On Saturday, 13th March 2021, John Mark Odeke, loving husband, father, brother, son and a friend passed on aged 53.
John was born on 17th July 1967 to Christopher and Esther Odeke. He was the sixth child and their first son. His parents were so thrilled to have a son that they gave him the names of the three apostles in Bible; John, Mark and Peter and more names including ‘Tabu’ and ‘Matata’ which he lived up to as a child.
John met the love of his life, Evelyn, when they were at University and they have twin sons, Isaac and Christopher.
John was a curious and an adventurous child. 1n 1971 at age four, upon return of the family from Kenya to Uganda, John wandered off unnoticed while at Kampala Railway Station. Several hours later when it was discovered that he was missing from the rest of the family, his mother went back to the railway station and found him in the company and engaged in conversation with a railway policeman. John’s explanation for his whereabouts was that he had gone to explore the trains, the rail lines and meet the people who worked there. That was his welcome to Uganda and to Kampala, the city he would call home for many years.
John was also very accident prone. At 6 years of age, he had his first major accident when a car hit him outside his school, and he broke his arm. He was very proud to wear a cast almost like a badge of honour.
John attended East Kololo Primary School in Kampala and St Peter’s College, Tororo for Secondary School. He then went on to Makerere University where he completed a BA in Political Science and Philosophy in 1994.
John also completed a Master’s in Business Administration from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) as well as a diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. At the time of his death, John was pursuing a PhD in Marketing.
Whilst at Makerere University, John was a resident of Lumumba Hall where he held various positions such as LC Chairman, Member of the Guild Electoral Commission; Member of the Guild Students Council for two consecutive terms, Secretary for Defense Council 1, Vice Chairman hall disciplinary committee l, Vice-captain rugby and volleyball teams.
At one point, John also tried boxing which was short lived. He had recently tried working out at home and bought himself some gym equipment, but God knows how many times he actually exercised!
After graduating from University, John started his career at the New Vision Printing and Publishing Corporation where he worked for two years as a sub-editor/proofreader.
He then moved on to Service & computer industries limited where he worked for 21 years starting as a Sales Supervisor and rising to the position of Chief Operations Officer.
From 2017, he was Executive Director of Zubacx, IT Technology vendor.
John was a devout Catholic. He lived his faith and was the epitome of the ‘good Samaritan’.
John was a humble larger-than-life man with a kind heart. He was known for his quirky sense of humour, his infectious smile, and compassionate spirit.
John was born with the gift of the gab and was very learned. He was a good conversationalist and liked to debate and discuss ideas. He had a lot of friends from all walks of life. He loved people and always felt at home in many situations. He was a man of the people and a pillar in his family and Community.
He was a great and loving father; his sons were his life. He has an adopted daughter who was the apple of his eye.
John was proud to be Kumam and he wanted so much to give back to his community. He was involved in local community education and economic empowerment initiatives including Kabersolot, Isoma ber and Palma Foundation.
John was preceded in death by his father, Christopher, his mother Esther, his sisters Bernadette, Helen and Jennipher. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, two sons, two brothers, four sisters, two nephews, a niece and several cousins, aunts, uncles; and an extended family of relations and friends.
John belongs to two large Kumam Clans – The Igoria and Atek clans from Kaberamaido District.
We were blessed to have had John in our lives and we give thanks to God for his life. We learnt many valuable lessons from John during his 53 years. He will forever be missed but his legacy will live on.
Thank you all for joining us in celebrating his life. We pray he is with the angels in heaven.
Thursday 18th March 2021: There will be Requiem Mass at Namugongo Catholic Shrine at 11 00am and thereafter Vigil at the Late’s home in Kiwanga.
Friday 19th March 2021: Body leaves Kiwanga for Kaberamaido, Mass at Gwetom Catholic Church, Kaberamaido at 2. 00pm. Vigil thereafter at the ancestral home in Olelai, Kaberamaido.
Saturday 20th March 2021: Burial at Olelai-Kaberamaido beginning with speeches at 10.00am and Mass at 12.00Noon.
21 Condolences for JOHN MARK ODEKE
Condolences(21)
SUZAN ENGWENYU says
March 17, 2021 at 4:59 pmYou were one in a million my Brother. You were a Root to the Family. You were a friend to many. Your Humor will be missed forever. You went to soon and left avacuum that can never be filled but I know you are in a better place. Fair Thee Well until we meet again . May your soul rest in eternal peace and glory in Jesus mighty name I pray Amen.
Sr. Stella Rose Acen says
March 18, 2021 at 3:04 pmMy heartfelt condolence to you and the entire family!
May God rest his soul in eternal peace 🙏🏼.praying for you during this trying moment.
Nandita Das says
March 17, 2021 at 5:03 pmMr odeke rest in peace…u were true gentleman we have learnt so many things from u…rest in peace.
Grace Ajulong says
March 17, 2021 at 9:51 pmMr Odeke, your where like a father/Big brother to many of us.You mentored many of us,you were a very hardworking man ,you would talk and advise whoever could come to you .Your attributes are endless. You loved your GOD. May the Almighty God receive your soul in peace ..
Maureen Awoto says
March 17, 2021 at 5:08 pmGone too soon! You gave me my first job after Campus and mentored me. I can’t thank you enough. You will forever be missed dear Uncle. Fare thee well my mentor!
Okello Stephen Andrew says
March 17, 2021 at 5:10 pmRest well John and may the all mighty receive you warmly with love and kindness
Habib Salum says
March 17, 2021 at 5:37 pmWe offer you our thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this very difficult time in your lives.
Susan says
March 17, 2021 at 5:52 pmFare thee well John Mark Odeke. I learnt alot from you as a supervisor. Will live to remember you john.
Ewinu Ewinu says
March 17, 2021 at 6:06 pmRest In Peace, the Lord gives and he takes
Obongonyinge Albert says
March 17, 2021 at 8:08 pmFare thee well John.
Gone too soon, but we accept God’s Will.
May HE watch over your family.
Jude Kato says
March 17, 2021 at 8:37 pmMay Mr.John Mark Odeke’s Soul rest in eternal peace now and forever more, Amen,
God keep Family, relatives, friends strong.
Amen
Moses Eriyau says
March 17, 2021 at 8:47 pmDear Uncle it’s so sad that today u are no more. U single handedly contributed to who i am today forever I remain indebted to leave to your expectations. Your words remains so fresh on my mine and will always. You left for your journey promising that you we will link up when u are back, I could not imagine that God needed u so first than anyone of us expected.
Your contribution will shine forever Uncle. We will forever miss u my dear Uncle and RIP ma lovely Uncle
Moses Eriyau says
March 17, 2021 at 9:39 pmWords can’t describe what we are going through due to your sudden death Uncle. We indeed lost an icon and the gap left behind will never be filled up. With deep pain RIP my dear Uncle
Amuriat David says
March 17, 2021 at 10:55 pmU have been and icon of peace and solidarity. U will forever be in our hearts. Rest eternally
John B. Aliga says
March 18, 2021 at 12:09 amMay God the Almighty extend His comforting hands upon the family and friends. And may you rest with the Angels John. Eternal rest grant into to him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
Thomas Otobi says
March 18, 2021 at 4:49 pmA giant has trully fallen. Rest in peace John
John Paul Eremu says
March 18, 2021 at 6:29 pmDear folks,
John Bull, as we fondly called him, was a true gift from God. He remained calm even in the most charged and controversial moments. Whenever, he opened his mouth and spoke, every word would be laden with wisdom and everybody would be calmed. I never ever saw him angry. For that reason, everybody loved him. He and Evelyn welcomed everybody to their home. MHSRIP.
Gloria Khisa says
March 18, 2021 at 10:00 pmJohn, you will dearly be missed! However, your beautiful legacy will live on. May The Good Lord comfort your family. RIP
Eng Joseph Oriono Eyatu says
March 19, 2021 at 8:38 amA loss of husband and close relative comes with a lot of challenges and pain. John you have gone too soon but we that God for time we shared together. May almighty God protect your family and rest your soul in eternal peace.
Fr Simon Peter Engorait says
April 8, 2021 at 7:00 amI am shocked and saddened to learn about the passing of John. I met John in Tororo College and were together until Lumumba, MUK. It was in MUK that I got to know Evelyn.
After MUK we would bump on each other from time to time.
Evelyn, please accept my condolences. I will offer Mass for the repose of his soul.
God bless
Hassan Mubiru says
May 31, 2021 at 5:57 pmKitalo..Rest in Peace my Freind
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