George Walton Ekundayo Gilpin went home to be with the Lord on the 15th of July 2024 after a lifetime of service, evangelism and devotion.

He was born to George Washin gton and Marion Essanamie Gilpin on 13th March 1931, the first of five sons. He embraced leadership at an early age, being a mentor to his younger brothers, and fierce protector of the youngest.

Friends and neighbours around 50 Pademba Road in Freetown, Sierra Leone have fond memories of a tall and spritely young man with a winsome smile and a zest for life.

He attended the Government Model School and the Prince of Wales School in Freetown, where his meticulous nature and phenomenal memory served him very well. It was, therefore, no surprise that he chose a career in hospital administration, becoming one of the first Sierra Leonean hospital secretaries at Connaught Hospital. In a career that spanned well over three decades, he dedicated himself to public service and pioneered the transformation of management systems in all government systems in Sierra Leone during his tenure as Principal Hospital Secretary in the Ministry of Health. Colleagues remember a consummate professional who was friendly, firm and fair. He believed in upholding standards,but never lost the human touch.

Connaught Hospital is where he met the love of his life, Onike Isabella (née Luke). A chance encounter in the corridors of the hospital soon blossomed into a love that would stand the test of time. They got married on 23rd November 1961 and never left each other’s side.

His devotion to his beloved “Madame,” as he affectionately called her, was unwavering. Together, they made a home and were loving parents to six children: Marionne Olasuwe, Raymond Olatunji, Walton Ekundayo, Onike Elizabeth, Brian Adenole, and Karen Oluseyi. He gave his all as a husband and father, a nurturer and provider, and a fierce protector.

His bond with Madame took deeper spiritual significance when they became co-leaders of the Good News Prayer Group in Freetown, Sierra Leone in May 1975. What started as a small group of Christians meeting to pray and study the scriptures in each other’s homes, grew to become an international powerhouse that led thousands to Christ and blessed the lives of countless more. His faith was immutable. He prayed with a fervour that reflected his complete trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God. His prayers brought comfort, deliverance, and healing to many. He stood on the promises in God’s word and declared hope to the hopeless, salvation for the lost, and respite for the weary wherever he went.

His scholarly mind served him well in ministry. He was an ardent student of the
Word and spent hundreds of hours learning from Bible teachers all over the world via short-wave radio in the early days. He archived volumes of hand-written notes, which informed the expository sermons he preached on three continents. He was also a gifted and Spirit-filled teacher, being able to expound and contextualise Biblical principles with remarkable ease. As a counsellor, he always had the right word of comfort, encouragement, rebuke or affirmation whenever it was needed.

This testified to his deep knowledge of the Bible – most of which he had committed to memory. He had uncommon empathy. He cared deeply for everyone, regardless of status, race or religion. He made it his life’s mission to put a smile on regardless of status, race or religion. He made it his life’s mission to put a smile on people’s face and provide a shoulder on which they could depend.

He was a passionate fan of English football. This started during his college days at Westminster in London, when he joined millions to enthusiastically cheer England to victory during the 1966 World Cup. He wore his Arsenal shirt and scarf with pride, and was always up for a spirited debate on the team’s performance or prospects.

Retirement did not slow him down. He worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and travelled extensively to preach and pray. His phone rang incessantly, day and night. But he was always available to offer a prayer or a comforting word.

During the COVID pandemic he spent countless hours on Zoom, ministering across the world. Ever the doting grandfather, he spent quality time with his grandchildren, providing a listening ear, praying with them, and offering grandfatherly advice. The fact that some of his grandchildren refer to him as “best friend” speaks volumes about the love they share and the esteem in which he is held.

Standing at over six feet tall, many described him as a “gentle giant.” He was, indeed, a towering figure. An exceptional husband, father and grandfather; a faithful friend; an outstanding professional; and a man after God’s own heart. His homegoing leaves an unfillable chasm. But it also leaves us an unmatched legacy and an undiminished assurance that we shall be reunited with our Lord.

Rest peacefully, Daddy. We will always love you!