The Inevitability of Life

Much that I want to avoid writing too often about the passing of individuals, I could not find a good reason not to write about John Wan who passed away on 27 March 2022.

I received the news of the passing of John Wan, a good friend and a former badminton buddy from the FB posting of his son, David Wan in the morning of 27 March 2022. John's health had deteriorated gradually over the past couples of years. The passing of his wife in February 2018 probably may have another negative impact on his health.

John whom I normally called Hon Phin had been friend and comrade-in-arms for as long as I can remember. His passing came at a time when barely six weeks ago, another good friend and badminton buddy who has migrated to Canada was talking about organizing a yam cha cum reunion session with all the former badminton buddies in KK when he comes back later this year. There was a tinge of sadness when he mentioned another buddies, Peter Lee who could no longer join us (Read here). This time, Hon Phin will be missed if indeed that reunion materializes!

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Hon Phin was comrade-in-arms in many of our endeavours in the BCCM Central Council, BCCM KK and the schools under the jurisdiction of BCCM KK.

Back in early 1980's, we were involved in the infancy of cross-cultural evangelistic outreach in particular to the Rungus community in the interior of Sabah. I remember soon after I joined one such outing to Pensiangan, I had compiled a set of slides and audio recording of this trip for presentation purpose. In those days when computers and labtops were in their infancy, any group presentation of photos and write-up was done by way of slide projector. He had used these slides and audio recording for fund raising purposes. He even took them along to Vancouver in his Canadian trip to present it to many former BCCM members who had moved to Canada. In return, some Canadian dollars were raised!

We had served as board members of the three schools under BCCM KK jurisdiction for many years. Later on when BCCM KK (C) and BCCM KK (E) became independent and operated under separate church councils, the school board of the three schools, namely SM Lok Yuk, SRK Lok Yuk and SJK(C) Lok Yuk Likas too separated and operated under three separate school boards. I had served as the first Chairman of SRK Lok Yuk and he was the first Chairman of the School Board of SJK(C) Lok Yuk Likas. His tenure in the school board lasted many years. 

He was tireless in improving and upgrading the hardware and the infrastructure of SJK (C) Lok Yuk Likas. Under his leadership as the Board Chairman, he had almost single-handedly built two more school blocks, one of which contain a school hall at its top floor. I was privileged to have worked alongside as the C&S Consulting Engineer for both projects. With his exceptional PR skill and contact, he managed to raise very substantial sum of money from the church members, the public and the government to complete these projects. 

Even in the occasion of his death, his family requested friends and the public not to send any wreath. All gifts instead be donated to SJK (C) Lok Yuk Likas. His passion for Chinese education and in particular the well-being of SJK (C) Lok Yuk is extraordinary. His contribution to elevate this school to what it is today is indisputable!

Wonderful time!

We had badminton sessions at least twice a week in the 80's and 90's. After a couples of sessions, we gathered for feasting and chit-chat. John's house was regularly opened to host these events.

This is one of the two blocks completed under his tenure. The school hall is at the top floor.

The Church Council of BCCM KK in early 1980's. John was the Chairman then and in the photo he was seated at the front row fifth from left. I was second from left at the back row. At that time, BCCM KK (E) and BCCM KK (C) still operated as one entity. BCCM KK (C) finally became independent in 1998.

As a delegate from BCCM KK to attend the Biannual BCCM Central Synod in Kudat in early 1980's. John was at front row second from right. I was standing immediately behind him. I was then the youngest among the group. Inevitable in life, many in the group are no longer around!

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On the same day of receiving the news, a former classmate shared in the Chat Group a story by an unnamed author. I find it most appropriate at this time of John Wan's passing. The story has undergone a bit of minor editing.

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A  woman climbed up the bus and sat down beside a man, hitting him with her bag. When the man remained silent, the woman asked him why he did not complain when she hit him with her bag?

The man replied with a smile: "There is no need to be upset about something so insignificant, as our journey together is so short, because I'm getting off at the next stop"

The response impacted the woman so much that she asked the man to forgive her and she was convinced that these words need to be written in gold. 

Each of us must understand that our time in this world is so short, that blackening it with useless arguments, jealousy, unforgiveness, discontentment and bad attitudes are a ridiculous waste of time and energy.

Did someone break your heart?  Stay calm.

The trip is too short. 💛

Did someone betray you, intimidate, cheat or humiliate you? 

Relax - Don't be stressed.

The trip is too short. 💛

Did someone insult you without reason? 

Stay calm. Ignore it.

The trip is too short. 💛

Did someone make a comment  that you didn't like? 

Stay calm. Ignore. Forgive. Keep them in your prayers and love them still for no specific reason. 

The trip is too short. 💛

Whatever the problems some might bring to us, it is a problem only if we think too much of it. Remember that our journey together is too short. 💛

No one knows the length of our trip. No one has seen tomorrow. Nobody knows when the final day will arrive at our doorstep.

Our trip together is too short.💛

Let us appreciate friends and family. Keep them in good humor. Respect them. Let us be respectful, kind, loving and forgiving. Through this, we will be filled with gratitude and joy. 

After all Our trip together is very short. 💛

Share your smiles with everyone. Choose your path to be as beautiful as you wish it to be.

Our Trip is Very Short!  💛