Dear Friends,
It is with great regret that I have to inform you all that one of our Class of '71 members, Mr Sim Siau Chung, passed away at around 6 am on Thursday 17 May 2001 at Sibu General Hospital, leaving behind his wife and three children (aged 17, 10, 5) to mourn their loss.
Siau Chung was a close friend of mine and both of us were working in the same group of companies since 1983.
On Saturday 12 May 2001, he played some badminton with his daughter and later did some lawn mowing. He complained of some chest pain and consulted a specialist doctor in town. He was advised to be admitted to the hospital. He did that the next day in the afternoon. He was put under observation with monitors attached to his body. From Sunday 13 May to Wed 16 May the doctor in the hospital said that his condition had stabilised and that he could be discharged on Thursday 17 May. But at 6 am that day, his wife received a phonecall from the hospital saying that he had passed away. The nurse told the wife that she saw him getting up at 5.30 am to brush his teeth and to get ready for his discharge from hospital. We do not know what actually happened but presumably he must have suffered a massive heart attack between 5.30 am and 6 am. It was such a pity that he couldn't be saved while in the hospital...
On 17 May, Ging Yean, Hiong Kee, Hiang Tiong and myself were at his house in Rejang Park, Sibu, to convey our condolences to his family and we were also present at the hospital mortuary the next day (Friday 18 May) at 3pm when his body was laid to rest inside the coffin. He was transported to the Teochiew Cemetery for burial the following day (Saturday 19 May).
This was a short account of Siau Chung's death, and I would appreciate it if you could inform the Class of '71 accordingly.
Thank you
Chiew Seng
From: Ann Chin @ Ann Chan Kit Suet <annkschin@hotmail.com>, Singapore.
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 02:33:13
I shuddered at the sad news of Siau Chung.
People don't die at 47 or 48...
I remember him as one of the Sylvester boys.
I remember him, sitting behind me at Lower 6, his joke Slaughtering chicken without the need of a Cattle knife, cos he got a 1 in Form 5 history.
I remember joking at his Botak head during the Reunion.
I remember joking at both of us having the youngest children among us.
And now, he is gone.
Yet, death where art thy Sting?
I hope our early years at Methodist School would have given us a strong foundation of our Faith. So that at the moment when Death knocks at our door, we can smile and know that we are returning to our Father in heaven.
Kind Regards,
Ann/ Kit Suet
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From: Bobby Lo Ming Fee <lomfcl@picknowl.com.au>, Adelaide, Australia.
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 18:07:42 +0930
Indeed it is a shock and sad news to know of Simon Sim Siau Chung's sudden departure from all of us.
Siau Chung's will always be on my mind as he was very close with me since Form 1 till Form 5, and we did lots of things together eg basketball.
His loss definitely saddens a lot of us and life is too short after all.
Regards
Ming Fee
From: Elsie Yeo @ Lim Yew Hong <elsie@avkseg.com.sg>, Singapore.
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 16:22:05 +0800
I received your email with great shock! I never imagine one of our classmates/schoolmates will pass away so suddenly.
It just goes to show the brevity of life.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family.
Best Regards
Yew Hong
From: Hu Nguk Ming <mistlynx@singnet.com.sg>, Singapore
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 21:35:16 +0800
Thanks for the update, regarding late Siau Chung. It's indeed very shocking to hear such news. I do remember him as a classmate in 5M. Please do send my deepest condolences & sympathy to his wife & children (though I don't know them at all, but I feel the pains for them.) if either u do see them in future.
Being in the medical line myself, I know how unexpected illnesses, some fatal, can strike us at any time. Indeed health is better than wealth anytime. I don't know others, but I certainly have started to feel that that age is really catching up, feeling aches & pains here & there.:o).
Take care & God Bless!
Regards
Nguk Ming
From: Janet Goh @ Janet Lo Siew Lan <janetgoh@home.com>, Vancouver, Canada
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 21:46:38 -0700
It was very shocking and sad to hear of Siau Chung's sudden departure from
all of us. Siau Chung was always a likeable, well mannered gentleman and
his passing away is a great loss. I am at a loss for words to express how
sad I feel.
Please convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.
Regards,
Lo Siew Lan
From: Peggy Wong Piek Hee <peggy_wong@lycosasia.com>, Singapore
Date: Fri, 25 May 2001 15:34:59 +0800
I was very sad to hear that Simon Sim Siau Chung has passed away so suddenly.
Please convey on my behalf "My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his wife and the family".
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Piek Hee
From: David & Pat Johnson <dmjpmj@appleonline.net>, England.
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001 09:31:09 +0100
We were saddened to hear of the death of Simon Sim. What a shock it must
have been for all who knew him. Please convey our condolences to his wife
and family at this tragic time, and assure them of our prayers as they face
the future without him.
Pat and David Johnson.
From: Roland Wong Chiew Hie <EHORSE@USA.NET>, Los Angeles, USA.
Date: Sun, 27 May 2001 09:04:36 -0700
I am so sorry to hear this (just got back from vacation in New York).
Please send my condolence to the family.
Roland Chiew Hie
From: Nee Koh Hui <khnee@alphalink.com.au>, Melbourne, Australia
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001 10:32:25 +1000
It is with extreme sadness to learn that Sim Siau Chung has
departed this world.
Please kindly convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.
I will always cherish him as a jovial and happy person and of the good times we
shared.
Yours sincerely,
Koh Hui