In Loving Memory of My Grandpa (1919 - 2007)

Updated 15/11/2007
Updated 14/11/2007

My beloved grandpa, a great iron man of his time, passed away peacefully at 12.48am on 13th November 2007 after slipping into coma the day before. In the past month, he has been in and out of hospital (including ICU). We were told he opened his eyes to have a glance at some of his children at his beside before drawing his last breath back at his home (just minutes past midnight).

I guess for some of us to see him suffered so much in the last few years after the demise of his dearest wife (my grandma) in March 1997 and particularly the moments he had tubes inserted all over, it did bring some reliefs that he has finally gone to a better place. On the other hand, it's sad that he has passed on. The emptiness and loneliness he felt in the last 10 years after the demise of his beloved life companion and some of close friends finally came to an end.

He was a person who very much enjoyed his food but in the last few years he's been eating simple food alone most of the time. In the last few weeks (perhaps days), he's been fed through the tube. It's a saddening image (sent by my mom).
There have been more sad images of him over the years but I rather have his happy cheery pictures etched in my memory.

The following 2 pics were taken in July 2004 during his 85th birthday dinner.
While this was taken in Oct 2003 during his grandson's wedding.

Pai Thnee Kong in 2003
More pics available on byBHO and whoALSE.

I remember him being one of the "lappers" in Penang Swimming Club before I joined the training back in the early 1980s. He swam til the late 1990s. Another thing about him is his strong thunderous voice that did frighten some of us (the playful grandchildren).

Hailing from China, he had certainly made a name for himself in the business world. In my book, he's always been more than willing to chip in for any donations during my schooling days (as Chinese schools do not have equal fundings as other national schools). A well-known philanthropist during his time and no less than his pal the late Tan Sri Dato' Loh Boon Siew, he had given to many organisations and societies.

Tears started flowing the moment I was informed by my mom about him going into coma and again this morning just before lunch time on his passing, first by my cousin in Perth and by mom seconds later thru text message.

Goodbye, Ah Kong..........We will all miss you, your laughters/smiles and especially your table-banging on dining tables.