The great professor, Bernard Fonlon died on Aug 26, 1986, but his memory remains at the hearts of the people in Cameroon. This year is the 26th anniversary of the dead of this great man. He was not only a noble man, but also a teacher, an advisor, writer, nationalist, Africanist, a leader and a mentor.
It was a real sad that he could not do whatever he intended to do. He went to Canada to receive a Doctorate degree in Literature and then he intended to stay USA during the time of Fulbright programme, but before he could leave Canada, the Life-Giver decided to take him back.
After the dead, his body was brought back to Cameroon and buried where he was born in sixty two years ago. The time when he was brought to home was a real tragedy in the history of Cameroon because of an unexpected event, namely, Lake Nyos gas disaster that claimed the lives of hundreds and hundreds of the country men and women within minutes.
Because of this horror tragedy, the dead of this great man was fully overshadowed. Perhaps God managed the situation precisely as he wanted as he never sought the limelight for himself. He has never been interested to expose himself as a hero. He labored for the country patiently, effectively and potentially where other successful countrymen worked and exposed themselves as hero. But Bernard Fonlon never did that.
Bernard Fonlon was one of the most successful ministers who build an airline and telecommunication network for the country, a health and welfare system, and a public transport service. Indeed, his contribution for the country cannot be summarized in this short article. His deeds have made him immortal and he will remain so.