On the 14th of May 1942 in Banjul, Gambia Kebba entered the world, he was the second son of Njambo Saine and Abdulai Jobe and the younger brother to Ebrima.

His childhood was a happy one and he often recalled his time as a fiercely independent child who would not only be out playing in the wild, but also seeking to make his own money selling in the market places, much to the dismay of his parents who could not understand why he would want to, given that they provided for him. But it was that entrepreneurial spirit that stayed with him throughout, as he sought to better his life and that of his family.

Arriving in England in 1962 with no formal qualifications he was determined to succeed and was fast to learn. He turned his hand to many a task and worked many jobs including on board merchant ships, as a grave digger, as a boiler stoker at a large West End hotel and working in construction where he gained his trade as a builder and decorator. It was this trade that he followed for most of his adult life working on many jobs ranging from hospitals to homes, roads to railways.

In 1965 he met the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life, his beloved Jeannie or Jackie as he would come to call her. He was 23 and she was 21 and they formed a loving bond and a relationship that would stand the test of time and bring them four children that they loved and nurtured.

The 60’s and 70’s were turbulent times in London and Dad and Mum endured prejudice, poverty and hard times together. They settled in Notting Hill and the surrounding area and strengthened their bond with the birth of their first daughter Michelle in 1966. It was a birth he always remembered as it was the year that England won the World Cup! Five years later along came Nicola in 1971. It was in May of 1974 a week after Dad’s birthday that I came along to join the family.

Thinking it was probably the right time; they got married in 1975 at what was an early example of a ‘themed wedding’. With the Bay City Rollers riding high in the charts, the steps of Kensington registry office were awash with tartan, flares and big hair! As a family we were overjoyed when we were joined by our Louise on New Year’s Eve in 1978.

The early 80’s saw us moving to our newly built home in Colville Houses leaving behind happy memories of the places we had lived before.

Over the years of our childhood Dad regaled us with stories of his childhood in the Gambia. Tales of his wild encounters with Crocodiles in the River, Sharks in the Sea and Lions in the Bush. These were stories he went on to tell his grandchildren and great grandchildren as his family grew. Upon hearing these stories many would say he was lucky to still be alive. Had he only known his adventures would have made a great TV survival show, he could have been the Bear Grylls of The Gambia!!

Growing up our Dad imparted a great many values unto us including a strong work ethic, a respect for all things and all people regardless of their background. He had a diverse set of friends from all walks of life and all creeds. He had descriptive nicknames for most of them based on their ethnicity or bodily features, which would now be considered politically incorrect! Our Mum will attest to the great many international visitors he used to bring to the house having just met them down Portobello Market and making them his friends.

A gentle and kind hearted man, our Dad was generous and giving. He would give advice to all, offer an opinion and enjoyed socialising. Our house was and still is the focal point for gatherings of family and friends. Dad would welcome everyone and would be the consummate host, offering food, drink and conversation into the small hours. It should be noted that the food and drink that he so generously offered, was always prepared by our Mum as he liked to delegate.

Nobody ever left our house empty handed as Dad always had something to offer you, whether that be clothing, Jewellery that he had hand crafted, or electronics that he had restored to working glory. He was a man who could breathe new life into objects and would not hesitate to pass them on to others. He was a great advocate for the recycling effort.

We will all remember him fondly and know that he loved us. In his final days in this world he had his family with him around the clock and truly knew he was loved. He passed on peacefully with this knowledge.

He leaves behind a legacy in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that will be taken forward. For not only does his blood run through our veins, his love beat in our hearts and his words resonate in our memories, but you only need to glance at any one of these children and you can see him in their features, especially the trademark ‘Jobe nose’.

So Mum, never feel that he has left you alone, he hasn’t. He has made sure he has left you with everything you need to carry on, a loving family and a lifetime of memories.

Dad, rest in peace and watch over us all until we see you again. God Bless, We love you x.