Tribute to Rans Mensah Boateng

RANS MENSAH BOATENG (1947-2015)
A TRIBUTE TO RANS: MY DEAR BROTHER AND ESTEEMED FRIEND

Rans Mensah Boateng 67; an employee of US Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) in Atlanta Georgia passed on to glory last Thursday March 5 after a brief illness . Ran’s was the third child of the late Opanin Nontwiri and late Obapanin Yaa Bema of Atimatim- Kumasi, Ghana. He was born on June 11, 1947.

After his early schooling at St Augustine’s College in Cape Coast he came to the United Sates in 1972 where he did his under graduate studies at Clark College, now Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with BA degree in Accounting and Business Administration. He continued his studies and also earned his graduate degree at Clark- Atlanta University where he got his MBA in Accounting and Finance. He was listed twice in “WHO is who” among American College students’ directory

He was Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. Before his career at the Federal Reserve Bank Atlanta he worked as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Voters Educational Project (VEP) whose CEO was Congressman John Lewis. Later he was an Account Instructor at Clark College.

To me, Rans life’s story demonstrate of what Alfred Nietzsche wrote on the triumph of the human spirit; He wrote, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. In 1974 after been in US for two years he was on his way to visit me in Louisville Kentucky with two other friends when on or about two hours to their destination their car was rear ended by an 18 wheeler resulting in a fiery crash whereof he sustained third degree burns over 60 percent of his upper body. After spending about two months recuperating from the University of Louisville hospital he returned to Atlanta to go back to school.

But an amazing thing happened in his life. Inspite of his scars and injuries he did not let his scars or burns deter him; he did not take any notice of the curious glares and stares at him from strangers or felt sorry for himself but went about his studies and part time work. His perseverance and hard work dedication and confidence brought him all the academic accolades, and later successes he achieved in his life. Yes he did not underestimate the powers of dreams and the triumph of human spirit over adversity even though part of his body was burnt and scared

What legacy did my brother Rans leave us or how do we remember him in our hearts? Let me share some few thoughts from his colleagues at FRB of Atlanta when they heard of his death:, He was a family man; consummate professional; a caring friend; a joy to be around with easy; a true gentleman;’ he always carried a warm smile on his face; genuine, caring nice guy lovable, helpful and loyal to his friend; and above he loved his God and tried to live by the tenets of Christianity i.e.; love one another and help one another. Thanks you, Rans colleagues at Atlanta FRB. He only returned the love you showed him.
Rans lived a very rewarding life. He overcame great obstacles which lesser men would have buckled under. Rans leaves behind wife Vida, a son Rainsford ; two daughters Olivia and Jennifer ,two step daughters two grandchildren, two brothers Dr. Agyenim Boating, retired Deputy Attorney General of Kentucky; James Owusu Nkwantabisah Germany, two sisters Nana Konadu Simpremo (Atlanta)and Grace Agyarko ( Ghana) and a host of relatives both in USA, Ghana and Germany.

He died in the presence of his adoring wife Vida, children and other family members. He, fought a good fight, paid the price stayed the course and now he is going to meet his merciful Lord to grant him his heavenly reward. I will miss very much our occasional chit chats, banter and serious conversations. But as a Christian I take solace in the fact that he has gone to a better place where all of us will go one day ! Yes he was a dear brother and a true friend.!
Dayie Ohene se Anttoa Boakye Mensah
Damirifa due; Damirifa due ne amane hunu!!
REQUESCAT IN PACE

By: Agyenim Boateng
Attorney and Counselor Law
Lexington, KY USA
agyeboateng@gmail.com
Atlanta GA; April 18, 2015