Since the death of Liberian veteran Journalist, Horatio Bobby Willie, there has been an outpouring of love from various segments of the Liberian Society. On Tuesday, the Press Union of Liberia opened the signing of a Book of Condolence at the institutions’ Headquarters.
The Union in a statement issued on Tuesday said “The PUL is saddened by the death of the bright sports writer and communication practitioner. The Union again extends its deepest regret to the Willie Family over the death of Bobby, describing it as another irreparable loss to the media. “
The latest tribute comes from former Finance and Foreign Affairs Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, who recounted his professional link with the veteran Communicator, “From a distance, I had followed with deep admiration your transition from a Sports Journalist at Radio Veritas to an Economic Reporter at Star Radio. “ Ngafuan indicated that Willie’s skillset and experience in Journalism backed by his degree in Economics quickly transform the Public Relations Unit at the Ministry of Finance to a robust “Media Services Section.”
According to Ngafuan, when he transitioned to the Position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet in 2012, he recommended Bobby Willie for employment in the Ministry, a decision that saw him (Bobby Willie) “earned the admiration of employees of the Ministry, both at home and at foreign missions, and that of the general Liberian populace.” He described Willie as a diligent, innovative and above patriotic Liberian who took any given task seriously.
The former Foreign Minister continued in his emotional piece, “The unforgettable truth is that every day of represents a forward march that inescapable checkpoint called Death. But given your tender age, we thought your distance to the checkpoint was still very far. “
He intoned, “ And I also thought you still had enough time to one day show me practical proof on an old-timer’s soccer pitch that you were that very good central defender that you often boasted of being.”
Horatio Bobby Willie died on Tuesday, July 13 at the JFK Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
Bobby Willie started his professional career as a sports reporter for Radio Veritas and later joined Star Radio as Economic reporter. He helped established the Economic Reporters Association, a conglomeration Journalists reporting on economic issues in Liberia. He transitioned to Public service as Director of Information Services at the Ministry of Finance and later became Assistant Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The fallen communicator also worked with the Ministry of Gender and Liberia Telecommunications Authority. He also provided communication consultancy for the Liberia Football Association.
