Tribute to our Dear brother John Jabel Leon Prom It is with a heavy heart that I mourn and grieve the devastating loss of our brother & friend John Jabel Leon Prom who shocked us all by answering to the call of the almighty, leaving all his family and friends shocked in disbelief of the reality that we now have to live without him for the rest of our lives. I got the sad news in the early hours on Thursday morning that left me in a state of shock and sadness. John was one of the most unassuming, decent, down to earth, humble, loyal, trustworthy individuals I have ever known from the day we entered primary school at the St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Banjul in the mid 60’s. He always had the natural disposition of someone who always puts everyone else first, and cared so much about the well-being of others to a fault. At an early age he developed the qualities of leadership by his desire to always have some sort of hang out with his friends, either after soccer practice or at his home at Lancaster Street on weekends. His personality was like a magnetic field as he attracted everyone that came into contact with him especially with his pleasant nature that everyone is accustom to when interacting with him. One of the most distinguishable traits of our brother John was his infectious smile that truly represents everything you need to know about him. He never seems to have a bad day, and even if he did you would not even know from his demeanor. High school was no different in the early 70’s as he continued to evolve in personality, developing an even more compelling ability to understand the dynamics of our social fabric, in adapting to a new environment where we developed new friendships with other students entering St. Augustine’s High School from different schools & backgrounds. This experience evolved into developing one of the most rewarding academic & sports environment in the history of inter-schools’ activities. As everyone is fully aware of, John came from a legendary family of which his later father Uncle Louis Prom of blessed memory fondly know as Pa Prom, was the proprietor and owner of the Augustinians Football Club. So, soccer was in his DNA which he exhibited through his performance in inter-school tournaments representing our alma mater on all the great SAINTS teams that dominated high school soccer for years. After proceeding to the US in the 80’s to pursue his college education, John continued his ambitious drive towards success in his endeavors, without losing sight of the principles & conviction he has always espoused. As a member of the Maryland community, his involvement and participation in any and all causes among fellow Gambians, not only validates his continued efforts at bringing people together, but rather a testament to his sense of responsibility towards his community. Being a founding member of the Gambian Christian People’s Association – Metro DC Area (GCPA), the vision he shared was one of a noble cause of giving back to Gambians back home who may not have had the opportunities a lot of other’s had. I need not go into the details some of the achievement under his leadership and the executives of the organization, as it is well documented for everyone to see. He enlisted all of us friends & family to rally around this cause every year at the Annual Gala which is commemorated on Memorial Day Weekend. It was also an opportunity for an informal reunion among those of us who come from all over the US to grace the occasion, as we reunite with friends & former schoolmates from all over the world. He was a man of honor, dignity, respect, empathy among a host of other aspects of him that cannot be quantified to say the least. This represents not only my views but with some of his very closest friends namely, Bai Malleh Wadda, Pa Jallow, Cherno Gaye, Saihou Sissoho, Ernest Leese just to name a few as we are just a fraction of everyone who has had the privilege of associating with him through friendship or acquaintance. To his lovely wife Pamela who has been the bed rock of his life is someone needs all the support, as it will be very difficult to come to terms with her loss. His son and daughter Harry & Sukai will have to live with such an unexpected void for the rest of their lives. Pamela, Harry & Sukai, rest assured that you can always count on our support regardless of the fact that our beloved brother John has answered the call of our Lord too soon. My wife and I are deeply saddened by this profound family loss of our dear beloved brother and uncle. May John Jabel Leon Prom rest in eternal peace. Albert R Valantine