By Olamide Jasanya
Goldie’s brother Joshua Filani paying final tributes to the late singer. Photo: Victor Ekezie
Touching tributes from the late singer’s family, including her husband, father, step mother and siblings…
Husband- Leonard Andrew Harvey
Tribute to my sunshine
Susan, you walked into my life. It was like God sent you as a fresh breath, I still remember your response to my first love message (SMS) 'Love killed Romeo, sent Diana to an early grave and killed Jack on the Titanic. Forget about love, just have friendship and live long'. Over time, our love grew to a depth I have never known. You were the best years of my life, your smile, your energy, your desire to live in your dreams.
The physical pain of your loss is so hard to bear, but I console myself that you are in the arms of the Lord and with our wonderful memories. I am fortunate that your drive to seek fame has immortalized you in word, song and picture. Not many have this opportunity to keep memories alive.
Nothing sums up my feelings more than 'Fine' the song we played together so many times and I still remember being dressed as Father Christmas while you sang live at Silverbird and more recently for TV at our home when you returned from Big Brother. Little did I know what those words would come to mean.
No Autumn, Summer, Spring, just Winters all it brings
As I'm standing at home all alone.
Your pictures brings back memories of how I thought that it could be
But you drifted away without a goodbye
I'm saying hey, hey, hey
I'm doing real fine, fine okay
It's just that I'm missing you, but I'll get along anyway
I'm saying hey, hey, hey
I'm doing real fine, fine okay
You took my heart and ran away but I'll get along anyway.
No spoken words to me, when love was all I could see
We had good going on now but now am singing this sad song.
I don't know why you disappeared; I wish that you would reappear
Cos brightness never shows without you here
I'm saying hey, hey, hey
I'm doing real fine, fine okay
It's just that I'm missing you, but I'll get along anyway.
I'm saying hey, hey, hey
I'm doing real fine, fine okay
You took my heart and ran away but I'll get along anyway
I don't know why you disappeared; I wish that you would appear
Cos brightness never shows without you here.
I'm saying hey, hey, hey
I'm saying real fine, fine okay
It's just that I'm missing you, but I'll get along anyway
I'm saying hey, hey, hey
I'm doing real fine, fine okay
You took my heart and ran away but I'll get along anyway
Adieu my love, farewell and bon voyage until we meet again when I join you in the next life! Lewy
Pastor Samuel Dipo Filani- Father
Oluwabimpe my daughter,
Bimpe Harvey (nee Filani) was my first born, the first evidence of my strength and destiny. She was hardworking, focused, intelligent, and smart and determined to excel. She started relating to celebrities in newspapers and magazines as a teenager. I did not encourage her but she chose her path and I had to succumb. We trained to expose her to the TRUTH- JESUS CHRIST. We were hoping that one day she would be singing for Jesus. Indeed, she has started showing signs of becoming a blessing to the family, but God knows best! Her stepmother made wonderful efforts to help like any biological mother would do. Her husband, Andrew Harvey spoilt her with love and care, we are satisfied that we have all done our best. We all love you and would miss your love and support. Adieu Oluwabimpe Goldie Harvey.
Daddy
Mrs Filani- Stepmother
Oluwabimpe mi owon,
I cannot but recall the first time I saw you in your dad's office in 1998. You were a pretty young girl with a smile that reached your eyes and wisdom far beyond your age. Anyone meeting you could not but help love you. Bimpe, you were truly a loving child, smart, brilliant, beautiful. I recall a statement you made in Big Brother House when you didn't act as other wanted saying 'I know my dad is watching me'. That for us was evidence of your respect and love for the family even though you could not be perfect. Who is?
I recall also our visit to you and Andrew last year in your home and the many desires you both had for 2013. Alas it was not to be. We just wished things had turned out differently for you and that we had enough time to pray about this illness without it costing you your life. Your life and death is another parable that only the Lord can explain but evidence that we are not in charge of our lives. Only God owns tomorrow. 'Kabi o osi o' you are the Alpha and Omega, kabi o si o, kabi o si o"
You will be greatly missed and remembered adieu.
Mum
Toyin Filani – Sister
My Darling Sister
Sis Bimpe, I really don't know what to say, but this is the greatest shock of my life. Your passing away still looks like a dream to me. I always thought that we all would live long and be happy. That we all will fulfil the purpose for which God has called us into the world to accomplish, I never knew that you will leave so soon. I use to remember those wonderful times when we were still very young. We sang songs together, had a lot of art work together, we played all kinds of games back then… I remember those times when as a big sister, you comforted us when mummy died, till I left for secondary school. Even when we weren't all that close again, you still did the best you could and supported me and my younger ones. Indeed you did the best you could at a very short period of time….Well, in all God knows best' he has the final say to our lives. I just want to use this medium to say I love you, may you rest in the bosom of the lord till we meet to path no more! Adieu
Toyin Filani.
Gideon Filani- Brother
Big Sis
Big sis, like I always called you, it is a painful thing that a lot of things you said you will do, you couldn't why? Only eternity will tell but till we get to the road that leads to the beyond, let me say that you will be greatly missed. The times we laughed together and the periods we argued with each other …… You were a darling with a heart always seeking to do more!!
We know that we'll one day meet at the master's feet and we'll rejoice forever!!! You have lived your life to that which time could permit and left for that place beyond time… you will be missed big time Sis Bim….. Love you sister….
Gideon Filani
Joshua- Brother
Sis Bim
You came, you saw, you conquered; surely there is no other way to describe her life. Sis you achieved what very few would achieve in a lifetime in a very short life. You impacted the lives of thousands who loved you for it….
You were a blessing when u were alive and you are still a blessing now…. You touched my life in so many ways that I can't describe, you would be greatly missed and the magnitude of which words cannot express… your name would never be forgotten as long as I am alive. I love you sis, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU.
Your baby Joshua
The Filani twins
Aunty Goldie we miss you. When are you coming to sing and dance for us. Love you
