Poh Boon San - the legend killer.

Missing you guys

2010-11-23T08:58:00.001+08:00

Time flies, and you are deeply missed..

Hope you are doing well..

Ed

Happy Birthday

2010-11-03T15:21:00.001+08:00

Hey,

Happy birthday bro. I miss our banter n our times studying.

Bro, it is your birthday today ...

2010-11-03T08:46:00.002+08:00

Bro, it is your birthday today.
U are still deeply missed by all at home.
Xinzhi and Justin completed a world cup 2010 sticker book, one which me and u never get to complete, and they actually gave it to me.
They are really kind.

Nam ...

Happy Birthday

2010-11-02T23:30:00.001+08:00

Hi Boon San,

How have you been? Just to let you know you are still very deeply missed.

Your Roomie.

How r u?

2010-07-07T00:26:00.002+08:00

Yo....
How r u ba ge?
Hope u r well up there...still remembered and deeply missed.

Your roomie who sayangs u to sleep. hhahahaa

World Cup coming

2010-04-13T22:25:00.002+08:00

Ah san
Still remember the days we are up early in the morning to watch world cup matches.
Aiyah, how i wish i can turn back the clock!
Dreamt that we played soccer along our corridor last nite.
We are still missing u alot.
Haven got time to visit u in mandai..Paiseh.
U are not forgotten, definitely and infinitely !!
U guys take good care of each other.
Letter to heaven..hope u guys get to see this.
Your bro ..

Hope u r well and good

2010-02-17T14:25:00.002+08:00

Yo bro,

Dreamt of u 2 nights ago. We were sharing the same hall. U didn't tok much... We went out for a while..then I came back, I couldn't find the hall again..
Hope u r well..

Still miss you a lot....

2010-01-14T21:15:00.002+08:00

San,

Going thru the different stages of grief is really no joke ... but we are certainly doing better now..

1st ... is all the shock, denial, disbelief, and numbness. During this time, the bereaved person may feel emotionally "shut off" from the world. Still, the numbness may be disturbed by waves of distress, which are often triggered by reminders of the deceased. At these times of distress, the person may feel agitated or weak, cry, engage in aimless activities, or be preoccupied with thoughts or images of the person they lost. They are seldom left alone. Sometimes the sense of numbness lasts through these activities, leaving the person feeling as though they are just "going through the motions" of these rituals.

2nd ... is when the reality of the loss started to sink in, and the numbness wears off. This phase of grief, sometimes called confrontation, is when the feelings of loss are most intense and painful. It is during this phase that the person must face the loss and start to cope with the changes this loss causes in their lives.

3rd ... Acceptance of grief. It includes adjusting to daily life without the deceased. Like the first and second phases, acceptance does not happen overnight. It is common for it to take as long as a year or more for someone to resolve the emotional and life changes that come with the death of a loved one. Although the pain may become less intense, people may continue to feel emotionally involved with the deceased for many years after their death. In time, the person should be able to reclaim the emotional energy that was invested in the relationship with the deceased, and use it in other relationships.

Last but not least, Happy New Year & take good care of yourself wherever you are brother..

14.1.2010 9.47pm

2 years

2009-11-22T23:53:00.003+08:00

2 years.another regatta came and gone.we were talking about you and steph in jw's car.
they say time heal all wounds.why does it still hurt so much.still missing you.

~It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives.~

2009-11-03T14:02:00.002+08:00

If you have not noticed, you are still very much alive & dearly missed in our hearts.
Happy Birthday dude!

Happy Birthday =)

2009-11-03T09:16:00.002+08:00

Happy Birthday to my dearest!

Happy B day

2009-11-03T01:02:00.002+08:00

Hey bro,

Happy Bday... wondering how u r..

happy birthday boonsan

2009-11-03T00:21:00.002+08:00

not forgotten...

missing you dearly,
fel

Happy Birthday Boonsan.

2009-11-02T23:59:00.003+08:00

My respected senior, always.

06 batch miss you a lot.

Takecare of yourself bro.

Boon

Happy birthday bro!!

2009-11-02T22:45:00.003+08:00

Hey Bro
Still miss u alot...
Seems so vivid that u are still around ...
I will try hard to get a medal for u again ....
nam

How r u?

2009-09-01T01:22:00.000+08:00

Hey bro, how r u?

Met up wif Din recently. She's doing fine.
It's been quite some time and I still think of u sometimes.
Do catch us in our dreams...

Hope u'r fine up there...

2009-06-30T02:31:00.002+08:00

Yo... gd lately? Gd news here... NTU had a fabulous victory this year for PM Cup. Both the guys & the gals teams won! Just like that year... 2006... can stil rmb u posing & grinning from ear to ear with the trophy...

How are you lately...?

2009-05-19T01:45:00.002+08:00

Hello Ba Geh,
Hope u've been reading yr blog - yes, u'r still so popular & dearly missed... Hai u'r indeed one damn charismatic guy! Bet u'r grinning & flashing yr trademark ba geh now... =)

Today it's actually my 5-year anniversary with yr 'gay' bro... perhaps u can drop by in our dreams & chat with us? lim kopi? sc definitely has alot to whine to u... (ofcos not abt me, abt work!), while i can sit at the side & 'admire' 2 of the most handsome bugs-teeth db rowers! Ha...

Looking forward really... meanwhile tak care up there.

Still missing u alot from home...

2009-05-14T13:28:00.002+08:00

Ah san

Hoipe u guys are getting fine....
I was doing up your room, putting the pics of u and your dragonboat gang into nice photo frames to be hung on the wall. How time flies, it is almost 2 years since u left...we still miss u alot...
Mum will always lament at the fact Why Why don't u listen to me....cos i still remembered very vividly that we quarrelled over the fact that u were then very new to your dtsa job and yet u wanna take leave to go compete in the cambodia race....u are still the Bull that never listen....how we regretted about the fact that we didn't persuade u hard enough not to go...
We miss u guys alot from homes...going to mandai has become my fortnightly activity...visiting u guys with fresh flowers is the only thing that we can do now to ever come close to u guys again...

take care bro.....

bn

You taught me a lot

2009-05-01T15:28:00.002+08:00

Hi friend...

I remember you called me to go visit DSTA building with you cos you don't know the way. Glad that I met you.. But I'd not know that's the last time we meet. You also returned me the money I lent you for the Timbuk2 bag. You told me you were going to Cambodia. I just took it as another DB trip.. But....

Sometimes I imagine what happened during the last few minutes.. I do not know, but I felt that you must have nudge your team mates up before trying to save yourself. That is the Boon San I know.

We could have been classmates again. I have since completed one year of postgrad studies, thanks for your silent encouragement. I still go to hall 10 reading room. The people are different but I can imagine your "comments" to some of them. You'd sing funny songs to suan them. And ya.. I know you'd criticise my low taste in char bor... I know you like Ba Cai.. haha... you are weird... lol..

Miss you, bro...

Pooh Nam, do you have the graduation photo I took with Boon San?

Miss you bro

2009-04-20T00:35:00.001+08:00

Hey, how are u? A year plus already.... Still miss u dearly.

Did you appear in my dreams?

2009-03-26T23:41:00.002+08:00

Hey Bahgeh!

I met someone from NYP dboat, he said he rowed with you before, and you brought him fond memories..he was very surprised when i told him that we call you bahgeh. he told me that the nyp rowers called you hot dog? Cuz your lips are looks really like hot dogs..hahahaha..so funny..he also told me you had a gf once, but you dare not tell others becuz she was not very presentable, and you kept the r/s hush hush? man!!!

Well, I swear to God that you appeared in my dreams last Saturday morning. I dreamt of a conversation with you, and then I woke up, realized that its only 8am in the morning, and went back to sleep, hoping to continue my conversation with you again. but I cant seem to continue the conversation with you in the dream.

I thought it was either a conversation we had previously, or perhaps you wanted to tell me something? or perhaps someday, eventually i'll have this exact scene with you, chatting with you like good old times, one day :)

Been in school running and gyming, the buildings are still the same. The chin up bar is still there. So is the ergometer. Ah tiongs still run around, and if you were there, you would still tease them. Some things may look the same on the surface, but some things arent, deep down inside.

We miss you brother. Hope you and the others are doing well. Somewhere up there. :)

Hey bro ...

2009-03-20T17:30:00.002+08:00

Ah san

How are u guys doing up there?
Hope u guys are taking care of each other.
Hope to bring u one or two medals this year.
Almost made it last nov...

Been thinking of u...still hurts alot ...

How i hope i can turn back the clock.. :-(
Still regretting about the fact that not cherishing u well....

Your Bro....

U're still very missed...

2009-03-19T03:12:00.002+08:00

Hello Ba Geh, jus popping by to confess that u'r still very dearly missed. Hope u'r doing fine somewhere up there... Hai really miss your trademark voice & entertaining jokes... miss hearing u call me by the stupid nickname... Ha

Happy CNY...

2009-01-21T06:46:00.002+08:00

San, hope you'r keeping well...

We've taken a proper family photo at the studio recently & regreted that we did not do it earlier when you were still around. There are just so much of unknowns... we do not know what will happen tomorrow...

BTW, Mother has officially retired on 12/1 (her birthday) ... watch over our folks as they are getting old...

Take care & Happy CNY!

It's been awhile bro..

2009-01-17T14:10:00.002+08:00

Boonsan

2009 is here, time flies, I wonder how you are doing.

The last time I had spent chinese new year was in chu3 back in 2006 or 2007. You had a fever then and you were cursing that your hall room gives you bad luck. Haha. Being the hardworking student, you had went back to hall after chu 1 to study.

You would remember that we had a good get together on chu3 with you, soonchye and myself. You had wanted to go la kopi at Ya Kun Kaya Toast at Lot 1 Shopping mall, but you keep cursing when we realized that only Macdonalds was open that day.

I was at SRC that day, doing my usual run when I saw your fellow course mate from Triple E, the one whom you always study with and the one whom you always bombard with questions. In return for helping you with your studies, you had always brought him to SRC to gym, run and encourage him to train up his fitness.

When I had saw Terence at SRC, the first thing I look out for was you actually. I had not met Terence since we graduated in 2007 and my first instinct was to look out for you each time I saw Terence in NTU in our school days. I remembered I will always ask Terence, "Where is the bah geh, or what is the bah geh doing now?"

At SRC that day, I had wanted to ask Terence the same question, but it struck me that you were no longer around. The reality was pretty harsh to me. Sometimes, I really hate you for leaving us so suddenly, and leaving us without saying a proper goodbye. It will be better with one right? However, I know that when you were around, you had brought us so much fun, laughter and joy. And now that you are in a better place, I am sure those around you will feel the same way as us.

I hope you can have some Yakun Kaya Toast this CNY. Take care

Thinking of you

2009-01-06T13:39:00.000+08:00

Time really flies

2008-12-31T09:32:00.002+08:00

Ah San

Had been more than 1 year since u left. It is end of 2008...
Aiyah, still very sad...cannot understand why such thing to happen...
We miss u alot, and i dreamt of u again that u are alive...
Only to wake up this morning to reality again...
I hope that u 5 guys are taking care of each other well up there.

Ah nam...

bro

2008-12-30T00:20:00.001+08:00

Bro, a few more days gg to be 2009. still miss u man. realli realli miss u

3 more days...

2008-11-20T11:53:00.001+08:00

Still very dearly missed & remembered...

2008-11-20T11:08:00.003+08:00

Hi Boon San,

It would be nice to work with you if chance allow. I hope I get to talk to you more during our lunch break. Ive taken photos of you secretly on the way to our Tea Appreciation event. Sorry I did not have a chance to show you.

Hong - colleague

Happy belated birthday :)

2008-11-04T21:52:00.002+08:00

Bro,
Dreamt 'bout u y'day morning.
I know that i'll see you again one day, somewhere...
Miss you dearly.

happy birthday man

2008-11-03T21:40:00.002+08:00

dude

happy birthday.
was thinking of you yesterday night.
remember it was 3 years ago and we were studying at can b.
we went to hall 3 for supper and you bought ash and i a chicken wing cos u said it was your birthday.
ha...kinda weird the stuff we remember eh.

happy birthday man. u are still deeply missed.

2008-11-03T09:32:00.002+08:00

Ah san

Hope u are doing well..
U guys take care of each other hor..
Today is Ah san's birthday, let me wish u a happy birthday..

Life would have been much more complete with u around with us..
It is too late to realise this..
we only have ourselves to blame for not cherishing every moments when u are around.. :-(

Ah nam..

2008-11-03T00:09:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday my dear..! *Hugs*

One last prayer before the year ends

2008-10-15T21:57:00.000+08:00

This photo was taken by another photographer and was selected for Eye the City 2007 - A visual Account of the Last 24 hours of 2007. The version in the book is a black and white version. I have seek the owner's permission to upload the picture here so as to share with family members and friends who have missed them a lot.

Dear Xiao jiu jiu

2008-09-19T21:22:00.001+08:00

I miss you very much. Do you miss me? Mummy misses you very much too. Mummy always find you in internet. Me and Mummy love you. Yours sincerely, Natalie 19/9/08 21:31

Hey Bro....

2008-09-19T21:22:00.000+08:00

..... got ur 'msg' tis morning, will 'remit' the $$$ to u tis weekend! C u @ Mandai :)
19/9/08 21:25

Happy Mid-Autumn

2008-09-15T21:18:00.000+08:00

San, happy mid-autumn to wherever you are....

We truly miss you boy

2008-07-29T13:30:00.000+08:00

Hey bro,

Hope u r having a real peaceful life in 'the other world' now. Well, we here aren't gonna let the matter rest as yet.

Lunar 7th month just a few days away... can't imagine that we'll be burning $$$ to u tis year (sigh...). Well, on a lighter note, check ur bank a/c 'cos u gonna be a few billions $$$ richer next month (hahaha!!) ... remember to spend wisely baby!!

This time last year 26/7/07

2008-07-24T15:37:00.000+08:00

Hi bro

This time last year ... attended your convocation in NTU.. so happy for you!

How we wish you were still around.....

we won

2008-06-30T01:03:00.000+08:00

Hi Boon San,

We did well today. I know u were there when the weather turned dark. We paddled wif 1 extra pair. Thank u for helping me to end this on a high note. We still miss U. We teared for U during the one minute of silence. We won it WITH you during the PM race.

BRO

2008-06-27T08:56:00.000+08:00

Tml is the race. Hope U can Por pi us shun shun all the way!

STILL MISSING U.....

2008-06-20T12:30:00.000+08:00

Ah san

We are still missing u alot.
Mum is always so sad, i really scared to see her crying again.
That is simply uncontrollable..no choice , Which is basically what i always told her.....

I was down at bedok reservoir for dragon boating last saturday when i saw the NTUDB team.
To me, i was scared to see them around. Seeing them around only makes me feel really sad, and frustrated. Kept on asking why arent u there rowing anymore?
I still remembered the time when i was rowing for the NP/NTUC team(YR1997-2001), i would often see u training at SDBA(doing weights and rowing etc). U always acknowledge my shouting of ah san to u .... there will no longer such kind of scene ever again.

AN INFO TO ALL OF U OUT THERE...
We(5 FAMILIES) met the SDBA dudes to clarify some of the matters last nite, they are simply dumbfounded by our facts and reasonings..i was wondering if they can sleep peacefully, without any guilt at nite at all...For me i could not sleep properly at all, i kept on dreaming of u. They simply put words into the NTEAM guys' mouth. I was damm bloodly angry and sad at the fact why is my brother(NTEAM TEAM SPORE) treated in this way(STATE FLAG CROSS THE CHEST)......WHAT IS THIS..????

THE DUDES KEPT SAYING THEY PUT FAMILIES AT THEIR TOPMOST PRIORITY, BUT I THINK OTHERWISE....IF THEY DID PUT US AT THEIR TOPMOST PRIORITY WE WOULD NOT BE SO ANNOYED AT THEIR PRESS RELEASE BY THEIR "DEFENCE" STATEMENTS....

To Ah san, weicheng, stephen, jeremy and rueben, we ( 5 families) stand united and will always remember u all.....

FRom Your Bro
Ah Nam...

For You

2008-06-19T00:51:00.000+08:00

6 months passed, and I still can’t believe you and Stephen left us… Dragon boat without you seems so quiet… Really wish all these are just a nightmare… Haiz…
10 more days to PM cup, and I still remember you are the one to ask me to join NTU to help to bring the PM cup back… The Team did it…
Once again, 2 years later you are the one to make me stay in the team to fight to bring the cup back… And I believe the whole NTUDB team will fulfill your wish… We will make it happen...

From SAFSA to Nteam...

Oh and i graduated, thanks for the help in my school work...

Takecare Bro... Really missed you...

hey bro..

2008-06-09T11:48:00.000+08:00

Thanks for your help in one way or another, esp hrm, i got first class honours. hahahaha...but still jobless.

Finally the report...

2008-05-28T15:51:00.000+08:00

Findings on dragon boat tragedy due Friday
By Neo Chai Chin, TODAY Posted: 28 May 2008 1029 hrs

SINGAPORE: Even as the inquiry panel’s long-awaited report on last November’s Cambodia dragon boating accident is due out on Friday, many local teams are already steaming ahead with preparations for upcoming regional competitions. Some teams began planning more than two months ago. Next month, the Safra Dragons will compete in Nanning, China, while the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) team will compete in Macau. Teams from NUS, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National Junior College and other organisations will also take part in the Club Crew World Championships cum ADBF Asian Dragon Boat Championships in Penang from August 1 to 3. While some may question the wisdom of committing to overseas competitions before the release of inquiry findings on the accident in Cambodia — which killed five national paddlers — the schools told TODAY they would stick to tried-and-trusted safety procedures. NUS’ student athletes competing overseas are insured and will be accompanied by their coach and at least one team manager, said a spokesperson. A crisis management plan with “proper response procedures” is also in place, she said. The NTU team decided to race in Penang because of its confidence in the Penang Dragon Boat Association and because it has competed there since 2002, said a spokesperson. But paddlers below the age of 21 will need their parents’ permission. Dragon-boaters told TODAY the tragedy in Cambodia had not dampened their competitive spirit. “Going overseas to train and compete exposes us to a different level of competition,” said NTU student Tan Hanming, 25. Victims of the Cambodia accident were sucked under a pontoon by undercurrents. Still the fact that they were not wearing life jackets came under the spotlight at the time. Safety recommendations expected from the inquiry panel’s report include the compulsory donning of life jackets in all competitions. While vests are mandated for meets held here, this is not necessarily the case overseas — even in some events conducted to the International Dragon Boat Federation’s standards. But the schools are not taking chances. The NUS advises its paddlers to wear life jackets, while the NTU team wears them during all training sessions and competitions. The Singapore Dragon Boat Association said its affiliates should consult the association prior to any overseas races. “We will draw their attention to anything that is unusual, for example, fast currents (at the race venue) or unusual equipment required,” said its president Rear-Admiral (Ret) Kwek Siew Jin. - TODAY/fa

Miss you a lot, San....

2008-05-27T20:26:00.000+08:00

San, hope you're doing fine... whenever miss u, wud check out your blog. Very touching to see what your friends had put up....

Hey bro, gatherings w/o u is no fun & lotsa unfinished food ... i know u'd help us to 'wipe out' if u're still around ... all trying to put on that 'happy face' & avoid talking 'bout u hoping that'd make mother & father feel better, but 6 mths liao.... still very 'painful' & very 'sian'...

Anyway, just to let u know the COI briefg is tis Fri am. Let's see what kind of findings they've for us. Anyway, talk so much oso no point... it's just a formality or their SOP...

The paper today reported that "The new team has been training ........ and is gearing up for the upcoming South-east Asia Games in Laos next year." Really hope the authority involved wud do a proper safety audit of the place b4 sending our team to Laos (so close to Cambodia).... we've have learnt a very painful lesson thru you guys ..

.... well, still clinging to the hope that you may come home one day....

Sis 27-5-2008 2115hrs

23 May 2008 - it's been 6 months...

2008-05-23T13:51:00.000+08:00

2008-05-16T22:15:00.001+08:00

db experience 2006

boo.

conversations still speak of you

the manymany nicknames you gave people

the pranks you played

the laughter you bring

still missing you man!

In Memory of Boon San

2008-04-29T22:34:00.001+08:00

This is one of the few photographs we have of you during the short period you were with us, taken during an IRC event at Tea Chapter on 16 Nov 2007. I only saw this photo during today's staff conference as I did not participate in that event cos I had to clear my work before I went for my ICT the following week; they were showing a video clip on last FY's IRC events and this photo was included.

The editor of the video clip had titled this photo "In memory of Boon San" and I think this speaks a lot of your presence to those you have been acquainted with, though your stay with us was such a short one. This reminds me again of the guilt for not taking the initiative to know you.

Hope you and your brothers are well wherever you are. Wish that everything is fine for your family.

With Regards

FC

"Water Dragons:5ive"

2008-04-26T21:14:00.000+08:00

"Water Dragons:5ive"... A tribute to the Memory of Poh Boon San, Chee Wei Cheng, Reuben Kee En Rui, Stephen Loh Soon Ann & Jeremy Goh Tze Xiong... PADDLEZUP!!! From fellow dragonboater...

Jaden A. Zander
Producer/Writer/Director
"Water Dragons:5ive"

Always remembered!!!

2008-04-25T14:19:00.000+08:00

Hi Ah San

That's what i normally call u.

We and some of the NTU rowers plus staff had managed to set up an endowment fund under the name Stephen and Boon San.
The purpose of this fund is ultimately to help future NTU dragon boaters who have financial needs.

U guys will be remembered forever....

We had started to refurbish your bedroom, i knew i did not do a good paint job the other time.
All too late to say a word of sorry....

How i wish i could turn back the clock....

Bro...

We still miss you...

2008-04-25T10:15:00.000+08:00

Jus to let you know... this appears on today's ST Life section, last page...

Film on dragon boat tragedy
A 20-MINUTE documentary is being planned on the five national dragon boat paddlers who died when their boat capsized in Cambodia last year.
Water Dragons:5ive is to celebrate the lives and commemorate the passion of Singaporeans Chee Wei Cheng, Reuben Kee, Jeremy Goh, Poh Boon San and Stephen Loh, who died in the Nov 23 tragedy, the film's producer Jaden A. Zander, 33, told Life!.
He is also writing and directing the film.
The police officer, who is also an actor and emcee, is working on his maiden film project with Fly Productions, a subsidiary of Fly Entertainment.
He said the film will focus on the national dragon boat team, the history behind it and the November tragedy. It will also spotlight dragon boat racing as a safe sport.
He said the film is being kept to 20 minutes because of budget concerns.
He is now rounding up financing and other assistance from sponsors for the film.

2008-04-09T23:14:00.000+08:00

hey bro... i'll think of u and steph whenever i'm doing gym over here. Still remember how you correct my ergo and how much u push for every training and race...

It's hard to find true friends and team mates like you.

Take care bro...

Can't Cry Hard Enough....

2008-03-20T12:09:00.000+08:00

This Song Simply Describes Best Our Feelings...

By Williams Brothers

I'm Gonna live my life
Like every day's the last
Without a simple goodbye
It all goes by so fast.
And now that you're gone
I can't cry hard enough
No I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now.
Gonna open my eyes
And see for the first time
I let go of you like
A child letting go of his kite,
There it goes up in the sky
There it goes beyond the clouds
For no reason whyI can't cry hard enough
No, I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now.
There it goes up in the sky
There it goes beyond the clouds
For no reason whyI can't cry hard enoughNo,
I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now.

From brothers....

You would have been so proud

2008-03-10T22:37:00.000+08:00

The guys did well for MR500.You would have been so proud.They will train even harder for the PM race.
Rest well dude.

Initiation Batch 04/05

2008-02-24T19:50:00.000+08:00

Our last photos at SDBF 2007..

Life has never been the same again....

2008-02-16T12:37:00.000+08:00

Hi San,

Just found out Ah Lam how to post msg on ur blog ....

Remember the last time we saw u was 18th Nov 07, just came back from HK w/Ah Lam that week & he bought u a very cute "Pork Chop" (printed in Chinese character) T-shirt. Saw u sitting demurely next to the coffee table eating ur Mamee (quite unlike ur usual self, got kinda funny feeling at that moment..), u offered to Nathan & wanted to hold him but he struggled & ran off. Then u offered Natalie & she allowed u to cuddle her in ur strong, masculine arms... i like to see how she poked ur chest w/her little fingers.

I'm very glad to be able to attend ur Convocation on 26th Jul 2007, it was a wet Thu but that did not dampen our spirit of being so proud of our little brother who has overcome all odds & finally graduated from the U!

Shortly came the news that you've landed a job in DSTA... we were all overwhelmed w/joy! You had specially bought a no-camera white Sony-Ericsson for ur new job & were smiling triumphantly about the good buy!

Ur sudden departure still left everyone traumatized, deeply shocked & still in state of denial. We've been asking ourselves.... "why u?", "how could this happen to our family?", "what has gone wrong?"... there're endless of question marks?????? We wonder how u have suffered the last moment of ur life. Whatever it is, we still can't get over it, even though we said we can ... & it's w/much regret that we only know & understand so much about u (thru ur friends) after your leaving ...

BTW, we gonna get a 'messenger' (after ur 100th day ritual) so we're able to 'communicate' with u .... have been wondering how u r doing in 'the other world'... but the poignancy of this whole thing is seeing mother fold incense papers for u (sigh) ... a very heart-rending scene....

We miss u a lot & pl take care of urself .... will keep u 'alive' in our heart & memory!

With love fm ur sis, "yoko" (medicated cream in hokkien as what u affectionately call me..), yong, natalie & nathan...

Happy Valentine Day to U, ba-gei angel

2008-02-15T16:35:00.000+08:00

Yoz... hope life's fine up there... as you can see, many many people are still missing u... Visit yr family, Din & ofcos yr brothers in Dreamland when you have time ok!

Btw, did you visit sc's room last night for Vday? Ha... are u the mysterious culprit who stopped his com's screensaver without us noticing? Anyway, we still miss u lo... hai...

Tell me some yellow jokes in my dream leh...

Not forgetting your sister, sister in law and brother in law

2008-02-14T19:13:00.000+08:00

we all miss u alot...Happy valentine day and really hope u and the others are doing well up there...

Happy valentine day,Bro

2008-02-14T19:04:00.000+08:00

Hey bro,

Dreamt of u few days ago. U are back together with us at yishun.
But u are your very much youger self, probably during your secondary days.
We miss u alot, mum and dad still pretty much thinking of u....
I wanna wish u happy valentine....and hope u are ok up there....
We really regret the fact that we didnt treasure u enough...

and we didnt express our love to u before. We may have done it but we didnt ever do it verbally.
I know it may sound abit mushy, but i rather it than never got the chance to say any mushy things to u before....

It is through the whipping of piping hot dinners by mum, transferring monies to u each month end by brothers and constant nagging at u by father whenever he felt that u are overspending...

I will try to go back rowing to keep the spirit alive....

Your Brother...ah nam

2008-02-12T01:55:00.000+08:00

somehow it's still so unreal, when looking at your pictures the memories are just as vivid.

saw your brother at suntec foodcourt last year, he was out with your relatives.. i guess they miss you too.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

fuiki

Happy Birthday Din

2008-02-11T00:03:00.000+08:00

Hi Boonsan,

Its been awhile, time flies. The previous CNY you were with me and soonchye at Lot 1 eating Long John and later MacDonalds. You had diarrhoe at that time and you said its because your room is "not very clean". Memories of you definitely.

I remr Boonsan telling me Din's b-day is in Feb and I too rembr the date. Shall not disclose the actual date for privacy purposes. Every b-day, he will be in a major headache as he does not know what to buy and most of all, he needs to save up money for the prezzie. How sweet of him, especially behind the tough exterior, he is really one heck of a guy.

Happy 23rd Birthday Din! Hope you have been well. Best wishes for the coming year :)

Regards
Justin Chua

Sports Camp 2004, Music..

2008-02-07T01:36:00.000+08:00

Finally a video from SUXI.
Junhao did a wonderful job man.
Brings back memories.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA0GaZFOlPY

2 dragon boaters in starchild and yet we are the last group.ha.
enjoyed every single moment of the camp with you bro.

Can still remember the your reaction during fright night, your speech to rally everyone before war game, the countless times we lost in every game.

I miss you dude...we all do..still can't believe you are gone...

Happy CNY

2008-02-06T23:32:00.000+08:00

Bro, Happy CNY ah...

still missing u... miss ego running wif u... sian

2008-02-01T02:32:00.000+08:00

just so you know the guys are training hard
more than what egos can offer

just so you know you've inspired and still inspire many
faith, believe, trust : you've left us with

just so you know we still miss you alot
the bah geh, cheeky smile and laughter you bring when we talk about you, the good and the naughty things you did

and so the brand new year awaits...

just so you know...

you still live in our hearts

You made it happen

2008-01-28T20:04:00.000+08:00

It's been 2 months to the day

2008-01-23T15:51:00.000+08:00

This imitation was a success

Been 8 weeks plus...

2008-01-21T16:43:00.000+08:00

last june. caught red handed!

2008-01-15T17:59:00.000+08:00

the plan was to imitate the bahgeh. but somehow only jq and sc managed.

2008-01-14T12:37:00.000+08:00

Justin is right..SDBA does feel different..
Went to Mandai the other day with the guys..
Still can't believe u are gone..
I wonder if any of us have really come to terms with it.

Safsa..n team..sports camp..ntu..alumni..

heart still aches everytime i look at the photos..

Alumni is starting to take off..we bought out own paddles and lifevests and even a rudder.ha.everyone's back rowing..jianqin,tongle,me,xinzhi,wil,justin chua,jimmy,eugene,dennis,ashley and many more...would have still wanted you as coach.
remember the last time we spoke and you told me you wanted to whack the alumni into shape.ha.well..we tabata-ed and ran the sheares bridge...attendance's been good.at least 1 small boat a weekend.think you'll be glad.

Still so different without you

Rest well my friend.
You are dearly missed.

Hey bro

2008-01-06T17:37:00.000+08:00

Hey bro,

1 mth plus liao. it's 2008... my last semester in NTU. Went clubbing last nite.. realli hoped u were around ha..

2007-12-25T06:35:00.000+08:00

Hi Boon San... just to wish you Merry Christmas, and to let you know that you will be be remembered, always.

Abby

It's been 4 weeks...

2007-12-21T17:19:00.000+08:00

If We Could Bring You Back Again

If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We’d express all our unspoken love;
We’d have countless things to say.

If we could bring you back again,
We’d say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.

If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You’d know how much we miss you now,
And if we could, we would.

- Joanna Fuchs

2007-12-17T13:19:00.000+08:00

To my team mate (the best left paddler in NTU)

2007-12-06T19:06:00.000+08:00

Hey Boon San,

It feels really weird that you're not around anymore. I miss your pacing, your teasing of people and simply your presence. Somehow I'm still hoping to read the news that you have survived and will be back with us again...

When you just joined us in 2004 I was wondering how you would gel with the team. But you turned out to be one of the most influential member in the team. Everyone has absolute trust in you when you paced the boat. All the juniors looked up to you because you're one of the few seniors who actually spend time to train up the juniors in your free time despite your busy final year schedule.

I have known you for 3 years.. not a very long time but these 3 years have been full of wonderful memories that I will never forget. I wish we could still paddle together in the alumni team because you're one of the few I could trust completely in the boat. You might not say it but i know you care a lot for the team.

Val and me used to mis pronounce your name and call you Boon Shan instead. But after some typical reminders of yours I managed to get your name right. I remember I almost broke my arms trying to keep up with your weights during our first gym training with you back in 2004.. I remember we went to SRC during one of the exam period even though it's already 11pm to do kayakpro and you were trying to help me correct my stroke. After the PM Race in 2006 you were the first to ask me if we had crossed the finishing line first and I will never forget that handshake after the race.

Just recently we were sitting together in the auditorium to receive our colors award in NTU and you were teasing me to drum for the alumni team. The last time I saw you was during the alumni training just before you left for Cambodia. You joined us for training even though your Nteam training had just ended...

I will never forget your jokes, your determination to win and that famous smile of yours. Time will pass but memories will never fade. I will remember you as a fighter and great friend... always.

SUXI Sports Camp 2004

Dragonboat Experience 2004

Regatta 2004

Initiation 2005

NTU Dboat Training Camp 2005

Drinking Night 2005

Last training before PM Cup 2006

PM Cup 2006

NTU Dragonboat Experience 2006

August Bday Boys

Xmas Gathering 2006

June Race 2007

Xin Zhi

2007-12-06T08:17:00.001+08:00

it's been more than 2 weeks have passed since the freak accident..no more headlines flashed across the newspapers on it..but i feel touched seeing new posts on this blog continually.shows just how much u guys have impacted our lives that we keep coming back to view the blogs in remembrance of u.though i nv knew u until the reports on the accident,i added the blogs dedicated to u guys to 'my favourites'.

boon san,i was totally impressed and marvelled when i read that u were a school dropout before but later made it to uni due to ur sheer determination.i grieved whenever i read ur blog coz i was so touched by ur strong character and principles and how u helped turn ur frens into better pple.and i still feel damn sad for ur family and frens who must still be missing u badly.but now,i try to stay strong and not cry anymore..

much thanks to u for inspiring me..i cherish my family and frenz more now..i'll constantly visit the blogs of u guys..

my msn nick still reads,'rest in peace.the 5 of you will always be fondly missed.'

much love,lwh

The guy who called me Cai sao

2007-12-05T16:48:00.000+08:00

Hi Boon San, I kinda feel that you can read all our posts here... so dun worry, i will try to make my ang mo here simple for u... lol

CHOU BA GEY! This is actually what i always call you to my bf... (althou i do know my bf's teeth are more 'bugs' than u) Now wheneva yr name is mentioned, i juz cant luff or make sarcastic comments like i used to... the disgusting truth is that i actually miss yr loud sarcastic remarks, dirty jokes, irritating teasings, tico naughty look with yr eyes so small & wide flashy grin, super mini sexy fbt shorts, waking up suddenly in the middle of the nite hugging yr blanket mumbling dunno-wat-shit (i guess u'r sleep-talking), banging yr room's door to mak yr grand entrance, always peeking out of the door to catch 'chiobus' changing clothes (LOL..Haha)... the list goes on... Althou i am not a close fren with you (unlike my bf), i thank you for taking care of Soon Chye as yr Bro & longest-serving roomie.

Many of us are still so in denial that we cant share any memories with u anymore... but all of us truly pray you can rest in peace up there. We wun forget your voice, your jokes, your trademark bugs grin, etc etc - You are always alive in our hearts.

*I'll be missing you - by Puff Daddy*
Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show
I laced the track, you locked the flow
So far from hangin on the block for dough
Notorious, they got to know that
Life aint always what it seem to be
Words cant express what you mean to me
Even though youre gone, we still a team
Through your family, Ill fulfill your dream
In the future, cant wait to see
If you open up the gates for me
Reminisce some time, the night they took my friend
Try to black it out, but it plays again
When its real, feelings hard to conceal
Cant imagine all the pain I feel
Give anything to hear half your breath
I know you still living your life, after death

Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
Ill be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
Ill be missing you

Its kinda hard with you not around
Know you in heaven smilin down
Watchin us while we pray for you
Every day we pray for you
Til the day we meet again
In my heart is where Ill keep you friend
Memories give me the strength I need to proceed
Strength I need to believe
My thoughts big I just cant define
Wish I could turn back the hands of time
Us in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks
You and me taking flicks
Makin hits, stages they receive you on
I still cant believe youre gone
Give anything to hear half your breath
I know you still living youre life, after death

Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
Ill be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
Ill be missing you

A Legacy of Love and Heart

2007-12-05T02:20:00.000+08:00

It's heartbreaking to read these tributes and get a real sense of how painful it is for Boon San's friends and family. Your tributes give us a good understanding of his character, and his special personality. How he overcame the challenges of his past and went to NTU and did well at school and dragonboating, how he cared for his friends and family, and how he took time to comfort his friend who had broken up with his girlfriend, and inspired him to join dragonboating. All these things point to a man of real deep character and a big heart.

God Bless all of you and may Boon San live on in your hearts and lives always. Make your lives wonderful and live for him, as he does not live here now, and make your lives a tribute to him.

A Glowing Tribute to My Friend

2007-12-02T19:57:00.000+08:00

Dear Boon San

I remembered many things about you, the list goes on and on. I dun really know where do i start or how should i start or for the matter, why should i start. I still cant accept u have disappeared from our world. Haven really gotten of this reality, I always tear whenever your name is mentioned, even as of now when this entry is being written. It really hurts me when i am not able to make it to your wake. I seldom live my life with regrets. This is easily the biggest regret in my life.

I remembered one of my saddest moment in my life. I was at the library in the year of 2005, semester 2, in feb, shortly after Valentine's Day. You, being the hardworking student is already in the empty Lee Wee Nam library doing tutorials and practising past year papers. I was dejected, did not know where to go. My girlfriend at that time had dumped me, life was really suicidal. U came, cheered me up, studied beside me, ate with me. And you encouraged me to join you in the National Team, to fight with you, for Manila 2005. I never look back, looking back at this tough period, without you i probably will not be here at this very moment. I never have said THANK YOU for this period, and i guessed i never will have the chance to.

I have offended you once badly, when i imitated your signature buck tooth grin. It was my fault definitely. We did not talk for three days, i was remorseful on my part, but after these 3 days, everything was back to its original best. For that, i regret, not saying SORRY to you.

We were roomies in Nteam for Penang International Dragonboat Festival (PIDF 2005) Nteam came from behind and clinched a remarkable 3rd placing behind Indonesia and Mynamar. Those days were memorable and we did standing stroke for 400m, and despite the big day and the pressures, u are always reassuring us with your cocksure language and behaviour that all will go well as planned. I am grateful for that. I have never shown my APPREACIATION for you, and i never have the chance to do so.

When I went back NTU the other day, the Lee Wee Nam library, the old gym, the chin ups bars, the running track, the weighing machine at SRC office, everything flows back. It is extremely heart wrenching. Those were the days, and it is firmly etched inside me.

I have kept all the articles on papers with you on it. For now, I still missed u alot and if i do, i go to the papers to see a glimpse of u. The photos taken are still in my CPU, and i have backed them up in case my pc decides to call it a day. I am quite sure u came back dat nite to look me up on that tuesday. Its you and i dun tink i am wrong.

I want to end by saying u have been an integral part of my life. I understand you really wanted a 10 men crew gold medal at the 2007 River Regatta. On my part, I will be out of retirement to train with NTU alumini. I will lay down this 10 men crew medal right before you. I know you will be reading this blog, you have always love blogs. May you rest in peace brother.

With loving memories
Justin Chua

Roaming in the street of yishun...

2007-12-01T14:30:00.000+08:00

Ah San, brother 2 yr my junior.
In our Primary school days, We roam the street of yishun, in a gang of 4.
Me - Ah Nam, Ah Guang(cousin), Ah Zheng(cousin) and of cos our Ah San.
Used to steal money from the drawer where my parent keep all the money.
Sometimes 50cents, and sometimes 2 dollars, we are just craze over buying tamiya cars, he got an avante(blue) while i had a vanquish(golden color one) - i still remember how we send our tamiya cars for Modification..Hyper dash engine..and remote control cars and of cos tikam from the Blk 278 Mama shop - that Ah Na...
World cup - Mexico 86, Italia 90, USA 94 - those pannini sticker book are always on our iternary for those WORLD CUP years. Even till the last world cup, he had never fail to get those shinny shinny stickers and do exchange.
Always after school at the age of 9 and more, we will gather and grab our favourite BMX bikes.
i will longbang him on the bike stand i had on the back of the bike, from there we go around places in RURAL Yishun then in search of tadpoles and guppies.
We spent most of our time in the basketball court playing basketball, soccer and riding bicycles. Learning vulgar words in various language to deal with various groups of enemy kids is always what we are so good at...
Enaged in numerous fights with some of the neighbourhood boys, we ended up getting hatam by them cos we are simply outnumbered. But that didnt just end there, we always take revenge. Ramming the lifts of the ENEMY Boys whenever they took the lift to their places causing them to be trapped there for bours until rescue came to them. Blasting ICE Water- those syrup water 10cent each in their letter boxes, seeing those ants crawling out of their letter boxes simply crack the best smiles within ourselves.
One guy who is really a rich kid join in our conquest as the yishun street roamers, he is one rich kid who is seriously neglected by his busy parents, always inviting us to Uncle ringo, paco funworld, distributing 50 dollar note to us after stealing from his parents. We really had the hell lots of fun then, all FOC...thats the best part...
There are more "terrible stuff" that we did which u can never never imagine. That is how unforgettable our childhood are!!

Kampong Kid then, a comeback kid now. That is how Ah san is remembered now.

Ah Na - Mama shop uncle was around to see Ah San for the last time, when ah san got from his shop some MAMMI(snack with a blue monster outside the yellow wrapper) crackers. Ah San actually ask this Ah Na uncle how is his child doing in School?

That just shows how mature this bro of mine had become. FRom this Ah Na uncle, i only come to knew that he is really so special. So special that he simply etched his presence in all the hearts of people around him....these are just some of his doings that simply touched us.

I know that he always "kao bei" me Ah Nam - his brother to some of his NTU hostel bunk mates and also to some of the dragon boat kakis that i cut down his monthly financial supply when it is term break time. I only did it because i want him to come back home more frequently.

I had always like his presence at home, he is always so XIAO SHA. How i wish i could be like him sometimes....Just like a drifter, i always like to associate him with this song.

It is Here i go again - By WhiteSnakes 1987

I dont know where Im going
But, I sure know where Ive been
Hanging on the promises
In songs of yesterday
An Ive made up my mind,
I aint wasting no more time
But, here I go again
Here I go again

Tho I keep searching for an answer,
I never seem to find what Im looking for
Oh lord, I pray
You give me strength to carry on,
cos I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An Ive made up my mind
I aint wasting no more time

Im just another heart in need of rescue,
Waiting on loves sweet charity
An Im gonna hold on
For the rest of my days,
cos I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An Ive made up my mind
I aint wasting no more time

But, here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go...

An Ive made up my mind,
I aint wasting no more time

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
cos I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

An here I go again on my own
Goin down the only road Ive ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
An Ive made up my mind
I aint wasting no more time...

But, here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go again,
Here I go,
Here I go again...

Lastly...we would like to say this to u that
We are really proud of u.
We love u.

Love from all at home...
Ah Choo, Ah Sa Jei, Ah Boon Sen, Ah Lian, Ah Nam...

brothers

2007-11-30T23:51:00.000+08:00

you taught me to fight.
to live life as we like.
to make everything worthwhile
to never look back
you show me the spirit of life
you inspire me to leap
you give me strength, to look up to the skies
there i see you, flying strong and high
thanks, for we hug we smile we sweat
thanks, I go further because you are here
thanks, for we are brothers, today, forever

My memories of you

2007-11-30T13:27:00.000+08:00

Bro,

I remember the practical joke me and Justin Chua played on you during your first year in NTU. We changed your girl's number to Justin and vice versa. You told us she was coming to see you and you were irratated as you wanted time to study. We messaged you telling you to go down to Mac's to see her. You went and spent 20 minutes waiting and returned cursing and swearing while the both of us were holding back trying not to laugh. We messaged you to go down again and you did, we finally decided enough and called you and your reaction was typical. Cursing and swearing then rushing up to hit us.

I remember you came to our team and said you wanted to study on sunday and cant train with us. Pissed the shit out of me and was scouting all of us seeing how we did in weights and if we were better in you. But in your way, you won me over. Your determination in training, your studies and how you treated me.

I remember you calling me during exams one day telling me to meet you at Hall 9 bus stop and i went and you werent there and i tot you said the wrong place so i went to hall 8 but you werent there when you were actually at hall 10. Your reaction when i finally found you. " Mai kei Kou lah, brother leh".

I remember the period when you would onli speak English to us. Me making fun of you, loading you with bombastic words and mimicking your every word. You grabbed my head and started messing with my hair and started your crap with me in hokkien.

I remember you as our pacer. When you took over, and did well. We knew you were proud of that fact that you were good and you told me you loved that place because you controlled everyone. You lead us to victory on 2 july 2006. I never forgot that. Paddling directly behind you was my honour, you improved me.

I remember, i remember.......I will always remember the memories of you my brother.

Tongle

San, our shining star, who dares to make a difference...

2007-11-30T13:17:00.000+08:00

When my sister, Yumei texted me on Friday night saying that you went missing in Cambodia, I prayed that you would return home safely. I called Han Chong and family in Adelaide to keep you in prayers too. We were all hopeful that there would be a miracle on Saturday. Sadly, you left the world without saying goodbye and fulfiling your dreams in life. Tears rolled down in devastation every time when I read the articles and watched the videos about the ill-fated dragon boat incident and your report on the Straits Times website. Even until now, I still cannot get over your sudden departure. I can understand how Boon Sen, my brother-in-law and family feel at the loss of their beloved brother and son.

It was only the weekend before that you were playing with Xianyi and Minhui. My sister told me on the phone that Ah San went to buy “Wang Wang” biscuits for the kids and playfully took out a small packet of two biscuits from the big pack and asked Xianyi to share with his little sister. Of course our dear “Yi” boy (Xianyi) was jumping with frustration that he could not have the whole pack of biscuits. I believe that Xianyi, Minhui and all his nephew and niece will miss their Ah San “Tsu Tsu” (uncle) very much.

I last saw Ah San two years ago at our niece, Minhui’s one-month old celebration lunch. He has always been a fun-loving, humorous and strong boy who excels in dragon boating and other sports. He often takes good care of his mother, father and family. Although he did not shine in the early years of his education, he did well in Nanyang Polytechnic and made it to NTU. I feel proud of him and he will always be my inspiration and motivation to move forward and do much better. When I heard from my mum a few weeks ago that he had a good job at DSTA (Mindef), I was really happy for him. He has indeed done his mother, father and family proud. He has done Singapore proud by always giving his best in many dragon boat races. He will always be remembered as a special boy who leaves a great legacy behind.

Ah San did not live his life in vain because we all know that he lost his life doing a sport he has always enjoyed and was passionate about. Time heals all wounds but it is going to take a while for everyone in the family to come into terms that he has left. He will forever live in our hearts and watch over his family wherever he goes. May the Lord grant Boon Sen and family strength and peace at this heartbreaking and difficult time.

Di and Geoff Rankine, Vijay, Rhidika and family send their condolences from Adelaide to Boon Sen, Yumei and family.

With prayers in Adelaide,
Alice

A Brother We will always remember.

2007-11-30T01:23:00.000+08:00

Boon San or Ah San is our youngest brother. He is someone special and we will always appreciate his special ways. The last Ah San we know is a young aspiring engineer who just started work in DSTA (Mindef) for slightly more than 1week. When national duty call, he packed his bag for the Phnom Penh's boat race.

Little is known of his background that he is always sailing against the odds. Ah San (or Bageh as you guys are familiar with) took 8years to complete his primary school. In P3, he failed in Chong Fu Primary School (within 300m walking distance from our home) and was asked to moved to Naval Base Primary School (which needs 2 shuttle trips). At that point, the family was extremely angry with him for the inability to study (always met with much caning from Father or the Eldest Brother in the year end report card season) and also incuring transport expense that was previously not needed. Subsequently, he barely scrap through PSLE with the scoring of 150 to make the grade for Pierce Secondary School. He took 5years to complete his Normal (Academic) course and it was there that I believe that a Teacher (Mrs Poh) took attention of this boy to inject the self-confidence that he so badly needs after a bad start.

After the Secondary School, Ah San made it to NYP Engineering and the entire family was shocked and elated that our wayward boy is begining to come onto the mainstream. After talking to Ah Lam (his 2nd brother who did engineering and Dragonboating), he decide to take the plunge for the same stuff (engineering and Dragonboating) as well. According to the NYP Dragonboat team manager (Ivan), Ah San was transformed from one of inferior complex to one that is highly driven, discipine and focused. In this NYP days, his passion for Dragonboat helps in his character building that permeates into his academic pursuit.

After Poly, he was enlisted and was posted to Navy. With his heightened passion for Dragonboat, he is always finding ways and means to find out the path to got rope into the SAFSA Dragonboat team. After few months of hard knocks around, he made it to ensure that he can continue his passion in his NS days.

During his NS days, he have not forgot his goal (to benchmark his 2nd brother who has completed his Bachelor Of Engineering degree). As such, he applied for a couple of occasion into NTU for the same engineering degree course. One day, NTU called and asked him to go for interview. The siblings upon knowing this starts to prep him on the potential questions via role playing and grilling him with difficult questions. The interview came and go, a letter with NTU letterhead founds it way to our home one day. It says that he is being accepted into NTU in view of his poly grades and outstanding achievements in Dragonboating. On this news, he was lost and the entire family took a long... long while to sink in this idea. I remember that my mother buy many stuff to thank the Gods for the blessings on the boy (whom we have wrote-off earlier).

In his NTU days, the dragonboat values already sunked into him helps to drive him on both academically and physically and he finally graduated with a 2nd Class Honours degree in Electrical Engineering. This target is one he has set and he achieved it despite having to juggle with the heavy study load and the punishing National Dragonboat team training. How he do it? We do not know. But we, the siblings are very proud because he has sailed against all odds and prevailed with academic excellence in addition to the honor of donning the country colors for Dragonboat.

In the many years with Ah San as a brother, he has taught me many aspects of being a good son. He actually converse with my mother that he would like to take care of them in their old age. That is already being validated that he set the conditions "I will not leave the house" as a pre-condition for any relationship to commence.

According to his varsity friends, he would not hesitate to drop by in the library to assist his fellow students (or brothers) who needs help. He is also the live-wire of the boating team by teasing one another and motivating them to greater heights. With Ah San as their pacer (Left 1 in NTU), the team's confidence soared since he can sense the pulse of the team well.

But Ah San will always be an critical part of the family (the gel that holds everyone together), the essence of what filial piety is all about when he will skip race to be with our mum. He will always be one that he knows what is important when he skip races to prepare for his exams. He has left behind many sweet memories for our family members, his teammates and friends. He has taught us all that "Life is not measured by the length of it, but rather the impact you made to the friends around you".

Love from Family Members,
"Boon Sing", Yumei, Ah Lian, Ah Yong, Ah Lam

Ah San Tsu-Tsu

2007-11-30T00:01:00.000+08:00

Ah San,

The news we received about you last Friday evening (23-Nov-07) left Boon Sen and myself in a state of shock. We were still hopeful that a miracle will happened, which eventually did not when the truth came on Sunday noon time.

You left us with so many things unachieved... and without even a word, you decide to take a different path altogether. It's ashamed that both Boon Sen and myself did not spend enough time with you to understand your inner world like the rest of your dragon boat buddies. However, we are sure that you were determined to take up each challenge / difficulty of your life with stride. Not a single complaint did we hear from you so far about how tough your dragon boat trainig was, how heavy was your university workload, and of course how heartbreaking were your BGF breakups etc

Both Xianyi, and Minhui, your nephew and neices have been "scared" of you since young because of your dark complexion and your serious facial expressions. However through the days, they are beginning to accept you as their Ah-San Tsu-Tsu (uncle). It's is a pity that you never had the chance to bring them for a playground trip, as I felt that we were so close to success that you decide to leave us now...

Though we are sadden by your sudden departure, we know you have done well, and bring your family to be proud of your achievements in school, at work, and in the greatest passion that you have spent so much time and effort - Dragon Boating.

Few occasions where Boon Sen and myself see you row at competitions, and could see that you were dedicated to the team and the game. It is indeed a loss to the team, and our nation.

Being the youngest son in the family, you are still a child at heart though you have grown throughout the year. I remember you love to drink favourite Strawberry Milk, Mamee biscuit, Big-Rabbit Sweets, Wang-Wang biscults etc. It always puzzles me why would a big guy like you like such strawberry milk !?!

When you made your mark through your graduation in NTU, I felt glad for both you, and your family especially Mother. It was a long windy road, but it clearly show that through determination and discipline, it is possible. Your next achievement to proof your mark was you got a good posting in DSTA. I could feel your great sense of satisfaction when you were presented the offer letter to accept the job. It is a real shame that you could not receive your first pay cheque.

Life is going to be different for us now, specially every Sunday when we go to Mother's place for dinner. No more Ah-San Tsu Tsu for both XianYi and MinHui to be around to tease/play with them, no more long distant trips for the kids to send you off to NTU hostel, no more further lecture from Boon Sen...

Our family have and will move on, and want you to know that we will miss you dearly. May your soul rest in peace, and we love you dear brother.

Yumei (Sis-In-Law)

Ba Geh, AKA BG POH, Best friend i made in NTU

2007-11-29T23:51:00.000+08:00

I was sending my girlfriend home when a bee came flying and landed on my polo T. It stayed with me throughout the train journey until Yishun. Then it flew off from there. Boon San is home, to see his family.
My first impression of boon san is veri negative... kao bei kao bu, guai lan. but he's fucking fit. He din even noe me onli after our "ini******n". Year 2, we became room mates, at that stinky hall 3. he's a veri nice room mate..though kao bei at times..sometimes bo dai bo ji blast techno.. bo dai bo ji hurl vulgarities at his tutorial, projects what have u, then he will turn around and flash his trademark double teetch at me..and start screwing his tutorials. when i am stressed up, he will stroke my head, sayang me, then joked whether i wan his Xiao. I played along wif him, i wan and he said i am disgusting. Sometimes he helps me wif my laundry, fold my clothes, mop the floor, and kao bei me, say i lam nuah.
This guy sometimes have difficulty sleeping. bo dai bo ji suddenly wake up, sit on the bed, then lie again. Occasionally we will go for our "EGO RUNS". i enjoyed those sessions wif him. We realli whacked all out and we always felt good after tat.
tis guy, always crack sacarstic jokes on others. but deep underneath, he has a kind hearted soul. when my mum had operation, he gave me chicken of essence. he asked me occasionally abt my family, abt my finances. he's someone so real.. unlike the plastic faces u see everyday in work.he disturbs my gf, calling her cai sao. though they never met a lot, my gf find her irritatingly cute. In the short space of time, he has touched the hearts of acquaintances. this guy is good.
As much as i like to ka jiao him, we also did lotsa sinful things together. looking at charbos.. and the question is always:Ni Bia de sia ma? NTU sa..
at eugene's wedding, i told boon san i will wish to see him marry one day.. i wanted to have a good luff when he says those mushy words in front of everyone to his other half. but tat day will never come again..
There are so many things we have planned to do..eating buffet at the new sports complex, go for another clubbing session wif waimum, go malaysia to makan, train wif u in alumni, challenge ur 2.4 and ergo timing. i realli regret pushing it back cos of my schoolwork..
I will miss ur sacarstic jokes, ur voice, ur "sayangs", ur laughter, and ur rabbit smile in hall, in school, in sdba, in my home when u stayed over, at ya kun when we la kopi, when we look at girls...etc..
ur departure is a shock to many. U have taught me a lot of things, on being filial, prioritize.. and my actions unknowingly resembles urs in some ways or another..i believe u r somewhere peaceful, watching over us..

. b o o n s a n .

2007-11-29T23:41:00.000+08:00

Of all the 5, you're the one who has touched me the most. I have no idea why. It's been hurtful, to see your photos where you're smiling all so brightly and I know I would love to see more of that smile of yours but sad to say, it will never be. You have inspired me to fight for what I want because learning your story, of how passionate you are about dragon boating, how you made it all the way through university. I would have loved to be a friend of yours.

I'm sure we've met somewhere in NTU, or even around the Sports Complex. Just passing by without knowing of each other, which is a shame. I would very much like to know you better, but its impossible now.

Every night, I keep asking, "Why? Why did this have to happen to 5 young men, in their prime years? They have so much more in them, so much more to give, so much more to contribute to this society." Because of your trainings, I believe each and every one of you would have been a very good father, and had been a very filial son, a very faithful lover and a very loyal friend.

It's hard to say goodbye. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to attend your wakes due to work commitments. Please watch over every one who loves you and all those who are still mourning over the loss of you. I pray that you'll be happier, wherever you may be.

- Jacelyn -

My teammate, my friend, my brother..

2007-11-29T22:46:00.000+08:00

I remember the day I first met Boon San..(no one ever forgets the first day they meet him)...
It was during one of the SAFSA trainings and I vivdly remember that I was doing upright rows when he sauntered in to SDBA in that usual cocky walk that we all know so well.Dressed in his navy uniform,with that outdated specs,his ba-geh and his attitude, you can't help but feel..MAN THIS GUY IS COCKY...and that was in 2003.

Foward to July 2004 when he stepped into NTU and had his first dragon boat training..who would ever forget the eternal moment in history when he stood there, arms folded in front of him, and (still) with that outdated specs, his ba-geh and his attitude and the eternal words that would echo from batches to batches in NTU,"zhe ge senior buay gan".

I had 3 quarrels with Boon San.And through these 3 quarrels, Boon San has taught me lessons that would remain with me through my life.

Our first quarrel happened when we first joined NTU Dragon Boat team and he told Eugene, the captain then, that he would not be joining NTU for Sunday trainings. Eugene then asked us what our opinion was. Without bothering to probe further into the reasons that he was apprehensive about studies in the first semester, I said to sack him. We had a cold war for about 2-3 weeks.
Boon San taught me that being a teammate is not just about coming to trainings, but to understand each other's problems and fears and commitment.

Our second quarrel happened when National Team was supposed to go Tanjong Pinang for a race and he didn't want to go due to studies and his mother was not feeling well.Again, I didn't ask or probe but was just being angry. We had a cold war again, for about 1-2 weeks.
Boon San taught me about filial piety and compassion and understanding for teammates.

Our third quarrel happened during one of the trainings for the PM race in 2006.It was one of the night trainings and we were keeping the boat and he said,"Jingwei say NTU will lost the PM cup this year".During debrief, I said if we start to think we will lose, we might as well not train.We had a cold war for about a week before we both apologised to each other.Thanks Tongle, for mediating.What I failed to see beyond my myopic view was that this was the guy who kept pushing every frontier and came for trainings and raced his hearts out for every set despite knowing the odds are stacked against us.
Boon San taught me that we CAN achieve in the face of adversity. He paced us to victory.It was glorious.

I have the honour of being Boon San's teammate in 4 different teams, SAFSA, N Team, NTU, NTU ALUMNI.To say that I have rowed with one of the best is an understatement. HE IS THE BEST. The confidence he instils in us when he pace is something we can only hope to emulate.

I remember...
...when he willingly gave up his SEA Games seat to concentrate on exams
...when he came up to me with tears in his eyes and said that he's sorry he couldn't get us the PM cup in 2007
...how touched he was(and he nearly teared though he vehemently denies it) when we all cheered"BA-GEH!BA-GEH!BA-GEH!" at the victory dinner after SDBF 2007
...how big his smile was when we all when we all cheered"BA-GEH!BA-GEH!BA-GEH!" at the sports appreciation night
...all his practical jokes and witty and cruel comments and impersanations
...how he have touched all our lives in so many different ways...

Boon San, I really miss you.

On 23rd November 2007, I lost a teammate..a friend..a brother..
Rest in peace..

Jiaqi

Forever in the heart

2007-11-29T00:47:00.000+08:00

I can clearly remember the times when he shouted out to me across the canteen after my exam paper, or when we were teasing the girl across the table in the library, or when we went clubbing during a public holiday. Memories of Boon San has been and will stay with me forever. He never failed to make my day. Never failed to put a smile on my face, never.

Boon San always kicked ass during training. His determination, his passion, his dedication was contagious. It has been my honor to have paddled alongside him.

I didn't get a chance to apologize for not staying for one last race. I pray that you forgive me.
A true friend that is dearly missed and will forever be my heart.

Wai Mun

Honoured to have crossed paths.

2007-11-28T23:51:00.000+08:00

I may not know you personally, nor actually said hi but I am honoured that we have crossed paths.

In my eyes, you and your team have always been great competitors and although we may have our differences and fair share of "fights", NTU has always been a respectable opponent. And I see how you've touched the lives of so many of your NTU brothers and it is indeed most inspiring to see.

I'm sad to see that we've lost yet another good soul, one that has showed atheletes in the dragonboat fraternity how to fight hard in races, train like a spirited warrior and passionate beings. One that has left memories in close friends, left deep impressions on strangers/ acquintances alike. One whose presence will always be remembered and missed.

Thanks Boon San and its been an honour to have crossed paths with you.
May God bless you in heaven and may you rest in peace.
We, on Earth, will forever miss you and remember you.

Melvin
NUS cox 04-06

Goodbye my friend

2007-11-28T22:23:00.000+08:00

Although i do not know you well but as a fellow NTU EEE course mate and knowing you through mutual friends. I too feel the loss and sadness. Indeed Its still hard to believe that someone connected to you has left. I vividly remember of your commitment to the NTU dragonboat team; from witnessing the numerous training runs you were involved in outside Hall 7. You have done NTU and Singapore proud. Despite this tragedy, I urge fellow friends as well as family and relatives to remain strong, to continue to strive on with Boon San's never say die spirit.

You will always be in our memories.

Eric
NTU EEE '07

W E N S H A N

2007-11-28T17:50:00.000+08:00

til now, i still don't believe.
i ask myself a thousand, a million whys
even though deep in my heart,
i know that there will never be an answer.

WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN.

i yearn to scream out to you in the hope that you will wake up
so all this will just be one helluva nightmare.
it kills me to only be able to rely on internet sources for news,
right from the moment it happened on friday evening.
even then, i had to rely on someone telling me via msn.
i hoped, wished and prayed with all my heart the entire weekend
but the moment i got a text msg confirming all doubts, i broke down.

life is so unfair.

the last time i complained about life being unfair,
i was stressed out juggling things thinking nothing could be worse.
i never thought that the next time i say it,
it would make all my previous problems seem so damn foolish and immature.

right now, it hurts to know i am unable to even be physically there to say a final goodbye to you.
i can't stop the emotions and don't know how to handle it.
i have been full of anguish, probably everyone has been.
it's so hard to find a way to let those tears go,
and to find peace and comfort in my heart and soul.
then i chanced upon this poem,
which i now dedicate to you,
and to anyone searching for their own peace and comfort
amidst the pain and tears.

▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

* R A I N B O W S *

I saw a rainbow in the sky,
it stretched from here to there,
spilling colored rainbow drops,
as it arced right through the air.

I tried so hard to catch it,
so I could send it on to you,
But every time I came near,
it disappeared from view.

I wish you could have seen it,
and all it's multicolored hues,
I could tell you all about it,
but words just will not do.

A picture comes a little closer,
to doing justice to the sight,
so I am sending one to you,
to make your day seem bright.

Seven colors in the rainbow,
seven wishes from me to you,
love and hope, joy and peace,
faith, strength and serenity too.

▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

wenshan, i've never called you boon san.
we met eons ago, 7 years to be exact.
we share a special story only known to us
and this friendship, though short,
has memories which will last forever.

rest in peace,
& know that you are greatly missed, cherished and always remembered...

■ jiayun ■

2007-11-28T13:21:00.000+08:00

I don't know any of the 5 fine gentlemen personally but I sure wished it wasnt through this painful and horrible way. You were representing Singapore, it shouldnt have been this way. Each time I see your pictures in the papers, my eyes well with hot tears. I am touched by your passion and dedication to things you truly believed in. Rest in peace. My thoughts are with your families through this very difficult time.
A fellow Singaporean.

My Beloved Friend, Classmate and TeamMate ....Ah Boon...

2007-11-28T10:49:00.000+08:00

Boon San is his name, but we always call him Ah Boon or "sausage Lips" because of his really thick lips he has... Good Old times back in Poly where the group of us would always hang out at the Enginerring Canteen OR otherwise with the team we'll be seen at NYP Running Track or BLK E. Love those good old carefree days where nothing else matters, but training and training and studies and having Lots of fun!

Well, Ah Boon is always very caring and has a bigbig heart! He looks out for his friends and always encourages in words or through actions..I remembered the time IPPT in poly and I was just having a bad day running 2.4.. and didnt help that the wind was blowing! AH Boon with his really big great heart saw me struggling, took the extra initiative to not only cheer me on but ran infront of me to block wind and accompany till I completed the run! Thank you AH BOON!!! Not forgetting his voice will always be heard in the boat when we do our last charge towards the finishing line... there are soo many things I can think about when it comes to Ah Boon.. But the thing that stood out most is his kind and good natured personality and character that shines through the true sportsmen and team mate and spirit he possesses as an Individual...

Boon...you are very missed by your loved ones,friends and fellow rowers. Your big smile and laughter and spirit will always remain vivid in our memories that will keep you alive in our hearts forever. Look out for your family and friends while you're up there like you have always been all your life. Rest In Peace My DEar AH Boon...I miss you lots..*hugs*

To AH Boon's family, take care and be strong for your son. My heartfelt condolences to you all.

Love and Miss you..

Charmian Kwan

Condolences from USA

2007-11-28T06:03:00.000+08:00

We extend our deepest sympathy to families and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - The NJ Dragon Boat Club, USA

2007-11-28T02:29:00.000+08:00

Rest in peace. You will always be remembered by us! We know you're watching us from above!

Love,
Kailin
http://www.xanga.com/foreverlove030306

In memory...

2007-11-28T01:44:00.000+08:00

Boon San - making us smile, and always smiling in our hearts. Rest well my friend.

.in memory of you.

2007-11-28T01:32:00.000+08:00

hi love!!
i may not know & i know heaven is a better place for you now. may you rest in peace ... AMIN!!

luv & light
juL!
http://julinikita.multiply.com/