December 29, 2005 – April 12, 2025
With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of our dearest Ugonna George Ekelem, born the morning of December 29th, 2005, and passed the night of April 12, 2025, under the Pink Full Moon in Caldwell, Idaho.
Ugonna is a beloved son, loyal brother, devoted partner, and a cherished friend.
From a young age, Ugonna embraced life with a zest that was contagious. He took pleasure in competitive challenges against others—especially his younger sister, Ngozi. He was athletic, creative, and endlessly curious, quirky and loved with his whole heart—deeper than anyone thought possible.
Ugonna had a superpower for making things fun! His playful energy lit up a room. He robustly lived life with undeniable charisma—he had the “Riz!”
He was energetically amused by:
- Video games
- Tracking runs
- Late-night walks
- Climbing and jumping over anything and everything — “PARKOUR!”
He approached life with joy and enthusiasm, collecting “Cool Stuff” such as:
- Figurines
- Skateboards
- Tech decks
- Fidgets
- Knives and trinkets
He also had a keen eye for cool clothes and the next sweet threads to add to his wardrobe, especially his “Fresh Kicks.”
Some of his favorite things included:
- Looking suave in his button-down shirts
- Relaxing in hoodies
- Hanging out with friends
- Spending quality time with family
- Driving around in his car with the music up
He relished the savory taste of all sorts of food combinations, whether ethnic or simple, and was thankful for everything, going back for seconds and thirds of what he loved—especially pizza and pounded yam with okra soup.
To say that Ugonna was “strong”, “funny”, or just plain “incredible” is an understatement.
He kept looking for new ways to better himself and live to his fullest potential. Ugonna genuinely cared for others, was thoughtful, kind, and always willing to help. He was a bright shining star, and his smile was infectious. He always strived to grow, to love, and to give.
Preceded in Death By
- Grandfather: Wilfred Smith Pickles
Survived By
- Mother: Carol Leslie Pickles Maisey Ekelem
- Father: Ifeatu Emmanuel Ekelem
- Stepmother: Shirla Keen-Ekelem
- Grandmother: Minnie Mullikin Loveland
- Sister: Ngozi Ekelem
- Siblings:
- Drew (Heather) Maisey
- Ezekiel (Amanda) Maisey
- Freesia Maisey
- Adaeze Ekelem
- Ify-J Ekelem
- Ifeoma Ekelem
- Tamar Limbrick
- Ikenna Ekelem
- Nnamdi Ekelem
- Girlfriend: Alexis Jade Angel
- Many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins
He will live forever in the hearts of all who knew him, and be written in the stars for all to see.
He is at peace now in the arms of Jesus.
God be with you till we meet again, our precious Ugonna George Ekelem.
