John «Brando» Akoto was born on September 2, 1964 in Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana to the late Mr. Solomon Akoto, a lecturer at Cape Coast University and Mrs. Grace Akoto. Brando’s parents both hail from Akalove in the Volta Region, Ghana. His father passed away when he was 11 and he had to relocate to his aunt in Accra, Ghana. He only spoke Fante and English when he arrived in Accra and had to quickly adapt to help make his way through Wilberforce 2 Primary School and KY4 Middle School in Kotobabi, Accra. He was a star athlete in 100 and 200 meters and he excelled academically as well – always coming in on top of his class. Brando furthered his studies and earned a Diploma in Electronics from National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) and he also took advanced courses at Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) both in Accra, Ghana.

After securing his Diploma, Brando gained employment with the Voluntary Work Camps Association of Ghana (VOLU) and worked for over ten years with this organization. VOLU nurtures community-based development, largely in rural areas. His last position with VOLU was Regional Secretary for Greater Accra. Brando then worked for two years with International Christian Youth Exchange as a regional representative for the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana working on promoting cultural exchanges and community service projects.

His work life took an unexpected turn when he met Lilly Glass who was visiting Ghana from the USA. They got married in Ghana on July 29, 1993 after a whirlwind courtship. It was a meeting of soul mates – a special relationship of love with a deep commitment shaken together with the love of Jesus Christ. Brando took up the mantle of Jesus with zeal in Ghana during a time when he was nursing Lilly through an illness. For those in the know, Lilly returned the favor especially during Brando’s long and difficult fight with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) this past year.

As in all marriages, there were good times and hard times with its fair share of unexpected difficulties but they remained steadfast in their faith and commitment to each other through it all. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Seyram now 21and Mawuto now 15. They were married 22 years.

After Brando relocated to Portland, Oregon in 1994 to join his wife Lilly, he worked for one year for his dear friend, the late Bayo Majekobaje, retailing Kirby Vacuums before moving on to Consolidated Freightways (CF). His last employment was Information Technology (IT) support with Hewlett Packard in Portland, Oregon.

Brando was a proud elder at Portland International Church (PIC) where he was an active member for over 21 years. Brando had a deep love for Christ and went the extra mile to share that love with all he encountered. He believed deeply in building relationships and devoted quality time to people from all walks of life who had the pleasure of coming in contact with him. To know Brando was to love Brando and know that you were loved in return.

Mr. John Brando Akoto passed away peacefully on October 28, 2015 at his home in Vancouver, Washington, after a long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his dutiful wife and children.

Brando, your wife, children, extended family, church family, and friends wish you a blessed journey to heaven.