Durban, South African-born Khuleklani Diogricious Goba (nicknamed “Kaylem”), of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, passed away unexpectedly at home Dec. 22, 2018. He was 31.
He was the beloved husband of Anthony Brent Goba; faithful papa to Princess Margaret Rose, the English chocolate lab. He was also the cherished son of Khulakani Koo Khumalo and Barbrar Lindiwe Goba; brother of Lindo, Sihle and Wenzi Goba; and dear friend of Frank (Paul Blackwell) Willis and so many others.
Kaylem earned his associate’s degree from Truman College and was studying Western literature at DePaul University. He was gifted with the ability to learn languages easily (as he spoke Spanish, French, Dutch, Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho) and was terrifically proud of his Zulu heritage.
After serving in the customer-service field, Kaylem worked as a CNA with the Illinois Dept. of Public Health. He shone brighter than others and was often overdressed but didn’t pay any mind—even when covered in sequins at a casual engagement. His heart stretched the span of time and space.
Memorial mass Monday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m., Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church, 708 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, (773) 525-0453.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://afsp.org/; 888-333-AFSP).
Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or http://cremation-society.com.