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Albert Does It- In Memorium written by his friend Jennifer (Easthampton)
Hampton Terrace
offered virtually
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I learned so much from Albert. He never stayed down too long, despite multiple challenges in his life, he persisted with a genuine kind spirit, twinkle in his eyes and the brightest smile. So many times he recounted to me stories from his childhood about picking mangoes, which grew everywhere in Ghana, and how he would climb the tallest trees, play with his friends and get into all types of boyish mischief. He told me in people Africa are happier than people here in the US not because they had a lot materially, but because there was just more joy and community and love for family and God.
Albert came here when he was 15 and worked at many local businesses in the area over the years.
Albert shared his hopes and dreams with me. Albert loved to read mystery novels and aspired to be a screenwriter. He wanted to have children. He wanted to buy land and have a farm. I kept telling him to keep trying and it would happen one day. He was a very hard worker and a meticulous painter. I had encouraged him to start his own business here on Craigslist.
I was in awe with the ease of which Albert made friends. Everywhere he went people knew Albert. He never forgot all of his friends from Amherst High and all the nice people he knew from Hampshire College parties and all his townie friends from Easthampton. He always cared for Joe and his girlfriend and Steve (Etinde) his good friend the painter. Sorry i do not know your last names. He often mentioned Judy in Agawam, whom he loved like a grandma. Jamie in Florence he loved you and your family. Bevan, Harper and their family, The wonderful family across the street, indeed many people all around from Dunkin’ to Cumby’s, Pizza House to Bueno’s and so many more folks. He was very proud to become an uncle recently to his newborn niece and had shown me her beautiful photos. He deeply loved his parents, his sister Mary and his brothers Gabe and Ray, and large extended family in Springfield and back home in Ghana.
I spent time with Albert as both a girlfriend and a friend and I last saw him last week at my Mom’s house in West Springfield cutting down an unruly Buffaloberry shrub and she remarked how much she admired and loved him. He was glad I left Florida and Brooklyn and was back in Mass. Jenni just come back home he would always say.
Albert had just called me to say he had a decent win on a lotto ticket. I was so happy to hear that.
Albert was supportive of me like no other friend when I lost my father suddenly in front of me during Covid. I confessed to him privately that I had a strong premonition my Father was going to die about two weeks before it actually happened. Albert was there for me during many of my darkest and painful moments, especially during the Covid years. There was the time I got thrown out of Hot Table in Hadley for not wearing a mask after my Dad died- Jenni we need to go, what got into you?! Then we both got thrown out of Friendly’s, same reason. I guess we were the Bonnie and Clyde of the Pandemic:)) Albert always stuck by me.
Albert was one of the most libertarian people I knew because he actually practiced true libertarianism by doing and then asking permission later. He often inspired my own entrepreneurialism and love for freedom.
I know Albert was devastated when Rodney his cousin passed in 2024. He really loved his younger cousin so much. Now- Albert I know in my heart you are with him in the other beautiful plane maybe Swarga Loka (which I caught a glimpse of during a medical emergency in 2022) or Heaven as it is known in many cultures- that place which exists beyond this life, beyond the veil. Perhaps we will be rejoined in another lifetime.
Albert-I have beautiful memories of our time on earth together like being under the stars looking for drones at the Oxbow in your pickup truck or driving to Hammonasset Beach to walk near the giant boulders.We used to watch One Piece with Goofy your dog, nearby. Goof will surely miss you! I loved rambling around your backyard garden each year. You definitely had a green thumb. If I find the prickly pear cactus cutting at your house I will plant it by your grave.
One day I will see you again. Your life will shine as a bright star in my heart guiding me to my higher purpose. If I could only hug you one last time. Maybe in my dreams. I love you Albert Gyeidu forever and always- Jenni