Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Eulogy of Tan Swee Kiang

39 years may seem short compared to an average person. But Swee Kiang has left behind fond memories to those who have known him.

He was a bubbly little toddler who was always giving the most adorable smile when dad would proudly snap his pictures. As a young boy, his idol was Bruce Lee. He dreamt and acted like him, often using me as his sparing partner, which gave rise to the unnecessary fights which mum would frown upon.

Deep within him laid a very compassionate heart for people, especially people who are needy, sick and poor. It must be the injuries that he saw in those kong-ku movies that sparked his interest in first-aid. His journey began with St John’s Brigade at Christ Church Secondary School, and carried on till he was almost 30 years old.

I could always remember the many weekends where he would bring groups of young teenage boys to our house to conduct extra first-aid lessons. Many of these boys became his great pals. Many remembered him as a passionate and dedicated first-aid instructor, always incorporating fun, always ready to shower them with treats after lessons.

He was a filial son. With his first aid knowledge, he was always ready to provide help and advise whenever someone in the family needs any first-aid related attention. He was very close to mum and dad, always on the look out for the latest food outlets to bring them to, or just bringing their favorite supper or dessert home after work.

Swee Kiang loved children very much. He would often bring our neighbors’ kids home to baby-sitting them; and they would have a ball of a time. Very naturally, when his first nephew, Lik Xian arrived in 1994, his attention was on him all the time. He would miss out on friend’s outing just to be with his little emperor, as he would call him. His three nephews and 2 nieces took centre-stage in his life in the last 12 years. He would generously shower them with birthday presents way in advanced. His special treats to Wild, Wild Wet and Escape Theme Park Adventure, Mache & Swenson’s restaurants, the MRT rides and many more, have left behind fond memories in his nephews and nieces. He would readily offer to shuttle my kids to their classes or baby-sit them whenever I was away or busy.

Swee Kiang’s life exemplified “It’s more blessed to give then to receive”. He would generously give of his time and money to the poor and needy.

During his 3 ½ months stay in the hospital, he was blessed with very professional and dedicated doctors and nurses. We were much relieved as we knew his needs were met by their professional care and love.

Today, we rest upon the knowledge and assurance that he has returned home to our Lord, where there is no more pain, sickness or sufferings. We are comforted that we will join him one day, and our separation is only temporal.

Kiang, we love you and will miss you. Though we wish you are here with us longer, we know that the place you are now is better than the place here. We cherish the loving memories that you have placed into each of our lives.

Kiang, you have been a filial and loving son, a caring and wonderful brother, a doting and fun-loving uncle, a dedicated and passionate mentor and instructor, a true and great pal, a wonderful creation whom God send to add extra blessings to lives.

Till we meet again,
Your sis, Milly