On Wednesday June 20 at 3:00 pm, Dr Marcel Monny Lobe, critically sick in a hospital bed at the Medical Centre, Jeanne Garnier in Paris, France, called his wife on the phone back in Cameroon and said "I think the time of God has come and if you do not see me alive again, know that it is the will of God. Whatever the situation, you should glorify God because in peace, I am going to meet the Lord.

At the moment, I am thinking about the future of my children and also my patients in the hospital who thought they will see me again. I wish I was in Cameroon to terminate my last moments on this earth". This was the last conversation Dr Monny Lobe had with his wife before his death on June 22 at 3:00 am. The renowned haematologist, who has held several posts of responsibility in Cameroon and beyond, died of lung cancer in Paris at the age of 55.

Caroline Lucie Nkoussee, wife of the deceased, narrated to Cameroon Tribune how her husband has been battling with lung cancer since 2010. From time to time, he went to France for treatment. Caroline Nkoussee says little did she know that her husband's departure for France in March this year was his final journey and the last time she will see him alive. "My husband had hopes of returning alive when he was leaving for France", Caroline Nkoussee noted. But treatment did not go as they expected leading to other complication and malaise, resulting to his death. He leaves behind a wife, four children, family members and friends to mourn him.

Like colleagues and friends, Caroline Nkoussee says she will remember her husband for his frankness, intelligence and commitment in carrying out his duty. Some colleagues of the deceased said he trusted God and was always available to work each time he was called up. Dr Monny Lobe who was a haematologist at the Yaounde Central Hospital devoted his life working for those suffering from sickle cell, other blood diseases as well as HIV/AIDS. His corpse is expected to arrive at the Nsimalen International airport on July 4. Burial has been programmed for 14 July.