A Tribute to Professor Joe Mwangi

Words cannot adequately express our sorrow and grief about the passing of our friend, colleague, and brother, Joe Mwangi. Our thoughts race to the many memories we have of Joe. He was the most unforgettable character in our lives. He showed us Africa, the kind of Africa that the tourists or casual visitor never see. He introduced us to his many wonderful family and friends. He was always a perfect gentleman. He was nice and could talk to a President, Minister or a beggar in the streets. He was always encouraging, especially to his students. His students loved him and he would do anything for them. He had the respect of scientists, academia and the government for his work.

Kenya will not be the same for us without Joe but Kenya is in our blood, in our minds and in our hearts. He made sure of that. When we come back to Kenya and continue the work that he started everything we see will remind us of Joe. His laughter, his enthusiasm, his love of life the many places we visited.

Joe, Joe, Joe, we know your body rests here on the slopes of Mt. Kenya but Your spirit is everywhere, in our hearts, in the forests, at the sea, in the mountains and lakes of Kenya. Although we will feel pain and grief for many seasons our fond memories and the way you touched our lives will last forever.

God bless you, your family, your friends and the beautiful country of Kenya.

Denny Ward
Chuck Dull
Gerry Hertel
Keith Douce
Seif Madoffe
Barbara O'Connell
Art Siaway