The loss of Delano is yet to hit home because I cannot imagine that he is truly gone. For someone so kind, so loving, and so full of life to leave us this early feels like an unimaginable loss, as though life has robbed us of something irreplaceable.
How can I possibly describe someone so special in plain old words? And how do I sum up the memories, the joy, and the profound impact Delano had on our lives in one tribute? It feels almost impossible. As I struggle to make sense of this sad news, I am at a loss for words to relate the grief in my heart. A thousand pages of tribute won’t be enough to express my deepest feelings nor to describe the person that you were to many that knew you. The world around us seems still. The deafening silence echoes in our thoughts as we think about you, my dearly departed friend. I clearly remember the cheer that your presence brought and the peace that resonated from you whenever anyone was around you.
There are words of sorrow that barely scratch the surface of our grief, words that attempt to articulate the pain we feel now that Delano is no longer with us. But perhaps more importantly, there are also words of strength, hope, power, resilience, and tender love. These are the kind of words Delano himself would have used to uplift us, guide us, and bring us together. These words—and his memory—will help us navigate these choppy waters and emerge stronger on the other side.
I first met Delano in 2010 when I got my first job. Even now, I vividly recall my very first interaction with him. I was a recent graduate, and this being my first job, I lacked in so many soft skills. I remember Delano encouraging me to put myself out there more and take up opportunities even when I thought I could not handle them. These moments and advice were what I needed to jumpstart what has been a great career journey. His warmth, charisma, and unshakable positivity were magnetic. Delano had a unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. He wasn’t just a colleague; he became an integral part of my journey. Delano was not just a friend, but a mentor to many of us. He taught us about resilience in the face of adversity, about the importance of following our passions, and about the beauty of life’s simple pleasures. He had a special ability to make every person feel seen, heard, and valued. He could turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one with his infectious laughter, his insightful conversations, and his boundless generosity.
One of my most memorable impressions of Delano was his love for his yellow Mitsubishi. At first, I thought he was Kamba because of the bright yellow color. I remember the way he maneuvered that car with precision, often pulling off moves straight out of Need for Speed. If you were his passenger, you would find yourself holding on for dear life while he laughed, completely unbothered. That was Delano for you—living life in the fast lane, always full of happiness, and sharing that joy with everyone around him.
"Don’t give up, fellow SST'er, light and hope is at the end of the tunnel. FOCUS! See you on the other side.."
Delano Longwe
Secretary General PROSAK
Delano had a way of bringing life to any situation. He was the life of the party, and the sales office where he worked was always the loudest room in the building. The laughter, the stories, the camaraderie—it was contagious. I lost count of how many times he and his team were asked to quiet down because they were “disturbing the peace.” Yet, amidst all the joy and laughter, Delano was also a steadfast and dependable presence. When sales meetings got heated, he was the voice of reason. He often stepped in as a big brother to many of his colleagues, offering support and guidance to help them succeed.
He was a family man. He adored his wife and kids. No day went by when he would not mention something about them, and you could see that smile light up his face. To Helen, Joanna, and Jon-Rex, you are in our prayers and minds. We are praying for strength through this tough time. It hurts to know that he will not be cheering us on in this life, but we are glad that he is at peace now. Delano’s life was a testament to the power of love, friendship, and kindness. As we remember him today, let us not focus on the loss, but on the life he lived, the love he shared, and the legacy he leaves behind. Let us honor him by living our lives with the same kindness, passion, and love that he showed us every day.
As we remember Delano, I am struck by the words he shared with us in our alumni chat on June 22, 2022. At the time, they felt like words of wisdom from someone who had lived a life of purpose. Now, they feel like his parting words to us:
“When I was GB Leader East Africa at IBM, I personally ensured that we employed more than 40 additional hires from our known IT fraternity, including from SST, to grow the footprint of this global blue-chip MNC. We actually ended up with an EA complement of over 120 staff all earning healthy packages (including some with seven-figure salaries). I did not do this for reward or personal benefit. The truth is, it’s just who I am. Given the opportunity, I want the very best for the next person so that we grow as a community and society. I was fully persuaded that if not rewarded or recognized here, I would be in the hereafter. I did it as a service to the individual, God, and humanity… Take time to do good for one another and love one another unconditionally. Daylight may not have broken through, but I assure you that it is on the way. Don’t give up, fellow SST’er, light and hope is at the end of the tunnel. FOCUS! See you on the other side.”
These words encapsulate who Delano was—a selfless, caring, and generous soul who always sought to lift others. His belief in humanity and his commitment to making the world a better place will forever remain a guiding light for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
It’s hard to accept that Delano will no longer be here to cheer us on, to share his laughter, or to brighten our days with his energy. But even in his absence, his spirit remains with us. Delano taught us to smile even in the hardest times, to keep the fire burning, and to lift others as we climb.
Delano, you may be gone, but your memory will live on forever. You touched the lives of so many people with your kindness, your wisdom, and your unwavering belief in the goodness of others. Words cannot fully express how much we will miss you. But we take comfort in knowing you are at peace, and we hold on to the hope that we will meet again.
Rest in peace, my dear friend and mentor. Until then, we will carry forward the light you shared with us, and we will strive to honor your legacy by living with the same generosity, purpose, and love that you exemplified.
Brian Munyao Longwe
January 29, 2025 at 6:10 amBeautiful words. Thank you 🙏🏾
Dennis
January 29, 2025 at 7:17 amA fitting tribute to a great man, gone too soon. Many will be surprised that he did have Kamba blood flowing in his veins, thanks to his dear mum. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.
Kenneth Mubiru
January 29, 2025 at 7:44 amWhat a beautiful and befitting tribute. Delano will be truly missed. MHSRIP 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽