BIOGRAPHY OF ENGINEER DAVID NDUMBE ELIVE

Biography of David Ndumbe Elive (1961–2024)

Mr David Ndumbe Elive was born on October 23, 1961, at the Bishop Rogan Catholic Maternity in Small Soppo, Buea, to Peter Elive Teke, a native of Small Soppo, Woteke, and Sophie Namondo Gobina from Wondongo Village, Buea Town. He was born alongside his twin sister, Sarah Eposi Elive (now Mrs. Mbua). From the very start, David exhibited qualities of kindness, integrity, and excellence that would shape his future.

David’s educational journey began at Regina Pacis School in Small Soppo, Buea, where his passion for learning was apparent. In 1976, he enrolled at the Government Technical College Ombe, where he excelled in both the London City and Guilds and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) exams, particularly in the sciences. His academic prowess stood out, and by 1981, he had gained admission to Government High School Limbe (GHS), where his reputation as a mathematics prodigy quickly grew. David became a well-known figure at GHS Limbe, where his brilliance in mathematics earned him the admiration of his peers and teachers alike.

David’s academic journey continued at the University of Lagos, where he was admitted in 1983. There, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and graduated with distinction in 1988. His time at the university deepened his passion for technology and laid the foundation for a successful career in engineering.

Upon completing his studies, David began his professional career in 1990 with the multinational telecommunications company SIEMENS. He worked as a Telecommunications Engineer, where he led a field team responsible for testing telecommunication equipment in five automatic telephone exchanges and the corresponding telephone cable networks and accessories in Douala. His technical expertise and leadership were key in ensuring the smooth operation and advancement of telecommunications infrastructure in the region.

In 1996, David transitioned to the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), where he continued to apply his engineering expertise in a new context. From 1996 to 2010, he worked as an Electronics Engineer in the Technical Service Department in Tiko, demonstrating both skill and dedication. His exceptional performance earned him a promotion in 2010 to the role of Manager of the Plant Maintenance Service, a position he held until his retirement in 2021. Throughout his career at CDC, David was known for his strong work ethics, leadership, and ability to tackle complex technical challenges. His contributions played a vital role in maintaining and improving the infrastructure of the corporation, ensuring its continued success.

David was not only a respected engineer but also a devoted family man. He was married to his beloved wife, Regina Embelle Mbellason, with whom he had three children; Franck Ndumbe Elive, Elizabeth Eposi Elive and Rosalin Joffi Elive. His family was a constant source of strength and joy for him, and he was deeply committed to their well-being. He opened his heart and home to countless other children, including brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, in-laws, family friends and complete strangers. Through his nurturing hands, he loved, raised, guided, mentored, coached, educated and supported every child that lived with him, giving them not just a roof over their heads but a foundation for success. Today, all the children who passed through his hands are thriving and doing well for themselves across the world.

David’s impact extended beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and humility, beloved by both his family, friends and colleagues. His dedication to his work and his community made him a respected figure in every circle he was part of. As a community leader and advocate, after relocating to Bulu, he played a key role in creating a road that connected the main road to the inner residential areas, making it accessible for motor vehicles. His selflessness was demonstrated when he installed electric poles in his community, providing his neighbours with access to electricity. He was known for his generosity, and his willingness to support others. When there was need in the community, he always made himself available.

Tragically, Mola Ndumbe Elive suddenly passed away on 21 October, 2024, just two days before his 63rd birthday. His untimely death shocked many, as he was a pillar of strength and stability to those around him. David’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will remember him for his remarkable contributions, his love for his family, and his dedication to his community.

David is survived by his lovely wife, Regina Embelle Mbellason Elive , their three children, and a legacy of kindness, integrity, excellence, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A tribute to my beloved husband “Daddy” Ndumbe.

It is difficult to put into words the grief and sorrow I feel over the loss of my beloved husband Ndumbe, at the same time, the profound gratitude and love I have for the life we shared. Today, I remember not just the man he was, but the incredible love he gave me and the impact he had on everyone he came in contact with. I also feel incredibly blessed to have shared almost a third of my life with such an extraordinary man.

Ndumbe was, simply put, a great husband. One that every woman would dream to have. From the moment we met over 32 years ago, I knew there was something special about him. He had a warmth that radiated out of him, an easy smile, a gentle laugh, a beautiful spirit, and a way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and cared for.

As a husband, Ndumbe was everything I could have ever asked for. He was my partner in every sense of the word. He stood by me through the ups and downs of life with unwavering support. He was my rock, my confidant, my adviser, my mentor, my number one cheerleader, and my best friend. There was never a dull moment when we were together, and he always gave me a sense of peace, safety and contentment. He never shied away from the hard moments—he embraced them, always with a sense of calm and resilience. No matter what life threw our way, I always knew I could count on him. And that feeling and certainty of being loved and supported is something I will hold onto forever.

Le Pere, daddy, Ndu, as I affectionately called him, had a way of showing love that was deep and genuine. It was in grand gestures like making sure the kids and I had a comfortable home to live in, going to the market to do groceries when I was unable to, making sure my car was in the best condition for me to drive, and taking me to and from work with utmost pleasure, but also in little things like the way he would reassure me when I was having a rough day, hold my hand when I needed comfort, charging my mobile phone when I forgot to do so, reminding me not to forget my laptop, reading glasses, mobile phone as I leave the house for work, massaging my knee when I was in pain, or just be there, quietly beside me. He was very protective of me. His love was constant and steady, never wavering. He was patient, kind, and selfless. I often marvelled at how much of himself he gave to others, whether it was to family, friends, or even strangers. His compassion knew no bounds, and he made this world a better place just by being in it.

Beyond his love and kindness, Ndumbe was a man of integrity. His words were his bond and he lived his life with honesty, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility. He taught me, and all who knew him, the importance of living with character, staying true to one’s values, and always doing the right thing—even when it wasn’t the easy thing. He always looked for the good in everyone. His remarkable memory was one of the many gifts he possessed. He had an extraordinary ability to recall even the smallest details. Whether it was a casual conversation from days, months or years ago, details of a projects, or even the exact words of advice he had shared with a friend or a relative, he could remember them all with such clarity

He was a great father to our children and many others. Our home was always open to welcome any child who walked in. His dedication to his family was limitless. He made sure that his love for them was always evident, that they always felt protected, valued, and deeply cared for. He was the biggest supporter and advocate for the children. His commitment to seeing them succeed in school was endless. From maths, physics, biology, or chemistry, he would change hats to tutor the kids that were struggling in school.

While my heart is heavy with the pain of his loss, I am comforted by the many beautiful memories we shared. As we remember my husband, I want us to not only mourn the loss of a wonderful man but also to celebrate the incredible life he lived. His legacy is one of love, selflessness, dignity, kindness, integrity, generosity, humility, his ability to empathise with others, his devotion to his family, and an enduring commitment to those who mattered most to him. It is in the way he treated others—with kindness, dignity, and respect and it is in the way he made each of us feel, every day, that we mattered. The lessons he imparted about respect, compassion, hard work, and love will carry on for generations to come

Ndumbe may no longer be with me in body, but he will live on in my heart, in the 3 beautiful children we have, in the memories we made, and in the lessons he taught me. His love, his goodness, and his example will continue to guide me. He was, and always will be, my great love.

Thank you, Ndumbe, for being the light in my life for the last 33 years. I will miss you more than words can express, but I will carry your love with me, always.

Rest in peace, my love.

Your wife, Mrs. Regina Embelle Elive née Mbellason

Elive David Ndumbe

A Reflection.

Many from the 1976-80 batch would readily describe Elive as a maestro - a man of sharp wit, modesty, and remarkable humility. He was part of a group of mostly teens who proudly became Ombe students some 48 years ago. From the on-set, his goal was clear: to study electricity as a basis to become an electrical engineer. He achieved that dream with great distinction.

I didn't meet this gentle soul until our third year, largely because he was a day-student in the first year and we were in different workshops, never sharing the same hostel space when he later became a boarding student. However, our connection began through a shared ambition: to challenge the GCE O/L. This mutual goal forged a bond between us that blossomed into a lasting fraternity, one that extended beyond our four years and couldn't be confined by the 85 acres of Ombe college.

Upon graduation from Ombe, we moved to Victoria and embarked on a truncated six-month intensive GCE preparation. Thanks to the generosity of his cousin, we had a room to ourselves for morning and afternoon studies and would transfer to a classroom at a local school after school was out and would continue our study until the last ray of the sun. In the end, we were both successful.

The same year, coincidentally, GSS Victoria opened its high school section. Elive was quickly admitted, but I faced challenges, as the admission criteria were favourable to and prioritised students from Fako. As the opportunity for my admission dwindled with every passing day, my friend was deeply upset. He made tireless efforts on my behalf, reaching out to anyone at the college with Fako ties to advocate for my case. Eventually, I too, was admitted. We registered for the same subjects, attended classes together, shared a desk, and shared the same textbooks.

However, two months into the school year, the results of the Survey School entrance exams, which I had taken were announced, and I passed.

I was then faced with a delemma: continue with general education or pursue a professional path. The decision weighed heavily on me, and my friend shared my anguish as we considered the options. The day I decided to follow the latter, signaling our separation, was one of deep sorrow for both of us .

Eventually, we left for Buea, and he helped me settle. The next day, we visited his mother at his Small Soppo village. We were treated to a delicious meal of Kwacoco and Banga Soup, which, for better or worse, has left me with an insatiable appetite for the dish since then.

At the advanced level, Elive achieved four A/Ls earning the best result in the school that year. He was awarded a government scholarship to study electrical engineering at the University of Lagos, and he returned with a Master’s degree in electrical electronics. He turned down a Ph.D offer, opting to return home to cameroon to the eager hands of the recruiting team of Seimens, a German telecommunications company that had just set shop in Cameroon. He was sent to Yaounde for a 3-month training. We reconnected again as I was at the time working in Yaounde. We shared my one bedroom flat until the end of his training period. He was then transferred to Douala, where he met the love of his life! After 4 years of service, an opportunity arose with the CDC, which he didn't hesitate to take. It was at the CDC that he earned his retirement.

Two years ago, when I called him requesting an interview for the OOSA North America convention booklet, he laughed and said: " Solo, you already know everything about me". When I visited cameroon in March this year, I visited him at his retirement home. He gave me a tour of the elegant mansion and the compound. Over our glasses of fine wine, he lamented the ordeal of how the "boyes in the Bushes " had visited him twice. We also reminisced about our old good days. Little did I know that it was actually the last time I would see him alive!

Elive, my brother, the news of your passing hit me like a brickwall. You have departed, but your memories remain with me forever. I am considered blessed for you to have been part of my life experience. As the angels welcome you home, please kindly send my regards to Tabrey Rogers, Martin Niboh, Njomo Jean, and others that preceded you on that trip back.

RIP!

Your friend, Dr. Solomon Agbor Eyong

My beloved brother, the news of your demise hit me like a Tsunami. My heart was shattered into a million pieces that night. I did not see it coming. You were a rare gem. Among the other good qualities you possessed, HUMILITY was remarkable. My brother, the big man upstairs has willed your return to him, I just have to deal with the pain and let go. As I bid you good night my dear brother, I hope and pray that you lie down and take a rest from all your troubles. Sleep well, till we meet again. You will forever be missed. Adieu my darling brother.

Your cousin, Sarah Eposi Gobina