REMEMBERING A COOL MATE & FRIEND OF AFRICA

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For to this end we labour and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe. ??1 TIMOTHY? 4:10

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Oh yes, how wonderful He is!? Dear God, your call to duty can come so sudden that those of us here on earth continue to wonder.? What a surprise of a mourning period this has been!! ?This morning, our brother, friend and fellow Global Audit Leader, Phil Tarling is lying somberly in state as we bid him goodbye from our earthly realm through this virtual webinar. Ahead of his funeral,? I would like to share a few words of consolation.?

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I, and (I am very sure) many internal auditors in Africa, not to count the world over, are still lost for words.? Our brother, Phil Tarling, was both vivacious and buoyant in all settings – there was no way you will dislike him during any encounter.? Right from the word go, when I first met him in one of the International IIA meetings till his demise a couple of weeks ago, there was no occasion that he didn’t light up the room.? Wonderful, he truly was.

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Phil, today we pay tribute to you for what you were, what you did, and to the friendships we shared collectively and as individuals.? For me it has been nearly 30 years since I joined the internal audit fraternity, and I got to know Phil very closely for more than 22 years out of that period.? Our friendship loomed even higher when I started serving on the Institute Relations Committee at IIA Global HQ.? During the Committee meeting periods, Phil was always magnetically attracted to the African delegates in attendance and would make sure to strike a conversation, especially if he did not know you.? He will ask one of us. who is this person? And it didn’t take long for him to strike acquaintance with the person as if they were long lost friends.

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Phil had a thing for Africa, beyond understanding.? It was pure unbridled love for everything Africa.? For me, the icing on the cake was during his iconic period as Global Chairman.? In the space of that one year, Phil visited almost 14 out of the then 21 countries.? But when his Ghana trip was planned, during which period I was the President of IIA Ghana, we invited all the West Africa Affiliate Presidents and hosted them here for 3 solid days to participate in the IIA Presidential Visit activities.? His keen interest also helped spur the establishment of the African Initiative during which a targeted programme of engagement to expand the footprint of the profession in Africa was formulated.? Today, we are seeing the benefits and fruits of that endeavour.? We continue to salivate over the wonderful persona behind the man Phil.

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No wonder, Phil was a social animal in a jovial sense.? His gaffaws was sweet and exciting, his subtle exposition of the British humour laced in his conversations was interesting to behold.?? He could talk a conversation mile.? A jolly fellow, serious with his business, light on the nerves, faithful to friendship and most importantly serious about the profession.? He rejected nothing, he loved everything and everybody in a positive manner.? He could SAY IT RIGHT, even if crudely but never with harm intended.?

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For many of us, wise counsel was his lot and he shared a moment or two whenever he had the chance to do so. I recall several time when he had approached me with one matter or two either to seek counsel or to give counsel.? This man, Phil, had a two way street of communication.? He gave as much as he took.

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Life’s lessons learnt on the audit trail with Phil greatly shaped our lives and the fondness we developed for each other.? Today, we pay a glowing tribute to Phil, by no means a perfect man, but truly a consequential fellow as far as his person, his love for Africa, the profession and humanity were concerned.? The prime of life makes a man a better person to serve his community.? Alas, little did we know that our Phil would be leaving us smack in his prime when life is actually beginning for many.? A life so active, a mind so sharp, a friend so dear!!

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Incidentally as I write this tribute,? I recall a saying that goes to the effect that “I would be rich or die trying”.? Phil died while embarking on his love – a trip to Africa. ?He died trying and he will be blessed by the Good Lord for that.? We cannot but be thankful to the Lord for bringing him into our fold.

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Today, we remember you, Phil, for your wise counsel, your enterprising mind, your leadership, your supportive attitude and generousity, and of course your very vibrant social demeanour that constantly drew friends and colleagues towards you.

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We pay our last respects to you today with tears in our eyes. ?Your place at the table of IIA Elders will be empty but we shall relish in the nostalgic memory of you, and the joy you oozed.? We know that the Good Lord who has called you will find you a nice cuddly place in His bosom.

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Your working papers are accepted for implementation.

Be blessed in your Final Rest with no auditable finding.

May your journey to the heavens be straddled with smiles and bountiful love.

Rest in Perfect Peace, Phil Tarling.