From Alice Sarfati

On August 30, 2021, the world lost one of the truly good ones.  And for many of us, our entire world was lost that day.  I lost a brother, a friend, a guardian angel.  Yode Owens was one of the rare people you come across in life (if you are fortunate enough) that I would categorize as Exceptional. 

Yode was divine intervention in my world--an angel in human flesh—that found me in the suffocating abyss of my darkest hour and yanked me with his benevolence, back to where I could breathe once again.  Most of the details in the months right after my father’s death have become a blur—likely out of coping mechanisms--but, I remember clearly feeling the weight of the world fallen on my shoulders and feeling I was completely alone in the enormity of the consequences of my father’s unexpected demise.  Until...Yode selflessly flew down to help me face the unforeseen challenges I never thought I could surmount.  He brought me a lantern so that I could make my way out of the blinding darkness.  He showed me that there is good in the world.  And, he reinforced the notion that there is a higher power making shifts in our paths so that we are able to cope and survive.

Yode wasn’t just there for me in the darkness.  We also had shared some of the greatest life memories— laughing as unbeknownst to me, my teeth were dyed bright blue by the cupcake frosting American Express served during a Summer Internship Career Fair (No one else ate them but me!);  celebrating Halloween with what felt like all of NYC and watching our small group inspire an impromptu breakdance show in the middle of the West Village; sharing a secret laugh with me as he asked my sister, Lili, “are you sure that’s what you want to wear today?” knowing that a few hours later she would be met with a surprise engagement in Central Park surrounded by her family and friends.

Yode was a champion for all his friends.  He made you question all your insecurities because of his defiant confidence in you.  The only time I ever saw him disappointed was when I didn’t hold myself to the same level of pride that he had for me. 

His absence sits on my heart heavily.  I carry it with me.  He was not just a special person, he was an exceptional person.  And I have to believe that he graduated to a higher place that is far better suited for the likes of a soul of his grandeur.  I have to think he is in the VIP area of Club “Upper Realm” because that is just where he belongs.

Circling back to the loss of a father, I know how much Yode took pride in his boys.  He loved them so fiercely and would tell me about all the special experiences he would share with them.  He called me once to tell me he was taking Gio to the Superbowl and I remember thinking, “That is one lucky kid and not because of the SuperBowl.”  I also know he was an extremely dedicated son and partner and his love for his mother and wife was undeniable.  I hope you all keep an open mind and see when there are inexplicable moments and unfathomable coincidences in which Yode is present with you from afar like my father has been for me. 

Yode, I know you are here listening.  I know you are here with all of those lucky enough to have spent time with you.  I also feel in my heart of hearts you only left us behind because you were ready to move beyond this place and time despite how unfair it feels to us.  And I know we are all connected to you for a reason and that we will reunite with you someday.

You are a hero.   You are a role model.  You are an exception to the rule.  You are and forever will be the one and only, Kayode.  I love you and will always carry your benevolent spirit in my heart and in my actions.  I pray you are resting in peace and that we will see each other again on the other side.

Love,

Alice