Paul Muwumber Blay-Morkeh Jnr, fondly called Papa Morkeh, Paa Morkeh, PM, PA, Papa Blay, Ray, Dad, grandpa, Uncle Papa and Papa by all loved ones was born in Sekondi, Ghana on Wednesday 24th September 1947 to Paul Muwumber Blay-Morkeh Snr and Raymonde Berrard later known as Raymonde Blay-Morkeh, both of blessed memory. He was the second child of his parents and the first son of his father.  Papa grew up in Sekondi and attended Catholic Boys School, Essaman, where his mother was the headteacher. He lived with his family in Sekondi until his fatherrelocated to Accra in 1958 after which he spent his vacations with his siblings and mother in Accra until 1962 when they all relocated permanently to Accra. In Sekondi, Papa and his family attended St. Paul’s Pro Cathedral each Sunday where he served faithfully as a mass server until he went to secondary school. After his common entrance examination at Catholic Boys School, Papa continued his secondary education in St Augustine’s Secondary School in Cape Coast from form one to form five where he undertook and completed his Ordinary Level education and successfully passed his exams. He lived in Accra until he moved to London in 1972 to further his education at South West London College in Tooting where he studied Economics.

On completion of his course, he embarked on various job opportunities in London and later decided to train as a fitness instructor which he enjoyed for many years. He was always advising family and friends on their fitness and proud to show off his skills to them. Always watched fitness shows whenever he could.

He loved sports generally especially football. His favourite team was Manchester United but unfortunately, he never had the chance to visit Old Trafford.

He loved Nike clothing, trainers, track suits , tank tops, shorts, the lot. Most of his clothing items always Nike and he was very proud of owning them. What a collection he had! He wasn’t a suit person but when it came to going out or even at home, he’d wear joggers and track suits and that made him feel good (I can see the smile on his face) when you say, PA you’re looking good and he’ll respond, “just do it”. He loved dressing up in his track suits which were unique. He was a sports person and would always discuss sports whenever you called him, or he’d call and ask “have you heard the news. ….”?

He was also interested in fast cars. Always watched programmes showing fast cars and talked about it whenever anyone came round or called who was also interested.

Papa was also an avid music lover, especially Jazz.  Over the years he acquired a good collection of music albums. He got the nickname “Ray” because of Ray Charles who was his idol in his teens and would wear the same style sunglasses as him.

Papa met his wife Dedjitnu Asfaw in 1975 and got married on 15th April 1976. They welcomed their first child, Yonas, on 13th May 1981 and their second child, Shewaye, on 31st December 1983. He adored his grandchildren, Ava-Jean, Bodie and another on the way from Yonas and Soleil and Cassiel from Shewaye, very much and never stopped talking about them.  Always very happy seeing them. They brought so many smiles of joy to his face. He’ll greatly be missed by them all.

It was very unfortunate that Papa, over the years, suffered immensly with heart issues and sadly, on Sunday 16 June 2024 he was taken away despite his strong fight to remain with us. We have lost a big part of our hearts, but we are rest assured knowing that heaven has gained an angel. 

We love you Papa.  




 - INFO SURROUNDING THE DAY -
 
Please arrive at the London Road cemetery at 1 pm prompt so we can start the service at 1.30pm.  We then invite you to celebrate the life of Papa, after the burial, at the following venue:

The Grange Restaurant
Beddington Park
London Road
Wallington
SM6 7BT

Please note there are three parking entrances into The Grange, with lots of parking spaces.  The Grange staff have asked for all guests attending the building to ensure they enter their registration number on the ipads provided inside the venue.

Further information regarding the full service below.


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