EFFIOK BEN ETUK April 21, 1955 – June 11, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Effiok Ben Etuk. Effiok passed away June 11, 2024, from complications due to cardiac arrest.
Born April 21, 1955, in Kano, Northern Nigeria, Effiok left his home at 18 years old to attend college in the United States. Through hard work and perseverance, Effiok successfully navigated life in America. Earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Nebraska, it was also here that he met his wife, Wendy.
He became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States of America where he stood, full of pride, and pledged his allegiance to his new country. Effiok and Wendy went on to raise two sons, Benjamin and Jonathan. He watched his family grow with the addition of six grandchildren and completed a long and successful career as a professional engineer.
During his 40+ year career as a civil, structural, and architectural engineer, Effiok worked for several engineering firms, including Black and Veach as well as the Illinois Power Nuclear Reactor Site. His career took him and his family across the country, living in Texas, Kansas, Virginia, Illinois, Onio and New Mexico. Effiok and Wendy ultimately settled in New Mexico. He worked for the Los Alamos National Laboratory and retiring after more than 25 years of proudly providing engineering support for the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, which provides the scientific underpinnings in nuclear physics and materials science needed to ensure the safety and surety of our nation’s nuclear stockpile.
After retirement, Effiok and Wendy moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota where they spent their days restoring their 100-year-old house, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Effiok was a kind and gentle man. A loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was a dedicated family man, willing to do anything to ensure the well-being of his loved ones. Effiok’s laugh was contagious, and his silly sense of humor was known to elicit eye rolls and belly laughs from those around him. Effiok was a very intelligent man, a professional in his field, and always remained humble and accepted all who crossed his path. He will be sincerely missed.
Effiok was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Ikpe Udo Etuk and Ikwo B.I. Etuk; his wife of over 40 years, Wendy Etuk; and siblings Mercy B.I. Etuk and Nsikan B.I. Etuk.
Effiok is survived by his son Benjamin and daughter-in-law Louise Etuk, son Jonathan Etuk, siblings Ima B.I. Etuk, Luise B.I. Etuk, Grace Eyo, Inemesit E. Sambo, Ekaette Ibanga, Edo A. Adams, Imo B.I. Etuk, Ubong B.I. Etuk and Anieti B.I. Etuk. Effiok is also survived by his grandchildren Ashley, Emma, Sydnee, Benjamin, Jonus and Abigail, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.