David Rellas Abayaa was born on February 13, 1960 at Asante Akyem Agogo in the Ashanti Region. He was the first of eight children to Baba Abanga Abayaa of Gowrie Kasingo and Mma Atoama Asugubila of Zuarungu Zono, both of blessed memory. At birth he was named Akolgo, but being born on a Friday, he was affectionately called Kofi. He grew up as David Rellas Abayaa, a name he carried with pride until his passing. Rellas began his basic education at Gowrie Primary School and later at Gowrie Continuation Middle School in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. He continued at Ejisuman Secondary School in 1975 and 1976, later transferring to Bawku Secondary School in 1977 and 1978, where he obtained his GCE O Level Certificate in 1980. After completing his studies, he briefly taught at Zorko Tarongo Primary School in the Bongo District. Being the eldest son, he felt a strong responsibility to support his family and secure a permanent job to assist his younger siblings in their education. He began his career with Poku Transport Veneer and Plywood Limited in Kumasi, where he worked as an operator from 1981 to 1987. Through hard work and commitment, he was promoted to Assistant Production Manager in 1987, a role he served in until 1990. His passion for the wood and timber industry grew steadily, shaping his lifelong professional journey. In 1990 he joined Ahwiaa Sawmill as Assistant Production Manager and later became Production Manager, a role he held for three years. By 1993, his strong work ethic led him to Sunstex Company Limited at Atonsu Dompoase, where he was employed as Production Manager. At the time, the company faced serious challenges in production management, but Rellas’s exceptional leadership and charisma transformed its fortunes. He introduced employee welfare packages that motivated staff and boosted productivity, leaving a lasting impact on the organization. Rellas believed in continuous learning and personal development. He pursued further education and professional training, earning a Diploma in Production and Quality Control Management from the Forest Products Research Institute in Kumasi in 1998, a Diploma in Sales and Marketing from AOTS Kansai Kenchu Centre in Osaka, Japan in 2000, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing in Wood and Wood Products from CBI in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2002. In 2003, he took a leave of absence from Sunstex Company and traveled to the United Kingdom, where he worked as a Safety and Environmental Waste Management Officer. He returned to Ghana in 2013 and briefly worked with 3A Block Company in Accra before rejoining Sunstex Company Limited in 2015 as General Manager and Coordinator in charge of Production, Exports, and Certification. He remained with Sunstex until his passing on May 20, 2019. Beyond his career in the wood industry, he also served as the IMC President of St. Mary and Joseph Credit Union at Atonsu Dompoase in Kumasi. In 1990, Rellas married Theresa Talata Abayaa, and together they were blessed with four children: Rellina, Doreen, David Jnr, and Jonathan. A devoted family man, he was deeply committed to his wife and children. He was described as a true mentor, a role model, selfless, free spirited, peaceful, loving, caring, and above all, God fearing. Rellas was a man of faith who believed in gratitude and service. He constantly reminded his family and friends of the importance of staying connected, never losing track of loved ones, and maintaining strong bonds with relatives and friends despite distance. Even when away from home, he ensured he was represented at important family events and loved reuniting with old companions. David Rellas Abayaa lived a life dedicated to service, both professionally and personally. He inspired his colleagues, friends, and family with humility, loyalty, and truthfulness. His ability to foster warm relationships with people across all walks of life left an indelible mark. His life created a legacy of faith, hard work, and love that will continue to inspire those he left behind. While his passing has created a deep void, his memory and teachings remain a guiding light.