IN LOVING MEMORY
1962–2026
EULOGY FOR THE LATE MR. LAWRENCE OBLITEY
Bro OB • Brother Larry • Jaguar
23 April 1962 – 31 July 2026
Today, we gather with heavy hearts to celebrate and remember the life of a very special man our beloved Lawrence Oblitey, known to many as OB, Brother OB, Brother Larry, Uncle Lawrence, and Jaguar.
It is difficult to find the right words to describe someone whose life touched so many people in so many different ways. OB was a beloved husband, a devoted father, a cherished son, a caring brother, a loyal friend, and a generous colleague.
But perhaps the simplest and most fitting way to describe him is this: OB was a good man who cared about people.
Since his passing, this is the one description we have heard again and again: He was a good man.
And Lawrence did not need grand words or gestures to show that he cared. He showed it through the way he treated people.
OB had a generous heart. If he was out shopping and happened to see someone he knew, there were times when he would simply pay for their shopping. He never did it for praise or recognition. It was simply part of who he was.
On another occasion, a younger colleague mentioned that his grandmother was seriously ill in Nigeria and needed help with her hospital expenses. OB quietly stepped in and paid towards her care.
He was the kind of person who, when he heard that someone was struggling, would look for a way to help.
There is another story that captures his character perfectly. One day, OB saw an elderly woman struggling with her shopping bags. He helped her carry them and, rather than simply leaving once the bags had been delivered, stayed with her at the bus stop to make sure she was alright and safely on her way.
These moments tell us so much about OB. He noticed people, he cared about them, and he was willing to help.
OB was also a true people person. He was relatable, approachable, and easy to talk to. People felt comfortable around him, and he had a natural ability to connect with others.
He was a man filled with wisdom. When you were worried, upset, or facing a difficult situation, OB had a way of talking to you that could calm you down and help you see things differently.
Sometimes, you did not need him to solve your problem. You simply needed to talk to OB.
He could take a situation that seemed overwhelming and help you see it from another perspective. His words could bring calm, reassurance, and sometimes even a little laughter when you needed it most.
And laughter was certainly another part of who he was. OB's laugh was unmistakable—big, loud, and contagious. He had a wonderful sense of humour and a gift for telling stories, often adding his own exaggerations and playful touches that made them even more entertaining.
Those moments of laughter are memories that will stay with us.
Behind his humour and warmth was a man who worked hard and took his responsibilities seriously. He had a let's get it done attitude and could be relied upon to do what needed to be done.
Cooking was another way Lawrence showed his generosity. He loved preparing food and making sure people were fed. Nothing made him happier than seeing someone enjoy something he had cooked.
At work, he was hardworking, dependable, humble, and respected. His colleagues absolutely adored him, and those who worked alongside him knew they could count on him.
But above all else, family was at the heart of Lawrence's life.
He was the beloved husband of Vida, and together they were blessed with four children: Delores Jessie, Reginald Lawrence, Carl David, and Rhonda Hillary.
Lawrence loved his children deeply. They would probably say that he was not only their father, but also their friend. He worked hard to provide for them and wanted them to have every opportunity he could give them.
His children were a source of great pride, and through them, a part of OB will always live on.
He was also a devoted son to his beloved mother, Madam Jessie Ayiku OB was a self-confessed mummy's boy, and he called his mother every single day.
That daily call may have seemed like a simple routine, but it reflected the depth of the love and respect he had for his mother.
OB was also a man of faith. He was the first of his siblings to give his life to Christ and attend Church as a young boy, and he even served as an altar boy back in Ghana.
He loved the Lord, loved singing hymns, and remained connected to his faith throughout his life.
In November last year, OB made the decision to rededicate his life to Christ and returned to his church home, Arm of God International Churches, where he once again became a member.
His faith was important to him, and we take comfort in knowing that he returned to the Lord and that his hope was anchored in Christ.
Today, as we mourn, we can also give thanks for the life OB lived and for the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.
His legacy can be found not only in the big moments, but in the simple things he did:
A shopping bill quietly paid. A sick grandmother helped. An elderly woman safely accompanied to her bus. A colleague supported in a difficult moment. A meal prepared and shared.
A friend made to laugh. Children provided for. And a mother who received her daily call.
These are the quiet ways a person's legacy is built.
On 31 July 2026, at the age of 64, OB was called to glory. His passing has left a deep emptiness, and we are still coming to terms with the reality that he is no longer physically with us.
But today, we do not only mourn his passing. We celebrate the life he lived, the people he loved, and the difference he made.
We celebrate a husband, a loving father, a cherished son, a loyal friend, a dependable colleague, and a man whose kindness touched people in ways he may never have fully known.
You fought the good fight. You finished the race. You kept the faith.
Your voice may be silent now, and your laughter may no longer fill the room, but the love you gave, the wisdom you shared, and the kindness you showed will continue to speak for you.
Your memory will live on in Vida, your children, your mother, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and all those whose lives you touched.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, our beloved OB.
