Ukeme “Mighty” Nyong was born November 25, 1986 in Lagos, Nigeria to parents Okon and Theresa Nyong. Mighty left this world on November 18, 2019.
Growing up in a family of 7 children, Mighty learned early the art of observation and taking in his surroundings before offering a thoughtful response. Growing up in such a busy and love-filled household shaped Mighty into the caring, gentle, thoughtful man that we have all come to know and love. Mighty was the kindest of all the siblings, which was always readily admitted by his parents, brothers and sisters. To quote Mighty’s father, “Mighty would have been the best kind hearted, who would have been there for us in our old age”. Mighty’s mum said he was “One too pure for this world”.
Mighty moved to Canada in 2014, much to the delight of his older brother, Sage. While here, Mighty was earning a degree in environmental science at the University of Regina.
Mighty’s life in Canada soon took a different turn in June 2016 when he met his beautiful partner, Carla. Anyone who knows Mighty and Carla as a couple knows that they have been inseparable since the first day they met. Where you saw Mighty, you saw Carla. And where you saw Carla, you saw Mighty.
Mighty and Carla complemented each other well; Mighty’s introspective thoughtful nature was a perfect contrast to Carla’s strong-willed, type A personality that we all love her for. What they did share was their love for each other. A trademark phrase to be always heard in their house was, “Hey babe”. “Hey babe”. Followed by a kiss on the face and a loving pat.
Mighty’s family was complete in May 2018 when their baby Zane–Thanos, as Mighty called him–came into the world. Mighty was a proud dad from the minute Carla knew she was pregnant. From rubbing her tummy to suiting up in the hospital for her c-section to rocking Zane in his arms, Mighty was proud. Mighty was a good friend to those around him–he was dependable, caring and always thoughtful. Mighty will be so dearly missed by those who knew him. He touched many lives.
Although Mighty is no longer with us in person, his spirit lives on, all around us. The day Mighty passed, Carla was walking down the street and there was hand-written graffiti that read “Remember me”. We knew that was Mighty. The days following Mighty’s passing, the weather was beautiful; Mighty always dreaded the cold. We knew the warm weather at this time of year was Mighty’s doing. He always wanted to make people happy. And he always did.
We are gathered here
today to honour Mighty. The man who brought so much love and joy to so many lives.
One love.
