdotes. These qualities led those around him to ask "Have you talked to Santay? What does he think about it?" as they often seek his advice and opinion.
He was an ardent student of Traditional/Cultural beliefs and rites. He was elected president of Mankon social and cultural group MACUDA which he led fervently up until present. He was frequently seen decked out in his traditional attire for formal gatherings. He was also the President of Sacred Hearts exstudents Associate in the early 2000's.Sante was an avid sports fan, sportsman and consummate athlete. He loved every and any athletic adventure but soccer was his passion. He was a starter in all squads though out his elementary, secondary, and high school career. He continued to play intramural and pick-up games until he got gimpy knees; yet you'd be advised to wear shin guards while watching a game with him as he "kicked" every ball on TV - He even joined the pre-military officers recruitment program as a teen out SAHECO just so that he could don a 35 pound backpack and jog for miles, crawl under barbed wire and fire off a few rounds from a rifle. It was difficult for him the past year when he got ill yet he insisted on keeping active work schedule in-between hospital visits.
You were an unstoppable spirit and may you continue to enlighten and inspire those that you left behind with your warm thoughtfulness and generosity. You will be missed every day. You were a great Husband, Dad Son, and Brother. He leaves behind Phoebe, Azah, Chi, Fru, Keenan, Mother Mami Mary Che, Chris, Theresa, Josephine, Philomena, Micheal, Stella; the Che and the Chenjo Family and the extensions plus so many friends.
Prayers:
"...The lord is thy keeper; the lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul... thy going and coming from this time and for evermore."
"Lord make me an instrument of peace. Where there is hatred let me soon love; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy".