Henry Kodwo Afful

Henry,

You hated me calling you that! H … I can’t believe you’re gone. But you must have brought me to this page today. We always said there was a weird connection between us, years ago. I had a sense to look you up today and now I find out you’re no longer here. I am so shocked. I am so sad. I cannot believe I missed your passing and didn’t get to talk to you again. We met just after your first dog died, before you got Pabs. I am sorry you had to leave early - but, you must still be around to guide me here today. I hope you’re at peace. Rest in paradise 💕🙏🏼

We laid to rest a good man today.

I feel honoured to have known H. I was introduced through a mutual friend who spoke so highly of him that I couldn’t wait to meet this person.

I can honestly say that my life got better after I met H. He had a wealth of life experience, a lot of wisdom, and a real way with words. We connected straight away. I’d find myself taking walks in the park with him and Pablo, reasoning and having deep conversations, not realising at the time that we were having some serious therapy sessions and connecting on a level of brotherhood that I’d never experienced before, he had a gift for making people feel seen and valued.

He will be truly missed, in many ways he was like a father figure to me and I’m grateful for every conversation, every lesson and moment we shared.

We have all gained an angel watching over us.

Love you bro, rest easy.

Big Man, H, Henny,
I was so upset to hear the news of a fallen soldier.
We met through a mutual friend and became boys straight away, going on our little two-man missions together. You always stood out from the group, not just because of your stature, but because of your personality too — and always in the best ways.
It was a pleasure knowing you, and I'm grateful to have seen the different sides of you. Behind the hard exterior was a gentle, caring soul. You gave me laughs, deep conversations, words of wisdom, and always showed love with an open heart. You had a way of bringing people together in celebration, and I feel blessed to have shared those moments with you.
I'm gutted that we won't get to spend more good times together. You were a good friend, but also like a big brother to me.
I'll miss you, and I know Heaven has gained a great one.
Rest easy, my brother.

What a man. I had two fractures, one on each leg. I was lying on the floor in the park every day and he came to breathe some life and energy into me. That was our first meeting. I'll never forget 20th April 2024, when we bumped into each other later on in that same park when he was walking Pablo. That was the day we really got deep and spoke about life; he told me he had been learning hypno, and then my life changed. We locked in from then, and the lessons, sessions and brotherhood gave me the life I have now. I found peace; I learnt to have peace in my heart. I learnt true courage, and it helped me get through some of the toughest moments I've ever been through. There is nothing more you can receive than the gift of peace. Henny, such a kind man, he had so much to give, and that's why it was so shocking when I heard the news. I couldn't make sense of it. Such a glorious person with so much to offer the world, no longer here. But I know he is still in our hearts — the hearts of everyone he touched. We will honour this man for who he was. That gives me peace. I love you, brother.
Mayyer

Henry,

I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing.

We first met at school, where you were a few years above me. You were an exceptional sprinter, a gifted athlete, and someone who seemed to excel at every sport. I still remember watching you at the Roger Bannister Stadium representing Roxeth Manor School in athletics events, leaving everyone behind in the sprint races. I always looked up to you, and I was proud that you would often call me your “little brother.”

The last time we spoke was in October 2025. We had a long conversation reminiscing about our school days and sharing old memories. More recently, we had hoped to meet in London while my brother, Jerome, was visiting from Australia. Unfortunately, our schedules did not align, but I know you and Jerome had a wonderful catch-up over the phone, which meant a great deal to both of us.

We also shared a special Ghanaian connection, as my Papa is from Ghana, and that bond made our friendship even more meaningful.

Henry, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for the memories, your friendship, and the inspiration you gave me from a young age.

Fly high, my friend.

Sending our deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.

Benjamin and Jerome Boadu

Today is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Even now, standing here, I still cannot believe that you are gone.

Henry passed away on the 16th of April 2026, but for those of us who loved him, it is impossible to think of him in the past tense. He was larger than life, full of energy, style, wisdom, and humour. He left an impression on everyone he met, and for me, he was not just my best friend—he was my brother, my twin.

Our friendship began over 30 years ago on the very first day of college. We were both studying a BTEC in Business and happened to be sitting in the same classroom during registration. We looked at each other, complete strangers, yet somehow it felt as though we already knew one another.

During class, Henry asked me where I was from. I told him I was Ghanaian. His face lit up and he said, "Oh wow, I'm from Ghana as well."

I then asked him what his Ghanaian name was.

He replied, "Kojo."

I looked at him and said, "I'm Kojo too."

From that moment, a friendship was born that would last more than three decades.

As the years went by, we became inseparable. Henry always called me his twin because we thought alike and shared so many of the same values and views on life. We were similar in many ways, yet different in others. I was the quieter, more reserved one. Henry was the flamboyant one, the one who could walk into a room and instantly command attention.

I used to tell him I wished I could be a little more like him. He would laugh and tell me he wished he could be calmer and more reserved like me. Somehow, despite our differences, we balanced each other perfectly.

Anyone who knew Henry knew how much he loved fashion. After college he worked in retail, and honestly, he was always the best-dressed person wherever we went. Competing with Henry was pointless. The rest of us would show up thinking we looked good, only to realise Henry had arrived and completely raised the standard.

And when it came to the ladies, well, let's just say the rest of us never really stood a chance. Henry was always number one. The rest of us simply stood by and watched while he enjoyed all the attention. We laughed about it then, and it still makes me smile now.

At college, Henry was also an incredible athlete. He excelled at sports and played football at a very high level. Yet one evening, years later, after I had started driving, we sat in my car talking for hours—as we often did—and he shared something that shocked me.

He told me he had been diagnosed with cancer the year before we met.

I could hardly believe it. He looked so strong, healthy and full of life. He explained how chemotherapy had affected his muscles and that he was only operating at about half of the strength he once had.

I remember laughing and saying, "If this is half your strength, then you must have been Superman before."

Because even after everything he had endured, he could still lift twice as much as the rest of our friends in the gym.

That was Henry. Stronger than most people knew.

Life eventually took us in different directions for a while. I went to university, while Henry built a career in fashion and retail. But true friendships never disappear. They simply pick up where they left off.

After I finished university, Henry got a job working on the Underground and was absolutely delighted. To celebrate both milestones—his new job and my graduation—we travelled to Ghana together that Christmas. It was one of many adventures we would share over the years.

Together we travelled across Europe, spent unforgettable times in Barcelona, other parts of spain and europe and visited Ghana three times. Some of my happiest memories are from those trips. No matter where we went, there was always laughter, deep conversations, and stories that we would be retelling for years afterwards.

Not long after that Ghana trip, Henry decided he wanted to learn to drive. Now, he would never admit this publicly, but I always reminded him that although he was better than me at most things, there was one thing I taught him—how to drive.

I teased him relentlessly about it.

Whenever he got a bit too confident, I would remind him, "Don't forget who taught you."

The funny thing is, after taking lessons and passing his test first time, he decided he needed a car.

At the time, all of us were driving what we proudly called "bangers"—old cars that got us from A to B and not much more.

Henry, however, had other ideas.

One day he turned up and surprised us all with a brand-new BMW.

Of course he did.

A banger simply didn't match Henry's personality, his fashion sense, or the standards he set for himself. He always thought bigger. He always aimed higher. He wanted the best from life and encouraged those around him to believe they deserved the best too.

One of the greatest gifts Henry gave me was wisdom.

Over the years we spent countless hours talking—sometimes on the phone, sometimes sitting together for hours. We talked about everything: life, relationships, work, family, dreams, fears, and the future.

Henry taught me the importance of valuing myself, trusting my judgement, and believing in my own worth. Some of the lessons he taught me will stay with me forever.

Last January, we travelled to Ghana again. When we returned, Henry immediately wanted to go back. He seemed happy, healthy and full of life.

Then around September 2025, he told me he was experiencing health problems and feared for his future.

Even then, he faced it with remarkable courage.

One of the last conversations we had was only a few nights before he passed away.

I asked him how he was feeling.

He said something I will never forget.

He told me, "Don't worry. I have accepted life for what it is. If I pass away, I'm a man who passed in his fifties and had a really good time."

That was Henry.

Even in the face of uncertainty, he was thinking about putting other people at ease.

Even then, he didn't want anyone worrying about him.

Today, while our hearts are broken, I take comfort in knowing that Henry truly lived. He embraced life. He travelled. He laughed. He loved. He inspired people. He made memories that will stay with us forever.

Most importantly, he was a loyal friend.

For over 30 years, Henry was there through life's highs and lows. Through celebrations and challenges. Through all the chapters of life.

There are very few people who leave such a lasting mark on your heart that you cannot imagine life without them.

Henry was one of those people.

My friend.

My brother.

My twin.

Thank you for every laugh, every conversation, every lesson, every journey, and every memory.

I will carry them with me for the rest of my life.

Love always and forever, my dearest friend and brother.

Until we meet again. Nigel

Henry my little brother, I hope you are at peace now, not many could have endured what you went through. Time after time you overcame, time after time pushed through and that’s how I will remember you, as a victor who overcame again and again. I will cherish the early memories of spending my summer holidays with you, the laughs shared through the years, the occasions celebrated together and our annual family gatherings just after New Year’s Day each year.

Henry my little brother rest well, be at peace and know you will always be remembered for the good.

Love always,

Kofi & family

My dear Henry,

There are so many things a mother carries in her heart that she never truly says out loud. I suppose this is my way of trying.

From the first moment I held you, you became the centre of my world. Every step you took, every smile, every struggle, every victory — I carried them all with me. A mother never stops watching over her child, no matter how grown he becomes.

Life has not always been easy, and there were times I wished I could shield you from every hurt, every disappointment, every heavy moment. The hardest part of being a mother is knowing I could not fight every battle for you. If I could have taken your pain and carried it myself, I would have done so without hesitation.

What hurts most is how quickly time disappears. One moment you are a little boy reaching for my hand, and the next you are a man walking through life on your own. Mothers spend so much of life holding on while quietly learning how to let go.

I hope you always remember how deeply you were loved. Not only in the big moments, but in the ordinary days too — the small conversations, the worries, the prayers said silently at night, the times I checked on you just to hear your voice or know you were safe. That is a mother’s love: constant, quiet, and endless.

Henry, no matter where life takes you, a part of my heart will always belong to you. And when my time here is gone, I hope you will still feel my love beside you — in the memories, in the lessons I tried to give you, and in the knowledge that being your mother was the greatest gift my life ever gave me.

With all the love a mother can hold,
Rebecca

To Henry and to his family hes left behind god bless you. You was always good to me and my brother you will be well truly missed old school south Harrow man. God bless Jago and Damian and family ❤️💛💚🖤

H
I haven’t got much to say son, just completely done in !
All I will say is “remember Willesden Green”

Rest in Peace big man

Dearest Henry,
Words cannot express the shock and sorrow we felt when we heard of your passing on 16 April 2026. We struggle to put into words what we want to say about you from our earliest memories of Aunty Vic’s absolute delight that Rebecca had given birth to a baby boy after arriving in the UK to complete the family she had began with Henry Afful to my early memories of you when we played, usually at Saggers fabric store and we always teasingly called you Henry the Second! You were a happy, joyful, playful child. We remember your teenage years often plagued by illness but then you seemed to manage yourself back to good health because you were a determined and strong fighter with a desire to live. We were happy for you and proud when you got a job which you enjoyed and remained at for so many years – it showed your resilience, your hard work, your determination. And even when things started to go wrong at work you tried to work them out. Yet another side of your character came into play – the man of peace who wanted to resolve disputes and tried to attain satisfactory compromises or outcomes. We shared your absolute joy when you found out that you had a son and I remember plans that you made to join our boys on some of their many excursions, sadly you did not get the opportunity to have the access that you had hoped to have. We remember you and your dog Pablo, like father and son the two of you could really make us laugh. You did not forget your roots and when you came to Ghana you were received with warmth and excitement, you had time for everyone, whoever they were. There was no arrogance or snobbery about you, but approachable and warm you captured the love of everyone in Abelempke. You were a dutiful son to your mother Rebecca and a supportive step son to Edward and a most loved family member. We shared your frustration and depression when your illness came back but prayed that you would pull through it.
Henry, you were a kind, warm, loving generous spirit. Life was not always kind to you but you were kind to life. You did not moan about the hand you had been dealt but instead took what you had and made the most of it, always true to yourself and others. You leave behind so much for which we are truly grateful and from which we will also take inspiration but most of all Henry you have left us with memories of truly loved nephew and cousin. The Saints have taken you to rest in the arms of our Lord. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you until we meet again.
From Aunty Vic, Barbara and family, Herbert and family, Kofi and family and Kojo and family.

RIP Henry beautiful soul

Beloved Nephew Henry
Though we lived oceans apart, you were always close to my heart. I met you for the first time in London when you were just 10 years old. From that day, you held a special place in my heart. No matter the distance or the years, you made it a point to visit me in Canada. In your own subtle ways, you always stayed in touch, showing love, care, and thoughtfulness. I wish you had known my other two children, Nana Awura and Andrew, but I’m so happy you shared a wonderful bond with my elder son Wilkie. Your kindness, warmth and caring spirit will forever be cherished. You may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Always loved, never forgotten. With all my love.

The first time I met my cousin Henry Afful was in 2005. Life later brought us together again in the UK in 2016, and from that moment we stayed connected, keeping in touch almost every week. In 2025, Henry travelled to Ghana. He was so happy there, sharing videos and joyful moments while on the continent. Seeing his smile and excitement made me happy too. Then in 2026, I heard the heartbreaking news that Henry had passed away. I was completely shocked, and tears flowed down my face. Losing such a great person like Henry is truly a travesty. Henry was loving, memorable, and deeply valued by those around him. His patience, laughter, and spirit will never be forgotten.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. Forever loved. Forever missed.

To darling Henry. You were always a great man. Even whilst you were still a young lad. Soft eyes. To match your soft open heart. A deeper understanding than most your age.
I hope you are resting peacefully now. Wherever you may be.
Deep respect. Deep love to a surpremly honourable man.
Nic xxx

right where do i start Henry afful
my best friend. I moved to no7 regents court when I-was 7, next door was a family henrys family. we got talking and honestly from day 1 we became inseprable. stright away i realised even from that early age this kid henry was strong. we played untill the early hours on the balcony playing football if i smashed his window on the balcony on his side with a waywood shot he would than have to smash my side to level it up lol. we were in and out of each others homes honestly he was my brother every christmas from age 7 we would spend together up untill last year even as we got older he would pass around on christmas day even for a little bit or to get food then to his mums for more and no dought onto yasmins for some more he loved his food.
Then one day we he was about 11 years old he told me he has to go boarding school.
I was devastated because we was all ways together . I said tell your dad you don’t want to go. He said I don’t want to but I have too
Anyway he would come back to his mums every school holiday if it was for 2
weeks or 6 weeks. i would count down the days waiting for him to retum. dont worry we filled everything in in those holidays
Example we would cook Poncakes in his nums kitchen and it would be a right mess while she was at work.
we would watch kung fu films then reenact the scenes on the roads after watching drunken master we would go out get a couple of boys
and hold them on the fence and Take it in turns to practice Karattee kicks on them evil i know but thats how it was back then.. then henry realised that swan matches could work by striking them on the wall. so off we went lighting fires all over hackney and then calling the fire brigade……i Know.
as i said earler henry was strong he wald win everything physical be it end to end football-in the cage
Or end to end
with our Bauer states. I Just couldnt win he was a specimen.then he found out that
bruce lees birthday was the same days as him ff's then he went up another level into his fitness and obsession with Kung fu. he even bought nun chuckers and was trying to master them . Also Henry did not like to lose. he was a bad loser: if you got to beat him on Pro evo he would say his thumb is hurting or the joystick was playing up or even worse
Switch it off lol
as we got older
Sometimes he could be hard work. it he had a theory or you had a conversation with him that you didnt agree with he would get annoyed he waldnt say as much but you could sense it. so I would change the conversation because he was my brother but i grew to know it wasnt personal that was Just henry: i Know your looking down right now brother probably saying what you talking aboot lol. i dont do these kind of speches never but for you henry I would do anything
Rip my brotter
love always
Raymond

My lovely sweet man,

I feel blessed to have met you. You brought so much love and laughter into my life. You inspired me to live a better life, and I will always be deeply grateful for everything.

I will miss you every single day — your jokes and your smile, your stories, your passion for truth and justice, your kindness and care, your conversations with Pablo, and the beautiful bond you shared. I will miss your jokes about my accent and all the funny stories you always shared with me.

I will miss our dinners and our special duck recipe — we truly became experts at making it together. I will miss our evenings in the garden, in our “tent dimensions” listening to music and enjoying the wind, where for a moment it felt as though we were completely detached from the world and all its hardships.

I will miss our late-night walks in the park, where everything felt almost magical — the starry sky, the peaceful silence, the wind, Pablo running after little foxes, and our conversations about those beautiful moments we shared and the plans ahead of us…

You were a beautiful soul and an inspiration to everyone around you. You went through so much, yet you never lost your joy for life or the smile that brought happiness to others.

Nothing will ever feel the same without you. Life took you away from us far too soon, but I will carry you in my heart forever, and I will always be grateful for the honour of knowing you and having you in my life.

I will always love you.

Your GG

I was first introduced to my bro when i was around 5 yrs old, in my dads car driving through south harrow and he spotted his first born Henry. He called him over and made the introduction. I always remember bro mentioning looking at my Afful eyes glaring back at him lol. Over the years bro would occasionally swing by my fathers home to say hi, we built the bond from early. My bro had a passion for nice cars so from young ive always seen him (sometimes heard him coming) in fast cars and as a kid i would be in awe. Bro was like a 2nd father figure to me.. our age gap being 20yrs. He would take me out for events and amusement parks when younger which i enjoyed. Bro would also often stop by my fathers house to grab food from my mum, he really enjoyed her cooking. As i got older and over the years our bond naturally grew, and gradually i became his little big brother as he would refer to me. Few years ago i invited him to come and stay with me in our home country where me and my maternal family took great care of him. Bro really enjoyed his time in ghana and couldnt stop talking about his future plans to relocate there. I thoroughly encouraged the idea as he felt at peace and ease in his home country, i introduced him to external family members which he had never met and he made very strong bonds with such members. Bros life was cut far to early unfortunately as his battle with cancer has been a persistent issue in his health for majority of his life. Bro was a strong, wise and humble soul, calm and collected. I hope hes finally resting up there with pops and the rest of the family, he fought a gd battle may his soul rest in peace. Till we meet again Your lil big bro. Adam

Tribute to my Dad:

It’s impossible to put into words what you mean to me because you’re such a huge part of who I am. You didn’t just raise me, you helped shape me into the woman I’ve become. You taught me to know my worth, to stand tall, to never settle and to carry strength and kindness through life. Everything good in me carries a piece of you.

You carried an energy and presence that naturally drew people to you and boy did you know it! You never had to demand attention loudly, it came so effortlessly, because of the warmth, kindness and love you gave to everyone around you. You were the most amazing man not just to look at, which may I add you were always the flyest in the room. But because you exhuded grace and an opulent of spirit that made everyone feel your presence.

Some of my happiest memories are the moments we shared together, the endless laughter, the silly jokes that only we understood, the countless cinema trips which soon became our thing over the years and all the long walks we took with shaa & Pablo. No matter what was going on in life, being with you always felt safe, easy and full of love.

Watching you become a grandad brought me so much pride and seeing the bond with you and Ayla was one of my life’s greatest gifts. She adored you, adored playing with your locks, covering you in kisses and the odd rugby tackle. These memories will stay with us forever and I know she will always carry your love with her as she grows. There’s not a day that goes by where she doesn’t ask for her grandad, and not a night that passes where she doesn’t blow a kiss to the sky wishing grandad a goodnight.

You were my dad, my protector, my comfort and one of my greatest blessings. The bond we shared is something that not even death can take away.
You will forever remain in my heart until the day that we are reunited once again.

Just like we always said at the end of every phone call… I love you in this life and the next.
Fly high dad.
Always & forever,
Your daughter X

Will always miss you

Henry,

It is hard to put into words how much you meant to us all. You were more than family — you were a steady presence, full of warmth, humour, kindness, and love. The memories we shared with you over the years are treasures we will carry forever.

We will miss your smile, your words of wisdom, your stories, and the way you made people feel welcome and cared for. Family gatherings will never be quite the same without you there.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the time we had with you and for the love you showed so freely to everyone around you. Your spirit and the impact you made on our lives will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Henry. You will always remain in our hearts.

With all our love,

Kwame, Monica and family

Henry,

Writing this tribute is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Your passing has brought deep sorrow to our hearts, and even now it is difficult to accept that you are no longer with us.

As your Auntie, I will always remember you as a loving, respectful, and gentle soul. You had a calm spirit and a smile that could brighten any room. Whenever you were around, you brought happiness and comfort to those who loved you.

Henry, you were special to me in so many ways. Watching you grow brought pride and joy to the family. The memories we shared — the laughter, conversations, and family moments — are memories I will forever hold close to my heart.

Your departure came far too soon, and that is what makes this pain so heavy. There were still so many dreams, hopes, and beautiful moments ahead of you. Yet, even in your short time with us, you touched lives and left behind memories that will never fade.

Though tears fill our eyes today, we thank God for the blessing of your life. We thank Him for the love you showed, the kindness you carried, and the joy you brought to your family and friends.

Henry, you may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. We will continue to love you, remember you, and speak of you with pride and affection.

Rest peacefully, my dear son and nephew, until we meet again.

With all my love,
Auntie Ataa and family

Henry,

It still feels unreal that you are gone. There are moments when I expect to hear your voice, see your smile, or simply know that you are around. Losing you has left a deep pain in our hearts, one that words can hardly describe.

As your Uncle Nana Krapah, I want you to know how proud I was of you and how much you meant to me and the entire family. You had a gentle spirit and a way of bringing warmth wherever you went. Your laughter, your respect for others, and the love you showed to family will always stay with us.

You were not just a nephew to me — you were like a son, a friend, and a bright light in the family. The memories we shared, the jokes, the conversations, and the moments together are now precious treasures I will carry for the rest of my life.

What hurts most is knowing we did not have enough time with you. Your life was valuable, and your presence made a difference to so many people. Even though your journey here was shorter than we wished, the love you gave and the impact you made will never disappear.

Henry, we will miss you deeply. Your seat in the family will never truly be filled. But we thank God for the gift of your life and for every moment we had with you.

May your soul rest peacefully in the arms of the Almighty. Until we meet again, you will remain forever in our hearts.

With love and sorrow,
Uncle Nana Krapah

Though distance and time meant our paths rarely crossed, the warmth of Henry’s spirit reached far beyond the moments we shared. To know of Henry was to know a man deeply loved, genuinely respected, and held in the highest regard by everyone around him.He left a lasting impression of kindness on this world, leaving behind a legacy of positive thoughts and beautiful memories in London and in the hearts of family everywhere. His gentle presence will be deeply missed, but his wonderful soul will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Henry.

From Cousin Kofi in Chicago and wife Fiona