Here is a memorial for the late James Nyawuto Sr.
Elder
James Daniel Kwame Nyawuto was born in Togo, West Africa in 1941. He and his family later moved to Accra, Ghana
where he spent his formative years. He enjoyed his life there and spoke fondly
of his upbringing.
But
he was adventuresome. He applied and was
accepted as a student at McGill University in 1963 and graduated in 1967. His father died during his third year but he
continued his studies supported by his mother, Rose. He was very close with his
mother of whom he spoke very fondly.
James became a Canadian citizen in
1974 and he worked in Canada until his return to Ghana in 1976. During those
early years in Canada he began to attend University Presbyterian Church and
became active in church activities as well as the Ghanaian community.
He returned to Canada in 1992,
leaving behind his wife Patience and only son, James Jr. James renewed his membership and activities
in University Presbyterian Church and he was delighted to sponsor to Canada his
son, James Jr., who is himself this September enrolled in the Master of
Divinity Program at Knox College, U of T !
James was a genuine, sincere
and faithful Christian who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. To that end he was a tireless
church and community volunteer. He was inducted
as Elder into the University Presbyterian Church Session in 2007. During these last 10 years, he served as
Treasurer at a pivotal time in the life of the church and was a Chair of the
Property Committee. He loved Christian
music and raised his bass voice as a longtime member of the UPC choir.
James was nominated and served
at first as Alternate and as Representative Elder to the Presbytery of West
Toronto, a post he held for nearly 5 years.
Despite his failing health, he faithfully attended, often using the TTC even
in inclement weather to attend general and committee meetings and seminars.
At the same time, he became the
Tenant Representative for his Toronto Community Housing building. His crowning achievement was advocating with
the City constantly until the City finally agreed to the beautification of the
entire driveway and grounds of his building so improving the morale of all
residents.
James was a principled man and
he stood for what he believed in, no matter the outcome. He would not “side with
the crowd” because it would be popular to do so nor “bend to the wind” whenever
issues he believed in were concerned.
His “Yes” was “Yes” and his “No” was “No” and this came after thoughtful
soul searching.
James’s life embodied the
scripture “Love your neighbor as thyself.” This compelled him to invite many to
UPC who still are members of UPC. He helped
many in difficulty with advice, money, goods and support. For those reasons, he
was loved by many.
Despite a worsening of his serious
illness, James continued to participate as best he could in church and
community activities. Against all odds
and advice and with his belief in life everlasting and faith that God was with
him, he travelled to Ghana alone a number of times to be with friends and
family. It was there, that James,
just as he was about to fly back to Canada, became gravely ill and passed away
peacefully in his home Country of Ghana with his family near.
And God said welcome “good and
faithful servant”
May the Lord Bless him with eternal
life.
