Obituary of Ben Ifeanyi NZEKWU

January 2, 1949 - Ibusa, Delta state, Nigeria 
June 19, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Ben Ifeanyi Nzekwu, beloved husband of the late, Victoria (Viki) Nzekwu, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the age of 72. 

The fifth of eleven children, Ben was born in Ibusa, Delta state, Nigeria on January 2, 1949. An exceptionally gifted child, Ben completed his secondary education with A grades and proceeded to the Lagos College of Education where he completed his National Certificate of Education in the Sciences with distinction. Awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Ibadan, he graduated 1st Class Honours with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. He married his beautiful wife in 1977 and immigrated to Canada in 1978 on a Commonwealth Scholarship for the Ph.D programme. Ben completed a doctorate in Petroleum Engineering in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary. Upon graduation, he embarked on a successful professional career in the Oil and Gas industry. Ben was innovative and he patented various technologies and techniques. Many of these are in use today by major oil and gas companies. Ben also had an entrepreneurial spirit. He started his own consulting company while also earning an MBA degree. Following his retirement, Ben continued to express his inventive spirit through the pursuit of green power technology in Nigeria. 
 
Ben had a wonderful sense of humor, always with a joke at hand, even under difficult circumstances. With a radiant smile, Ben had a fervently positive outlook on life and was cool-headed in stressful situations. He was motivated to make a difference in this world and brought that passion to his work and relationships every day, motivating those around him to do and be better. Ben was deeply prayerful and always trusted in God's providence. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal brother, a beloved grandfather, an innovator and a community leader. 
 
Ben was an active member of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, aiding in the establishment of the NCAC and eventually serving as its president from 2003 to 2005. He was co-director of the Foundation for AIDS Control and Eradication, promoting grassroots contributions towards UNICEF activities, and was active in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Ben and Viki gave countless hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars to their community, churches, and extended family, as a testament of their dedication to their faith, family, and friends.  
 
Ben is survived by his children, Ugo (and Dan), Chudi (and Kassie), and Emeka and his grandchildren, Kosi, Bia, Afaya, Ngozi and Kai. Ben was predeceased by his father Obi John Obionwuma Nzekwu and his mother Obi Magdalene Obiageli Nzekwu (nee Uchuno).
 
May Ben's soul rest in the peace of Christ, Amen.

Those wishing to pay their respects in person are welcomed to do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 02, 2021from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 02, 2021at 6:30 p.m.

A public Funeral Mass will be held at St Anthony's Catholic Church (5340 4 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, July 03, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, family and friends are invited to join Dr. Nzekwu’s service streamed live below on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park cemetery. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.   

In living memory of Ben Nzekwu, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click here to view the memorial booklet for Ben Nzekwu

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