My Older Brother Breathed His Last

The passing of my older brother, Teck Fui, was not entirely unexpected. He had been unwell and wheelchair-bound for over three years. When my younger brother, Tet Yin, informed me on 19.10.2025 that Teck Fui had been admitted to the Emergency Ward of QE1, I was mentally prepared that this might be a difficult hurdle for him to overcome.

In the afternoon of 22.10.2025, all the siblings and family members gathered at the ward to see him. By then, he was unconscious and no longer able to communicate or respond. Looking at his condition, we knew this could very well be the last time we would see him before he breathed his last. About two hours after we left at around 4:30 p.m., I received news that he had passed away at 6:33 p.m.

At that moment, I was at a funeral parlour paying my last respects to another friend, Vincent Lee (Read here).

My wife and I visited him on 22.12.2024 just before Christmas.

Before Teck Fui’s passing, I had visited him a few times at his home. I recall during one of those visits, in a lighthearted conversation, he mentioned that he was ready to go at any time. I jokingly replied that in some countries, euthanasia had become legal. He immediately smiled and said that he would be happy to go that way - unfortunately, no one was willing to set up the mechanism for him to do so!

Other members of my family also made it a point to visit him at his home whenever they returned from overseas.

Serene's family paid him a visit at his house on 29.01.2025 during CNY 2025 season.

Sam and Rachel visited him on 14.03.2024.

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This is a brief "Biodata" he submitted to his class teacher in 1964, when he was in Form 1. Even at that young age, he had already chosen to call himself Elvis, a name inspired by his musical idol, Elvis Presley, who had mesmerized the world from the 1950s through the 1970s. The King of Rock and Roll clearly left a deep imprint on his heart. He loved the guitar and would spend hours strumming and singing. In school, he even formed a band with like-minded friends who shared his passion for music.

He is the guitarist at right.

Besides pop music, he devoted much of his time to serving as the choir conductor at BCCM KK in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Many choir members remembered him as a strict musician who insisted that every singer, be they in soprano, alto, tenor, and bass alike to hit and maintain the correct note.

This is an old photo of the choir presentation in the old Chapel (Read here) in Signal Hill likely in year 1970.

An old photo of the Church Choir taken in the late 1960s at the compound of old BCCM church at Signal Hill. Teck Fui is at back row 3rd from right and I am 4th from left at back row.

During Chinese festive seasons such as Chinese New Year, the Zhongzi Festival and the Winter Solstice, members of my extended family would usually gather for reunion dinners at my old family home, where my parents once lived before they passed away (Read here). My brother had been a regular attendee until 2022, when declining health and mobility issues prevented him from joining us. For Chinese New Year 2023, the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve was held at his home instead. That was the last reunion he participated in.

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Photo taken at the funeral parlour with maternal relatives and friends.

Many of the guests who came to the funeral parlour to pay their last respects were contractors and professionals with whom he had worked with during his career in architectural practice. He began working immediately after finishing high school in 1969, joining an architectural firm as a draftsman. Over the years, through dedication and experience, he became a de facto architect, effectively performing the role of an architect, though without the credentials to sign off as a Professional Architect.

In the course of my own professional career as a C&S Engineering Consultant, our firm collaborated with the firm where he worked on numerous projects. One notable example was the construction of the Sabah Publishing House Headquarters in Kolombong, where he served as the Architect and I as the C&S Engineer.

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Photo taken at the funeral parlour with maternal relatives and friends.

Some of the siblings, their spouses, his sons and paternal cousins taken on 27.10.2025 at the crematorium.

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My brother’s readiness to embrace death reminded me of a book I read earlier this year, written by William Wan, titled "Through the Valley". In it, the author quoted Dr. Ho Eu Chin, an ENT surgeon, who shared his thoughts on death:

If I could stop death from happening and human beings could live forever, what would that mean to my life journey? Would there be any urgency to get anything done? Why bother to complete a task today when there's always tomorrow, the day after, and after, and after, into infinity? All the goalposts in life would be expunged of any real meaning. Why complete an education and start a career in my 20s; why plan to settle down and have a family in my 30s; why aim to be at the top of my game by my 40s? 

Why would I not delay any journey for as long as possible if I had all the time in the world? Would I even want to start a journey if there was no end in sight? Why would I need to save for old age when that is something that will never ever arrive? 

Paradoxically, the profound meaning of life exists precisely because it has an end. The finite period of my time on this earth and the uncertainty of its duration are powerful driving forces for me to strive on to achieve my goals.

Celebrating the Life of a Friend - Vincent Lee

The WhatsApp message bearing the news of Vincent Lee’s passing came as a great shock to me. It was completely unexpected, arriving just two hours after his passing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday evening, 20 October 2025.

At the funeral parlour on 22 October 2025, we learned more about the circumstances surrounding his sudden departure. Just six months earlier, Vincent had been diagnosed with cancer in the nasal area. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous cells, followed by a series of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. However, complications arose during his recovery - due to the need for assisted feeding through a tube. He later suffered a stroke, and eventually developed a blood clot, which became a key factor leading to his untimely passing.

Tribute by Yun Fon and son, Amos during the memorial service conducted at BCCM KK at 9.00am on 23 October 2025 just before his burial.

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I would say our friendship began in 2007 when Vincent and his soon-to-be wife, Yun Fon, signed up for the Marriage Preparation Course prior to their wedding. Years later, after the birth of their only child, Amos, the couple once again joined a Marriage Enrichment Course organised by BCCM KK (E) in September/October 2013, where my wife and I served as facilitators. Through these encounters, a bond of friendship quietly took root and continued to grow.

Group photo of participants at the "graduation" of the Marriage Enrichment Course held on 10 October 2013. Vincent is standing fourth from the right, with his wife seated directly in front of him.

Our friendship blossomed further when a group of like-minded friends started the yamcha sessions in 2017. Held faithfully every Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Kedai Kopi Chakitiam, the informal gatherings became a space where anyone who wished to chat or share stories was warmly welcomed. Most of the participants were our cell group members and fellow churchgoers from BCCM KK (E).

Vincent, being a regular attendee, was among the most sociable of us all. He had a natural gift for conversation and a genuine interest in people. Through his lively storytelling and openness, we came to know much about his life, his experiences, his unwavering Christian faith and his family.

He came from humble beginnings and spent much of his childhood with his father in Tawau after his parents separated. Despite the challenges and the lack of a tertiary education, he built a successful career in marketing and sales through sheer determination and hard work. Even after retiring at sixty, his passion for work never waned - he was re-engaged as a sales executive for earthmoving heavy machinery and continued working almost to the very end of his life.

He was a gifted storyteller, with an inexhaustible trove of tales drawn from his life’s journey. One story he often loved to recount was how his marriage to Yun Fon came about - a union he always described as a divine intervention. In his younger days, when he was still uncertain about whom to marry, he once had a vivid dream in which Yun Fon’s image appeared clearly before him. That vision, he would say, was the sign he needed - the moment he knew she was the one destined for him.

He was a generous and selfless man, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever there was a need. Among his many charitable deeds, he faithfully volunteered as a van driver every Saturday, ferrying children to and from the weekly Praise Kids meetings. In addition, he served diligently in the Welcoming Ministry, greeting churchgoers with his warm smile and kind words at the entrance of the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service at Kyrugma House. His quiet acts of service reflected his heart of compassion and genuine love for people.

Yamcha session at Kedai Kopi Chakitiam on 30 July 2017.

Once in a while, Vincent would bring along his son, Amos, to join our yamcha sessions. This photo was taken on 15 October 2017, when Amos was just nine years old.

7 January 2018

19 August 2018

A rare occasion of yamcha on 2 September 2018 which was joined by my wife; Catherine, the wife of Joseph and Jessie, the wife of Kah Fah. (Joseph is not in photo because he was the photographer).

5 May 2019.

Occasionally, I would receive calls from him at my office, inviting me to join him for a cup of coffee whenever he was nearby. This photo was taken on 15 June 2020 at Kedai Kopi Chakitiam, during the partial lifting of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vincent joined in the joyous celebration of Joseph’s graduation from Sabah Theological Seminary on 9 November 2019. Joseph had successfully completed his part-time course, and the occasion marked a proud milestone in his journey of faith and learning.

Although Vincent was not a member of our Cell Group, he often made a deliberate effort to join some of our gatherings and stay connected with us. One such occasion was our CG Christmas Pot-Bless Lunch on 18 December 2023, where he came to share in the fellowship, joy, and festive spirit of the season.

At the fundraising dinner for Jireh Home, Tuaran, held at the Putra Ballroom on 19 January 2024, we extended our invitation to both Vincent and Yun Fon, along with several other close friends. It was a meaningful evening of fellowship. My youngest brother, Tet Ying was not in the photo because he was the photographer.

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Kedai Kopi Chakitiam at Damai Plaza Phase 4 was once our favourite spot for regular Sunday afternoon yamcha sessions, where laughter and lively conversations flowed freely over cups of local coffee. Unfortunately, the outlet ceased operations soon after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. Undeterred, our group found a new gathering place at Kedai Kopi Gunung Emas in Borneon, continuing the cherished tradition of fellowship and friendship over coffee.

Yamcha session at Kedai Gunung Amas on 5 May 2024.

Having spent seventy meaningful years on this earth, Vincent truly made a difference in the lives of many who crossed his path. He will be fondly remembered for his warmth, kindness, and cheerful presence - especially by his yamcha buddies, with whom he shared countless moments of laughter, stories, and friendship.

Another Round of Good Foods in KK

A family reunion never feels complete until one has savoured the beloved hometown delicacies that welcome returning hearts. It became not just a time of bonding, but also a nostalgic culinary journey - each dish rekindling fond memories of the good old days.

Over the course of five days, we enjoyed home-cooked meals and revisited some of our favourite local eateries, relishing the familiar flavours that defined the bygone years. 

Breakfast at home.

Dim Sum at Lok Tien Restaurant

Ngui chap at Gerai Makan Nyuk Pau Ngiu Chap Menggatal, Kolombong.

Japanese food at Nishiki Japanese Restaurant at Iramanis Centre.

Baked buns at Kheng Wan Hin at Jalan Gaya

Fish balls at Kuo Man Restaurant

Maddie once again had the delightful experience of tasting real honey straight from a beehive at our backyard garden. Surprisingly, she showed no fear of the bees buzzing around her! Perhaps her earlier encounter at Shangri-La Rasa Ria in March 2024 - when she first tasted fresh honey directly from a hive - gave her the confidence. This time, with fearless curiosity, she even dared to lift off her protective head covering as she was fed the golden honey straight from the comb!

But none is more satisfying than eating on a couch and watching her favorite TV show.

Maddie at Gaya Street Sunday Fair

It was during the Chinese New Year in February this year when I last visited the Gaya Street Sunday Fair with Serene and her family (Read here). Being in Chinese New Year season then, the atmosphere was festive and full of life, with the vibrant sounds of chatter, laughter, and music mingling in the air. The entire Gaya Street, closed to traffic for the day, was transformed into a bustling open-air market.

The open air market, stretching along the heart of the city, features rows upon rows of colorful stalls selling an eclectic array of items - local handicrafts, souvenirs, batik fabrics, antiques, plants, flowers, traditional herbs, and of course, street food unique to Sabah. Beyond shopping, however, the fair offers something much richer: a window into the local way of life. Visitors can engage with friendly vendors, savor regional delicacies, and admire the artistry of some traditional crafts being made before their eyes.

Since Sam and Maddie were in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday (19.10.2025), it seemed the perfect opportunity for them to experience this lively celebration of community, culture, and commerce before returning to Singapore that afternoon. A stroll through the Gaya Street Sunday Fair would give them an unforgettable morning that beautifully captures the city’s vibrant spirit.

I was certain that Maddie would enjoy the stroll - not so much because of the merchandise or souvenirs on display, but because of the many stalls that feature adorable animals. Alongside the usual market fare of crafts and snacks, several vendors were selling puppies, kittens, small fishes and colorful birds, each drawing curious crowds of onlookers. As I had anticipated, Maddie was immediately captivated.

When we stopped by one of the puppy stalls, her face lit up with delight. Looking into the cage, she watched the pups, then, with a bright grin, she turned to me and said, “Can we buy one of these puppies? My dog, Newton is very lonely, he needs a friend to play with!” Her innocent enthusiasm and affection for animals made the moment all the more heartwarming, a simple reminder of how much joy children find in life’s little encounters.

Our visit to the Gaya Street Sunday Fair concluded on a delicious note with breakfast at Khen Wan Hin, a long-established local eatery founded in 1984 and beloved by both residents and visitors for its traditional Chinese-style breakfast. The outlet is known for their steamed bao and baked buns.

The restaurant is usually bustling with customers, and long queues are a common sight, especially on weekends. That morning, however, luck was on our side - we managed to find a table the moment we walked in. We ordered some of their signature dishes: baked buns and plates of noodles topped with slices of barbecued pork paired with bowls of soup with dumplings. 

Lighthouse of a Five-Year Old

My granddaughter, Maddie, has always loved drawing and sketching, often filling her sketchbook with imaginative scenes and whimsical creations. One morning, I noticed her intently sketching what appeared to be a tall, slender structure painted in bright, cheerful colours and topped with a curious, mushroom-shaped cubicle. Intrigued, I leaned closer and asked, “What’s that, Maddie?” Without pausing or looking up, she replied with quiet confidence, “It’s a lighthouse!”

Her answer made me smile. Even from that brief exchange, I could sense the vivid imagination and creativity behind her design - a lighthouse unlike any I had ever seen, yet unmistakably her own.

Her drawing reminded me of the last lighthouse I had seen in person - on Rottnest Island in Western Australia. That one was a classic: a tall, cylindrical white tower tapering gracefully toward the top, crowned with a spinning light or beacon that once guided ships safely along the coast (Read here).

As I admired Maddie’s imaginative creation, my mind drifted even further - to St. Petersburg on 18 September 2025, when I stood by the Neva River, gazing at two majestic red columns rising against the skyline. Spaced about 150 m apart, each column stands 32 m high and is adorned with six ship prows, or rostra, symbolizing Russia’s historic naval triumphs. These were the famed Rostral Columns, striking in their vivid red hue and graceful classical design - so different from the traditional lighthouse form I was familiar with. 

Together with the Old Stock Exchange Building that stands between them, they form a magnificent architectural ensemble that defines the Strelka, or “spit,” of Vasilievsky Island - one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

In the 19th century, oil lamps fueled by natural gas were lit at the tops of the columns, serving as true beacons for ships navigating the Neva River. Though they no longer function as practical lighthouses today, their flames are still ceremonially rekindled on special occasions such as Navy Day and Victory Day. When illuminated at night, the Rostral Columns transform into living symbols of St. Petersburg’s maritime heritage.