Celebrating The Remarkable Journey Of A Devoted Hubby, Father, Grandfather, Engineer, Mentor & Servant Of God
There are lives that are measured not only by the years lived, but by the number of lives touched, the values imparted and the legacy left behind. Elder Engr. Kolawole Sunday Awosika was one such man.
When news came of his transition to eternal glory on September 7, 2026, it brought sorrow to his family, friends, colleagues, church community and the many people whose lives he quietly influenced. Yet, beyond the pain of his departure is a profound sense of gratitude for a life that was lived with faith, dignity, humility, professional excellence and love.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on January 25, 1953, and a native of Ondo, Kolawole Awosika grew into a man whose journey crossed continents and whose impact reached far beyond his professional accomplishments. His life story is one of determination, education, family devotion, Christian service and an enduring commitment to helping others.
THE SCHOLAR AND DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER
From his early education in Ondo and Lagos, Kolawole demonstrated the intellectual discipline that would eventually define his professional career.
He went on to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1980, followed by a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering in 1982.
His engineering career was marked by dedication and steady advancement. In 1995, he joined the City of Gary Sanitary and Stormwater Management District in Indiana, where his competence, experience and commitment saw him rise through the ranks to become Director of Engineering. He served with distinction until his retirement in 2025.
He was a licensed Professional Engineer in the United States and a registered engineer with COREN in Nigeria. He also belonged to respected professional bodies, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, Water Environment Federation and Indiana Water Environment Association.
But perhaps the greatest testimony to his professional life is found in the people he inspired.
One of his colleagues, Jabez Anderson, remembered Kola as a major reason he became an engineer. When Anderson failed his Professional Engineer examination the first time and considered giving up, Kola encouraged him to try again. He shared stories of his own struggles as an engineer and how he overcame them. That memory captures an important dimension of Kolawole Awosika: he did not simply practise engineering; he helped build engineers.
A MAN WHO BELIEVED IN PEOPLE
Beyond titles, degrees and professional achievements was a man who genuinely cared about people.
The memorial records that Kola quietly supported individuals through education, business start-ups and career development, often without seeking recognition. His generosity was not about publicity. It was about seeing potential in people and helping them move forward.
Those who knew him repeatedly describe him with words such as gentle, kind, compassionate, warm, humble and generous.
Oluwatoyin Solomon remembered him as a gentle, kind and compassionate man.
Lara Yusuff described his life as blessed, fulfilled and prosperous, while Lola Johnson remembered him fondly as “Papa”—a kind, gentle-spirited man whose smile made life lighter and whose wisdom and warmth left a lasting impression.
For many, that smile became part of the memory of Kola Awosika.
Indeed, Prince Adetomiwa Adeniyi mourned the loss of a man he described as having a caring and smiling heart, expressing how deeply his departure would be felt by both the Adeniyi and Awosika families.
A FATHER WHO BECAME A FATHER TO OTHERS
Perhaps nowhere is Elder Awosika's character more profoundly revealed than in the memories of those who regarded him as a father.
One particularly moving tribute came from Oladipo Olatuja, who recalled how Kola stood by him during difficult moments and became the father figure he could run to whenever he was down.
He remembered the lessons, the Saturday study sessions, the journeys between Lagos and Ondo, the simple treats bought during travels and even the meals shared at Kola's workplace.
More importantly, he remembered the lessons of humility and kindness.
Kola's philosophy, as recalled by Olatuja, was simple but powerful: whatever a person possesses should never become a reason to make another person feel inferior.
His desire was also clear: that his sons should remain united and happy.
That is perhaps one of the greatest gifts a father can leave his children—not merely material possessions, but values capable of holding a family together across generations.
A DEVOTED HUSBAND AND FAMILY MAN
For 48 years, Elder Engr. Kolawole Awosika shared the journey of marriage with Rev. Mrs. Jumoke Modupe Awosika. Together, they built a home grounded in faith, love and family values.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, four sons—Dr. Taiwo Awosika, Mr. Kenny Awosika, Dr. Idowu Awosika and Mr. Alaba Awosika—and five grandchildren: Joshua (Akachi), Kikelola, Caleb (Kamsochi), Joseph and Korede.
He also leaves behind siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and cherished friends.
The memorial photographs tell their own story: family celebrations, fathers and sons, siblings, grandchildren and moments of togetherness. They present a man who valued family not as an abstract institution, but as a source of joy, responsibility and continuity.
A SERVANT OF GOD
For Elder Awosika, professional success was never the whole story.
His greatest devotion, according to his family memorial, was to the Lord and his community.
At Grace Pentecostal Foursquare Gospel Church in Chicago, he served in several capacities, including CFM President, Treasurer and Chairman of the Building Committee. He was also involved in the choir and enjoyed playing the bass guitar.
His Christianity was therefore not merely a private belief. It was expressed through service, responsibility, fellowship and commitment to the church community.
His life reflected the familiar Christian principle that true greatness is found in service.
THE QUIET FORCE WITH THE BOISTEROUS LAUGH
There is a particularly memorable description of Elder Kolawole Awosika in his official memorial:
“He was a quiet force with a boisterous laugh.”
It is a phrase that seems to capture the man perfectly.
He was not necessarily the loudest person in the room, nor did he appear to seek attention. Yet his presence mattered. His counsel mattered. His kindness mattered. His encouragement mattered.
He enjoyed travel, good food and good music, but perhaps his greatest enjoyment was seeing people succeed and families remain united.
The memories shared after his passing reinforce this image of a man who made people feel valued.
Taiwo Odubela remembered his wonderful and kind nature, while other mourners spoke of the warmth and love they experienced from him.
It continues through his wife, his sons and grandchildren; through the engineers he mentored; through the people he supported in education and business; through his church service; through the colleagues who learned from him; and through friends and extended family members who carry his memories in their hearts.
His legacy is also connected to the memory of his late mother, Princess Clara Mopintemi Adewoyin Awosika (née Adeniyi), remembered within the family for her remarkable spirit of service. In his memory, the family has encouraged support for the Clara Awosika and Kolawole Awosika Legacy, ensuring that the values of compassion, education and community support associated with the family continue.
This is the true measure of a life well lived.
REST IN PEACE, ELDER ENGR. KOLAWOLE SUNDAY AWOSIKA
You came into the world as a blessing.
You lived as a servant.
You gave as a mentor.
You loved as a husband and father.
You inspired as an engineer.
And you departed leaving behind a legacy that cannot easily be measured.
May the Lord receive your soul into His eternal rest, and may the memories of your beautiful life continue to strengthen the family, friends and communities you left behind.
Rest well, Elder Engr. Kolawole Sunday Awosika.
Your good works will continue to speak.
Your legacy will continue to live.
Authentic International Magazine celebrates the life and legacy of Elder Engr. Kolawole Sunday Awosika—a distinguished Nigerian engineer, devoted Christian, loving family man and quiet builder of people
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