Tribute Wall
Thursday
23
May
Quaker Service
6:00 pm
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Quaker Friends Meeting
404 Alexander Avenue
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Friday
24
May
Episcopal Service
11:00 am
Friday, May 24, 2019
Duke University Chapel
401 Chapel Drive
Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Stephen Ellis posted a condolence
Sunday, February 7, 2021
Once was a close friend of mine during his time at the University of Washington. We lost touch after graduation due to diverging professional lives, but I have held him in my heart ever since. I am pleased to see that he lived a life of service as that is how I remember him.
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Judith Snyderman posted a condolence
Friday, May 24, 2019
With deep sorrow and fondness of memory for Dr. Onyekwere (Onye) E. Akwari, am honored to have known him. May his soul rest in peace! Judith Snyderman
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Emmanuel Ogbonna posted a condolence
Friday, May 24, 2019
Item Community, especially in Houston, has lost a pioneer and legend with the passing of Dr. Onye Akwari. Through the years and whenever possible, and with limited mobility, he attended Item Community Organization meetings and events in Houston. He was a quiet contributor, both in ideas and financial, to our projects - water and medical missions. Dr. Akwari was always thinking of ways of helping our people back in Nigeria. He was very passionate about Item Community affairs and he kept in touch. We will miss you. Please rest in peace.
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Nkoyo Ekanem donated to EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA ST TITUS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Thursday, May 23, 2019
To the Akwari Family, my deepest condolences.
Please wait
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Emmanuel & &Ogo & Ngozi Mba posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
It is rather difficult for me to realize that Onye is no longer with us. But ,as detailed in his obituary, he accomplished more than most with the short period his health allowed him. I specifically refer to the fact that he always aimed at helping other people, especially the disadvantaged. Back in summer 1968, just after his second year at USC med school and after my 3rd year, one day Onye waked into my room in the dorm and said "Let's go to the Dean's office. I said "why"? He said "We need to get more minorities in here." Coming form Berkeley in those days it wasn't too difficult for me to be recruited to his cause. Of the 6 minority students in entire 4 classes he and I were both Nigerians. Then there was a "Chicano" ( term used in those days) and 3 African Americans. The next day he led me and the Chicano into Dean Egeberg's office . To my amazement ,during the tense dialogue that our mission created, Onye said to the Dean,"You know, Sir, after Mba and I are back to Nigeria you will have still trained 2 less American Black doctors". Dean Egeberg gave me a special warning about activism later. The next year there were 8 blacks in the entering class. The rest is history. Onye spent summer '69 canvassing the high schools and regional colleges to apply to USC Medicine. In the history of USC medicine which we were given this past May17th at our 50th reunion (Onye's 49th) there was a big deal about Dean Egeberg's "welcome mat" to the minorities in the late 60's and afterwards. Please excuse my long story, but I needed to tell it all began with Dr. Onye Akwari. We will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace. Emmanuel & Ogo & Ngozi Mba.
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Udochukwu O Asonye,MD,FAAP posted a condolence
Friday, May 17, 2019
Dear Akwari Family,
The news of the passing of Prof Akwari,’ONYE’,as he was popularly known and addressed at our renowned Alma Mater,Hope Waddell Training Instiution,Calabar in 1957-61,where and when he was two years my senior,came to us as a wound that would be very hard to heal.
I met him at Hope Waddell but his Family was well known at Azikiwe Road at Aba where we both grew up.Onye had a special affinity & mentoring for we ‘Enyimba Aba Boys’ not only at school,but also during breaks,we congregated and enjoyed the benevolence of his family at Aba.This expanded as his younger brother and other relatives came to Hope Waddell.
ONYE stood out,head & shoulders above his peers and was the obvious & easy choice for our Principal,Dr Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam of Blessed Memory,to appoint him as the School Senior Prefect in Onye’s final year.Onye was as magnanimous as he was magnificent in that role, making us ‘Enyimba Aba Boys’ very proud!
We parted ways as I went to Afikpo for HSC and he proceeded to the USA for further studies.We reconnected by phone in the mid1980’s here in the USA and I got to learn of his accomplishments which continued until his retirement.They are well documented in publications well before and since his passing.
We finally got together face to face in late June 2005 when we stayed together and had the dual opportunity to participate in both Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) and Hope Waddell Old Boys Association Meeting,both holding simultaneously in Orlando,Florida.We since had off & on contacts but always remembered our old days and where we come from.
ONYE and Akwari Family are my ‘In-laws’ by tradition;my immediate younger sister,Nneoha Lolo Onyi Abiayi is married in Item,his hometown.
I will be there, representing Hope Waddell & ‘Enyimba Aba Boys’ to bid you Farewell.
Rest in Perfect Peace until we meet again,never ever to be separated again.
To the Akwari Families at home & in Diaspora,take heart,ONYE accomplished everything and is in a better, eternal place of rest.
Udochukwu O. Asonye,MD,FAAP.
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Doyle Graham and Lea O'Quinn posted a condolence
Monday, May 13, 2019
It is with sadness that we mourn the death of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Onye Akwari. He had a huge impact on Duke University and its School of Medicine with his leadership, his fearless assertions of his values and principles, and his modeling to students, house staff and colleagues of what it is to be a physician and a man. He was gentle, generous, caring and kind, with a wonderful smile of welcome and warm hugs. With his dear wife Anne, their home was a refuge for many. He touched our lives with his big heart and took such pleasure in the successes of those he nurtured, whether in academic pursuits or athletic arenas. We miss greatly this courageous pioneer, this good man.
Doyle Graham and Lea O’Quinn
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SEBASTINE ODUH ONWUCHEKWA posted a condolence
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Great Man, Life worthy of emulation, May your soul Rest in Peace.Qt733
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felix nwoko posted a condolence
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Adios Dr. Akwari, My Friend
Dr. Akwari. This is Dr. Nwoko. Yes, Dr. “Nwookoo”, that’s what he called me. I always liked the ring to it from the very first day I heard it from him. As I reflect on his life and the countless ways that he touched me and my family, I remain eternally grateful and thankful to God for the privilege and honor of sharing his life, love and wisdom. Thanks immensely Anne for sharing your amazing husband. We will forever be eternally grateful. The memories of his life, love and friendship flood my mind in my deepest sorrow. I reach into the reservoir of those countless memories to derive strength. Indeed. I have several fond memories of him that cannot be conveyed fully through this medium. But the one that’s always green is our chance encounter at a Durham Transportation Plan public forum. He walked up to me and said (and I paraphrase), “with a name like Nwoko you must be from Umuahia”? No kidding, you must be psychic I retorted as we hugged each other. We hit it off immediately as we dabbled into several topics ranging from our motherland, faith and family; to formative year of growing up in Nigeria and the drive and unflinching faith that shaped our careers. He was unassuming and engaging. How can I forget coming over numerous times for “foo foo”? Nor would I forget watching basketball and world cup soccer together. I admired his strong, deep rooted and unwavering faith in God and his relentless optimism as well. I was fascinated by his proclivity and penchant to help others. He was very humble, even as a physician. He placed service, social justice, charity, civic responsibility and volunteerism over materialism. He was my friend. Indeed, he was more than a friend, he was like my brother!!! Over the years, I came to treasure and cherish his counsel, selflessness, kindness, friendship, love of family and above all, him, Onye!!!
He has gone home to be with the Lord. There’s a gaping hole left in my heart. I struggle to cope but have come to rely on love he left behind as well as on God’s strength and comfort. His voice and laughter will always echo in my heart. God will hear the silent tears of his loved ones even in hamattan wind and monsoon rain in “ITEM”, Nigeria. He will be missed tremendously!
So Onye, let me pause and bid you farewell with the following thoughts:
Closed my eyes wishing in vain for this moment to disappear
Tears drip like morning dew
Morning begs the night for mercy
God’s love and comfort abound
They over shadow emptiness
Only the echoes of His praises hang over our hearts
Hope Waddell boys sang your songs
Your loved one hummed louder
It reverberated through the roof tops as the angels welcomed you.
The memories of your life will always sustain us
Nothing will take away from the countless cherished and treasured memories
Dr. Onye Akwari, my comrade, someone once said and I quote “a single candle can illuminate an entire room, but a true friend lights up an entire lifetime”. Thanks for the bright lights of your friendship. Aurvour!.
Felix, Dr. Nwookoo.
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The Nwoko Family posted a condolence
Friday, April 26, 2019
Chris, Jayne and Isaiah Nwoko extend heartfelt condolences to the family. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May Dr. Akwari’s soul rest in eternal peace. He was a brilliant role model for all of us as well as a kind, gentle, loyal and engaging friend who will be deeply missed.
M
MaryAnn Black posted a condolence
Friday, April 26, 2019
Dear Anne,
I remember the bright smile of Dr. Onyekwere! I never saw him without that smile which helped to bring a smile to others. I send to you and your family my prayers and thoughts.
MaryAnnTBYb
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Chikezie Nwosu posted a condolence
Friday, April 26, 2019
I never met Dem Onyekwere but my late mother Prof. Oriaku Nwosu and uncle Prof. Jomike Irukwu spoke very highly of him. He was an epitome of what that that generation of Nigerians brought to service to their family, community and the world and will forever be revered and remembered by all.
Dem Onyekwere, you have journeyed well and left a legacy that we are extremely proud of.
Rest in perfect peace my dear uncle.
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Edinam Oton, President Hope Waddell Old Students Association, North America posted a condolence
Thursday, April 25, 2019
On behalf of the Hope Waddell family worldwide, but particularly in North America we extend our condolences to the family. Akwari was admitted into Hope Waddell in 1955. He was an outstanding student who excelled not only in the classroom, but also in athletics. He held school records in the 100-yard dash. He did it in 10 seconds flat. He high jumped 6 feet and two inches and long jumped 18 feet. He was a founding member of our alumna association Hope Waddell Old Students Association in North America (HWOSA-NA). As a permanent member of the HWOSA-NA board, he was always available and a positive influence. We wish him eternal peace.
Edinam Oton
President Hope Waddell Old Students Association, North America
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Stephen G. Odaibo posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Oh what a loss to the world. Dr. Onye Akwari was the most beautiful and humble man that ever lived. A dear friend of my father. A mentor and friend to me. Dr. Akwari, you are irreplaceable. Wow. May your soul rest in perfect peace. My condolences to your lovely wife, Dr. Anne Akwari, and the rest of your family. -- Stephen G. Odaibo
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JONATHAN SUNDAY ONYENEKWE posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
MAY YOUR SOUL AND THE SOUL OF THOSE THAT DIE IN THE LORD REST IN PEACE AMEN
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Eric Iloabachie posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
It is with deep sadness that I join all Nigerians and African Americans, and all people of goodwill, in commiserating with the Akwari family on the death of a legend. I never met Dr. Akwari but I knew of him and his records at Duke. May the love of God who giveth and taketh away, comfort you all at this very difficult time. May the spirit of Dr. Akwari achieve final union with the Lord. Amen.
Dr. Eric Ik Iloabachie.
Raleigh, NC.
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Jennifer Williams posted a condolence
Monday, April 22, 2019
One Akwari should always be remembered as a historical figure at Duke who went about his work with quiet grace.We will always remember his wonderful roses that we inherited when we bought the Akwari home. They would be ready to blossom at this time.
Sandy and Jennifer Williams
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Charles D Johnson posted a condolence
Monday, April 22, 2019
Another giant tree in the forest of our people has fallen. On behalf of the Johnson family, we send our sincere condolences to Dr. Anne Akwari, the Akwari children, grandchildren, and extended family. I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Onye Akwari as the son of a dear colleague, Charles Johnson, MD for the better part of four decades. Durham has a long and distinguished history of Black physicians, Black surgeons, and Black healthcare providers. Dr. Akwari will long be remembered as one of our most brilliant and accomplished surgeons. During the summer of 1986, Dr. Akwari permitted me to shadow him while he carried out his research; he was truly a nonpareil surgeon, but he was an even better and more remarkable person, who was liked and respected by his coworkers - those with titles and those without. They, I'm sure, saw in him a man who always carried himself with a quiet and unassuming dignity and strength that truly were hallmarks of his imitable character and warm personality. He joins my mother and many other friends and loved ones who I know have embraced him in Eternity.
With deepest sympathy and respect
The Johnsons
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Dr. Josie Ngozi Emmanuel Oparaocha posted a condolence
Monday, April 22, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Akwari family for the demise of this family treasure that has passed to the beyond. May GOD Almighty grant him eternal rest.
John 11: 25-26, for the Lord said "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that beliveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live"
REST IN PEACE SIR.
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cHIMa Ucheya posted a condolence
Monday, April 22, 2019
Our Dear De Onyee -
Yours was a life of exemplary service and huge sacrifices for the common good. You had (and gave) so much - we just couldnt get enough of your precious counsel and valuable brotherhood. We are somewhat consoled by the life you led, as you rest now in higher planes where only those in altruistic service are called. To the immediate and extended Akwari families, and friends, we will do well to heed the Thessalonian exhortation to all people of faith not to mourn those who are asleep nor grieve as brethren without hope.
In Sympathy & Friendship....
cHIMa
Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
Dr. Chymar IHEKWEREME posted a condolence
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Thanks for a very fulfilled life of service to humanity.
Dr Onye you will be missed. Rest In Peace.
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Selma Howard posted a condolence
Sunday, April 21, 2019
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Mr. Onye was an amazing and blessed man. Praying for comfort and peace for Ann and the children. Love to you all.
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Pastor Eliashib Ime-James posted a condolence
Sunday, April 21, 2019
May his soul rest peacefully. And I pray that the God of peace will comfort every member of the Akwari family.
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Very Rev'd Okechukwu Ogba PhD posted a condolence
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Dede, may your soul rest in peace. I had longed you will come back to Nigeria alive but that did not happen. You were our elder cousin and we looked up to you for example in humility and selflessness. Adieu, till we meet again.
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Pastor Ayo Olusola posted a condolence
Sunday, April 21, 2019
May the God of all comfort strengthen and comfort all of you at this time and always. Dearly Beloved Deacon Eme the Lord is with you and your entire family. It is well
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Ude Nwankwo posted a condolence
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Dede Onye, a learned Surgeon, May your gentle soul rest In the bosom of Our Lord. My deepest sympathy. My prayers are with the family. God strengthen us all.
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Apostle Chika kesandu Okpo-Uko posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
May the gentle Soul of this illustrous son of Item Home Land rest in Perfect Peace.You made us proud in far away America,.Your blazing torch will continue to Shine even in death.Laa ru udo ooo.
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Eke Ogba posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Your lifestyle and memory will forever be in our mind. A man of honor, peace and most especially a loving father and husband. Dee I miss you, farewell and God be with you
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Emmanuel Chukwu posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
I extend my heartfelt condolence to the family of late Prof Akwari. He was indeed an academic giant.
May Almighty God console the family of the bereaved and give them fortitude to bear the demise of Prof.
Rest in perfect peace Prof!!!
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Chief Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
May the soul of De Onyekwere (Onye), a dedicated and proud Item man rest in peace.
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Pius Obasi Totty posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
May his soul rest in perfect peace. We pray that God will continue to give the family and friends the mind and soul to bear the loss. He is in a better place and only God knows why. May God be with you all.
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IFEOMA Nwosu. posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
May the Lord comfort you all. May the soul of our dear brother rest in perfect peace.
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Ajuh Chinatu Onuoha posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
May the soul of Dede Onye find eternal rest in the Lord, my condolences to the family
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Tagbo Okagbue 124 Jubilee. posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
May his Soul Rest In Heaven and God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
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Obasi & Chinazo Agu lit a candle
Saturday, April 20, 2019
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Obasi & Chinazo Agu posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace till we meet to part no more. Let your consolation be “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint , Psalm 116:15.
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Sr Betty Kalu posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2019
Dede, may your gentle soul rest in peace. May the angels be there to welcome you. May Gods perpetual light shine on you. RIP Dede
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Godswill Okorafor & Naya N Okoji posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2019
On behalf of my family, the Okoji Agwu and J Ukeh Oteh families, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Akwaris.
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Dede was always available to old and young,giving honest fruitful advice to all as we navigated the system and settling in the US. We recall his reaching out to our daughter early in her medical career - she had come to interview at Duke for residency, De came out to meet her and tried to convince her to rank Duke highly. She didn’t go to Duke and chose NY Presbyterian- Cornell instead. After she returned, he called to ask after her. Thank you Dede. May the Lord grant you rest till resurrection.
AJa5I
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Dr Maureen N. Onuigbo, MD., MPH posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2019
Eme, Nnenna and Uzunma,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Although I never met him I heard so much about him from Aba to the US that I feel like I know him. What a big loss for your family and for Medicine. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
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Ani Okafor Sr posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2019
May his soul rest in perfect eternal peace and may the family find solace on his very accomplished life.
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Nkem Chess Uko posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2019
May his gentle soul rest in peace... May his family be comforted NY the comfort of the spirit....
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Ndukwe Chuku,(Jim Broker) posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2019
He was kind,humble and upright.Alwsys ready to listen and assist .I hope that those he is leaving behind would emulate these sterling qualities.I will always remember that permanent smile he wore.May his soul rest in perfect peace which he eminently deserves.Bless God.
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Kemi Kalu posted a condolence
Thursday, April 18, 2019
May the Lord comfort your family and may his soul rest in peace.
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Lynn Baltimore lit a candle
Thursday, April 18, 2019
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Wilson Onwuka Mba posted a condolence
Thursday, April 18, 2019
May the soul of our erudite surgeon Dede Dr Onye E Akwari rest in the perfect peace of God. We will miss you Dey. May the lord be with you in your eternal journey home.
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Chandra Patterson-McNeil posted a condolence
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Dr Arkwari was such a nice person and well respected doctor. He would always greet everyone with a smile.
I had such a sadness in my Heart when I heard of his passing.
I just wanted to express my condolences to the family for their loss of such a wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Chandra Patterson-McNeil
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Esther Iboro lit a candle
Thursday, April 18, 2019
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Debara Tucci donated to EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA ST TITUS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Thursday, April 18, 2019
In honor of Dr. Onye Akwari
Please wait
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Theo Egesi Ogala posted a condolence
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Dede, it is with great shock that I received this sad news through a post on the whatsapp platform of Item Union, Lagos.
It is hard to believe that you are gone but we will all take solace in the spiritual injunction that "God gives and takes as only He determines ". Rest in peace great man with a heart of gold.
Egesi Ogala.
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Marie Thomas posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Dr Akwari was one of the kindest most sincere physician I ever worked with at Duke. My condolences to his family.
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The family of Onyekwere Emmanuel Akwari uploaded a photo
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
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