Jan Leow's Blog Page

An Eulogy for My Dad

Receiving a call in the early morning, the news we have dread to hear came to pass. My dad had passed away. He had succumbed to his illness and drawn his last breath.

It was quite a shock as he was responding well to the treatment. My brother and I were already looking for a care home. But I guess it was not to be.

In a way, it was also a relief that it was over as he had fought his last fight. To prolong his condition would not have been good either. I guess the double blow of stroke and lung infection did not bode well.

He had a good long life and did well to support us three siblings and his spouse.

Having graduated from college he worked in some batik company before moving to some textile factory as administrator. Due to some embezzlement by a bad sales personnel in the factory, the factory folded.

He then moved on to work in a German company called Hoechst, where he became a sales manager. It was also through there he established good relations with colleagues who would like to start their own business.

After that he moved on to work with a Japanese company who was looking for someone to help manage the Malaysian branch. Through a contact from an uncle from my mom’s side, he was able to join this Japanese company called Shiraishi Calcium.

He started the branch off small, just a one man branch, he helped to establish and expand the business. He was very well respected for being the new successful pioneer for developing the Malaysian branch. Previous attempts from previous appointed personnel did not come to much. But my dad did it!

From then on, through prudent development for the company, it grew. While at the same time he did much savings and investment and helped fund my elder brother’s university studies in Australia.

Same went for my younger brother as well. And both obtained bachelor degrees from Australia. As for me, I took a different path, as a middle sibling, people said the child tends to be neglected. Besides, the funds were somewhat lacking when my turn came for tertiary education. I did my studies locally and somehow managed to get a few certified UK affiliated diplomas with my dad's support. Still I have no regrets as I did amicably.

My dad worked long and enjoyed his work with the Japanese company, and eventually retired in his seventies. After his retirement, my dad and my mom enjoyed traveling to many places both locally and abroad. Frequently my parents, my wife and I would organize some trips together.

Towards the last few years, his health kind of declined. Still we managed to have our weekly family meals together as time and opportunity permits. I could see that he was happy that he had a grandson and would cherish the weekly dinner whenever possible.

I suppose there will be an end to that eventually, and the Lord decided it was time for him to return to the heavenly home.

Thank you dad, for having done your best and being a part of our life. Truly, you would be missed.

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