On June 10, 2023 Bamidele (Pancho) Makanjuola Olawunmi Aiyede passed peacefully and suddenly at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ontario, following surgery for recently diagnosed colon cancer.
He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 11, 1958 and passed away just weeks before his 65th birthday.
Although he grew up in Powassan, Ontario, Pancho spent most of his adult life in the Simcoe County area.
He made friends wherever he went. They enjoyed his sense of humour: riding their bicycles alongside him through the streets of Powassan; when he came upon them while running his errands around or participating in social activities in Barrie; dining out at various restaurants; and, even while he lay in his hospital bed.
Pancho was curious and had a great memory. He was a man of few words but his actions spoke volumes.
Collecting Word Searches, the Toronto Sun, and magazines was his passion. He also had an expansive and eclectic collection of cassette and VHS tapes, CD’s, and DVD’s. Listening to rock legend Alice Cooper generated more than one noise complaint from his Coulter Glen neighbours.
He loved watching his favourite TV shows and sports teams - the Philadelphia Flyers and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. However on weekday afternoons, it was difficult to get or divert his attention away from the daytime TV soap operas…even in his hospital bed.
Pancho was pre-deceased in 1978 by his father, Adebayo. He is survived by his mother Shirley (née Parris), his sisters Olayinka and Afolake (Barry McDonald), and his brother Babs (Robyn Davies). His nephews Jackson, Adam, Bayo and David will miss their “Gentle Giant Uncle”. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved, and will also miss him.
The family will celebrate Pancho’s life privately. To honour him, please laugh and be kind to those around you. If desired, donations can be made to Empower Simcoe (www.empowersimcoe.ca) or to the charity of your choice.