Chukwuemeka Noble Akpulonu

We Are Family!

We celebrate the life of a husband, father, brother, uncle and in-law with sadness and sorrow. Although we wished for a different outcome, we are grateful for the life he shared with us.

Noble, Chukwuemeka Akpulonu, started his life journey in Umugo, Abia State, Nigeria. He was born to Israel Akpulonu and Eugenia Akpulonu (nee Dike). He had five siblings, one of them being his twin brother.  Noble experienced the loss of various family members throughout his life, starting with the death of his father when he was five years, his mother when he was 31, and three siblings later in his adult life.  Even though all these losses were difficult, he faced each with strength and perseverance.

Noble was curious about the world and passionate about education as a child. His love of education led him to attain various levels of education. He briefly taught at Ilishan Remo secondary school, Ikenne Local Government of Ogun State before attending the Adventist Seminary of West Africa (ASWA) where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Although he was happy with his life in Nigeria, his love of adventure and curiosity about the world led him to travel on and off to Sweden during his seminary school years. In 1994 he migrated to Lethbridge, Alberta, to study Food Nutrition at the University of Lethbridge. Noble called Coaldale, a small town outside of Lethbridge, home during this period. The town gave him a sense of home as it reminded him of his small-town upbringing. After studying at the University of Lethbridge for a few years, he transferred to the University of Alberta (U of A) Edmonton to continue his studies. At the U of A, Noble decided to change his career to Nursing. Following his new passion, he graduated with a diploma in Psychiatry Nursing in 2000. As Noble is not one who believes in doing things partially, he decided to obtain another diploma in Nursing in 2002. Noble practiced as a Registered Psychiatry Nurse (RPN) and a Registered Nurse (RN).

Noble was loved by his work family; he started working at the University of Alberta in 2001 as an RPN and was there until his passing. His career was fueled by his passionate nature and his love to care for people. He believed in helping his patients deal with both their mental health as well as their physical health. His need to care for others further led him to obtain his master’s degree in Public Health in 2012. His dedication to his family and work showed extensively in all he did in life.

Noble’s life was not all about education and career. He cared very deeply about his family and was fortunate to meet the love of his life Ihuoma Caroline Akpulonu (nee Kanu), in 2002. They were married in 2003 and had four children. His Wife and Children remembered him as a loving husband and father who was patient and protective and approached discipline with love. They remembered him as their number one cheerleader who encouraged them to do their best. He attended the children’s sports games and school award ceremonies. He taught them how to ride their bikes and drive a car.  These are memories and love that Noble inspired in the hearts of his family. One memory that resonated with Ugonna (Noble’s eldest son) is the memory of working on cars and watching soccer matches with his dad.

Noble’s love of family and culture led him to offer his service to the Nigerian community. He served in various leadership positions with the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton (ICAE). He believed in the sense of community, which showed in the relationships and friendships he built throughout his life.

Noble, Chukwuemeka Akpulonu is survived by:

Wife: Ihuoma Caroline Akpulonu (nee Kanu), Son: Ugonna Akpulonu, Daughter: Nnenna Akpulonu, Son: Okechukwu Akpulonu, Son: Chima Akpulonu.

Siblings: Chioma Onyerionwu, Bright Akpulonu and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and in-laws.

Noble had a saying, “It’s not just about you or me. It’s about us-all of us. We are family.” And this is how we remember, celebrate, and mourn him as a family.

Good night Daddy!

Good night Kaka!

Good night Emmy!

Adieu!

Funeral Service
Friday October 21, 2022 10:30AM
West Edmonton Seventh-day Adventist Church
9949 149 St, Edmonton, AB

Interment
Holy Cross Cemetery
14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton, AB