Tribute To A Fallen Brother

 *DIASPORA DISCOURSE* 

with Davison Muropa

 *Service Truly Immaculate -  A Tribute To A Fallen Brother* 

This week I draw a line under the promotion to glory of my brother Leonard. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace. 

He would have turned 69 on Wednesday the 25th; but sezvakatarwa, this was not to be. 

So we thank God for the pleasure of having Baba Taa for 68 years, 10 months, 1 week and 4 days. 

He lived a full and  productive life and leaves behind his dear Alice, three sons and six grandchildren. 

And he leaves for them his lovely home in Chipadze Township, Bindura with its lovely vegetable laden garden  well manicured lawns; with plenty fruit trees as well as his loved road- runners and tsuros. 

He was a real hands on workaholic who “should” have made it big in farming. But he never liked big, preferring to work remarkable wonders round his Chipadze household. 

He will be remembered by many students he taught at Chinyika School, at Trojan, at the Bindura Salvation Army School, and at Chipadze Primary.  

He will also be fondly remembered by the many bandsmen he mentored at Mutare Corps, Howard Institute and at Bindura Citadel and Division. 

Some of them like Balti Mudepu have gone on to become renowned trumpeters and  musicians. 

Many songsters will affectionately remember his no nonsense sense of perfection and his beaming smile when it all finally came together. 

I hope the Salvation Army in Bindura will collect his many invaluable music papers and compile them into a historic collection for use throughout the coming years, decades, centuries and millenia. 

We have lost a brother, father, husband, Sekuru, muzukuru who we will remember and cherish with fondness. 

The Salvation Army has lost a hard working, faithful and gallant soldier, bandmaster and Songster Leader. 

Go well brave and faithful soldier and may you receive your fitting heavenly crown. Sleep well my dear brother.