In Loving Memory of Olabamiji Michael Idowu, Jr.
Olabamiji Michael Idowu, Jr., age 34, was born on July 1, 1987, in Seattle, Washington to Olabamiji Sr., and Marta Idowu. He passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021. He attended St. Paul School where he developed his love for basketball. He graduated from Garfield High School on June 20, 2005. He attended Highline College earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Journalism on June 20, 2008. He continued his studies at Eastern Washington University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications on June 10, 2011.
Olabamiji grew up in the church. He was baptized into the Southside Church of Christ, at the early age of nine. He had a close relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and remained a strong and faithful Christian man to the end. He was a faithful reader of the Lord’s word and read his bible every night. He loved the “Lord’s Prayer” and “Psalm 23”.
Olabamiji loved and had a desire to work with children which led him to a career in education, with an emphasis in early childhood development. Olabamiji was a Certified Behavior Technician for the Department of Health. He received his credentials as a Child Development Associate (CDA). His certifications include Child Care Basics, Professional Development for “The Foundation of a Strong Educational Program”, “The Art of Transitions”, “Business Practices for Early Childhood Education Settings”, “Build Them Up: Creating a Classroom that Promotes Self-Esteem in Young Children”, “Brain Power! Cognitive Development in Preschoolers”, “Helping Young Children Understand and Develop Rules” and “Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers”.
As a teacher, he had a long-lasting impact on youth in his community and was affectionately called “Mr. Ola” by his students. Teaching was his passion. He held positions at Neighborhood Health, Kiddie Academy, Learning Land II, Interlaken Preschool, Neighborhood House at New Holly, Seed of Life at MLK Elementary, Community Day School at Hawthorne, Kids Co at McDonald, and Dimensions ABA where he was a Clinical Therapist with a focus on social, cognitive, language and motor skills of young children. Most recently, he worked at the West African Community Council which is a non-profit organization that provides social services to West Africans residing in the state of Washington.
Olabamiji grew up in a loving, close-knit family affectionately known as the “Idowuclan”. He maintained close relationship with his nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with them and would often ask them about school, their grades, and overall wellbeing.
He was loyal to his friends and loved by them in kind. He would often spend time with friends, hiking and camping together. He found peace and God in nature and loved a good meal. He had a strong commitment to his health and well-being and worked out regularly at the gym.
He was a warm, kind, and loving soul that looked for ways and opportunities to serve others in his community. If you have ever seen his smile you can feel his light shining through. Olabamiji was selfless and you could often find him distributing food and clothing to the homeless. He had a special place in his heart for young children and senior citizens.
Olabamiji had a true passion for the arts. He was an entrepreneur and a self-starter. Olabamiji was multi-talented. He designed his own clothing line; women’s hair and body care products, which were all patented. He also wrote, vocalized and recorded his own music.
Olabamiji is survived by his parents, Olabamiji Sr., and Marta; his 5 siblings; his sister, Ifedayo (husband Tolulope); sister, Iyadunni (husband James); sister, Omoshade; sister, Ibijoke (husband J’Quai); brother, Omotayo; He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his dear friend Daniel Saloy, among others.
Olabamiji will be dearly missed, and his memory will be cherished and remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Services:
All friends and family are welcome to attend
Celebration of Life, Southside Church of Christ,
Saturday, December 11, 2021, 11:30am
12200 59th Avenue, S., Seattle, WA 98178
All friends and family are welcome to attend
Burial at Gravesite, Greenwood Memorial Park,
Saturday, December 11, 2021, 10:00am
350 Monroe Avenue, NE, Renton, WA 98056
