Thanks to uncle Leonard who encouraged me to train Tai Chi. He and two other uncles of mine were practicing Tai Chi with the same teacher in Sarawak. My other two uncles exposed me to the art back in 1974, but I never took it up seriously. It was uncle Leonard who got me into this amazing art, that took me onto this endless journey of discovery. Coincidently, at his mass funeral service, some of you would noticed uncle Leonard performed a set movements. That set is called SamChien (cantonese) or SaChiap (Hokien) a form from the White Crane art. The interesting thing here is the co-relation of the number 3. This form like SanJin is a pre requisite to learning the art. The 3 stands for Mind, Body, Spirit, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Heaven, Earth, Man. Very meaningful and significant to understanding the inner meanings of the art. Bear in mind too that uncle Leonard's birthday was on the 30. In numerology, 30 is 3. Uncle Leonard and I spent hours and hours discussing the significance of numerology, with it Fibonacci numbers, sacred geometry, Golden ratio. Last but not least, we discussed meditations, prayers, Chikung and Ling Kung Jing. Thanks to you uncle Leonard! I know you are in safe hands. We shall meet again I am sure. Your last advise to me is about getting there, and I know I will! Vaya Con Dios!

After a week of contemplation and prayers for uncle Leonard's passing, I find it difficult to write about him in so many words? He was full of life, full of generousity, full of love, full of compassion. I think all these had been mentioned one way or another. Therefore, what I will write is possibly on topics not covered elsewhere. There may be things here that could entice a reader's curiosity. I can be brief, but just in case, by all means, ask Mr Google or ask me whenever you like. I was a 7/8 year old kid running around my dad's office in Sibu, Sarawak. At that time uncle Leonard would be 27 or thereabout, single, elilible young man. I remember him because often he would come and visited dad. At times, he would buy kompiah with stuffed soya pork belly for dad and him to eat. Many a weekend, he would go to the wet market with the late Mr. Lee Swee Ling, GM of Sime Darby (British Company then) and my uncle the late former head of state Salahuddin (before being made head) collecting whatever food they could for charity. For him, it was always about getting things done. Walk the talk! Uncle Leonard was a very likeable, sociable person who thrived around people. So the eating, drinking, dancing things were second nature to him. It so happened my grandfather was that way too. And many a time they attended functions either in Sungei Merah or SRC club. What made this unforgettable was granddad dished his car into the drains so much so that no insurance company wanted to cover him. Since I mentioned car, when uncle Leonard got married to aunty Lucy, it was my dad who chauffeured the bride and groom on their wedding day. Often, uncle Leonard would bring up the times back then, and about loyalty between husband and wife. Who could possibly guess that uncle Leonard and his family would migrate to New Zealand in 1989? Version 1. Version 2 to follow

I came to know Leonard when I became Parish Secretary at OLSH. He was the very first person whom I didn't know prior, to welcome me to the parish. He had a warm smile, so peaceful and friendly. Without hesitation, he immediately invited me to join their Wednesday coffee group. The busyness of my job prevented me from joining them every week but Leonard still remembered to invite me to all special occasions such as birthdays and when we had to farewell Fr Rua. His hospitality was greater than great, to say the least. He would make sure everyone felt at ease and happy and full. He always put everyone else first before his own. He had the most generous heart! I've always admired his dedication and love towards Lucy whom he visited daily. The same love and devotion he had to God, whom he also visited daily by attending Mass each morning. He lived each day with the fullness of God, manifesting God's love to us through his kindness and thoughtfulness. Leonard, indeed, lived a full life and one that the Lord, his Maker, would be proud of! Rest well and joyfully in God's loving embrace, Leonard. You have been a faithful servant of the Lord. Now it's your time to dance with joy in God's paradise.

Granduncle Leonard is someone I will always remember for his loving, caring and faithful heart - it was evident in how he cared for Grandaunty Lucy and his family, and how he treated everyone else whether they be relatives, friends, or strangers. One could never feel less special in his eyes, and that was his gift. I wish I had spent more time with him, but I look forward to seeing him in Heaven one day. His love and friendship has left a mark in the lives he touched, and I'm grateful to have been one of them. Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Thinking of you all during this painful time of loss. Big hugs.

It is with great sadness to learn of my Ling-Kah's passing just a few days after my daughter, Sonia passed the phone to him on her visit to the hospital to have our last conversation together. He was jovial and joked that he knocked at Heaven's door but God told him that it was not time yet. We pledged again to pray for each other daily as always whenever we spoke on the phone. Uncle was the youngest of my father's brothers - my Dad was the eldest. When my Grandma died at an early age, he came to live with us. He was more like a brother than an uncle. I was in my early teens when he was courting Aunt Lucy. He was instrumental in persuading my husband and I to send our kids to study in NZ as he was there and he and Aunt Lucy kept an eye on them. I am grateful that he loved God and faithfully went to church to pray every morning. I know we will meet again at Jesus' feet one day. Yes, I agree with all who remember him as a gentle, kind, warm and loving person - no harshness in him. He was sentimental, faithful and humble. He visited Aunt Lucy everyday for years and after she passed on he continued to visit her grave daily. Such consistent devotion is not easy to find! Dear Ling-Kah - sleep in peace in the Lord till we meet again. Your beloved niece, Jean

Dear Kudear, Hard to believe You left us already. Since young, I spent all my school holidays in Kuching and You always welcome grandma and me to visit You and Kuma. When I completed my secondary school in The midst of choosing courses for tertiary education, You asked me why I like to study hotel management . I told You because I like working in nice environment and meeting people. You suggested working in bank serve The same purpose and I replied You I scare of figure, prefer human subjects. During my last trip in NZ visiting You and kuma, i can feel how much LOVE You gave to kuma and your children including us - your niece and newphew. You Will be deeply missed by us, ING ING and Ma Ngie.

I am so grateful that I managed to see Grand Uncle Leonard before he passed. He did not look ill but his usual happy self. He mentioned that one of his favourite memories was going on a very eventful fishing trip with my brother Tim and friends. He loved fishing and had a sense of fun. There is no doubt that everyone who knew him could see that he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and to God. He had a lot of love to give that his warmth was felt throughout the wider family and friends. And, he was well loved. Granduncle, Thank you for being my family in Auckland and for your warmth. Thank you for extending that warmth and welcome to Bernard. We always enjoyed our times with you and Aunty. It is a little hard to believe that you are no longer here and, as much as you will be missed, we are happy that you are in a wonderful place with Jesus and Aunty.

My dad,my hero,my best friend,my prayer buddy My favourite person There is much to learn from my dad . From his life well- lived Dad died an old man, a full 88 years. He turned 88 years old JUST 2 weeks ago. But He has been telling everyone he is 89 years old (roll eyes pause) as he would include the year of life in his mother’s womb! Im sure you will agree with me that when you think of Leonard; your mind immediately conjure his smiling face! Daddy has the sweetest, warmest & friendliest smile. Dad was very interested in people and has an easy going attitudes that draws people to warm up to hm ^ These past few months dad made new friends in Auckland City Hospital. All the nurses and doctors were coming in to visit him even when dad was not under their roster to care. He was fondly called ‘Papa Lee’. Dad loves reminiscing on his youth days - stories of his struggles especially during Japanese occupation , waking up at 4 am to tap rubber trees, heart warming stories of his court-ship with mom, stories about his business achievements & challenges, stories of his days in boarding school and many many more. There was this one time when the palliative nurses came to follow up on his symptoms and ended up stayed half hour to listened to some of his stories .One of the stories he shared was how he won a running competition. He started the race with shoes on. But half way through the race he kicked off his shoes and beat those city boys ! He made those nurses laugh so hard! At the hospital dad would introduced his daughters as This is daughter no 1 , here’s no 2, she is no 3 and that’s no 5 . He numbered us. I wonder why and guess what he said- it’s much easier for people to remember you girls!!! What a great sense of humour! Part 1 of 2

My dad,my hero,my best friend,my prayer buddy My favourite person There is much to learn from my dad . From his life well- lived Dad died an old man, a full 88 years. He turned 88 years old JUST 2 weeks ago. But He has been telling everyone he is 89 years old (roll eyes pause) as he would include the year of life in his mother’s womb! Im sure you will agree with me that when you think of Leonard; your mind immediately conjure his smiling face! Daddy has the sweetest, warmest & friendliest smile. Dad was very interested in people and has an easy going attitudes that draws people to warm up to hm ^ These past few months dad made new friends in Auckland City Hospital. All the nurses and doctors were coming in to visit him even when dad was not under their roster to care. He was fondly called ‘Papa Lee’. Dad loves reminiscing on his youth days - stories of his struggles especially during Japanese occupation , waking up at 4 am to tap rubber trees, heart warming stories of his court-ship with mom, stories about his business achievements & challenges, stories of his days in boarding school and many many more. There was this one time when the palliative nurses came to follow up on his symptoms and ended up stayed half hour to listened to some of his stories .One of the stories he shared was how he won a running competition. He started the race with shoes on. But half way through the race he kicked off his shoes and beat those city boys ! He made those nurses laugh so hard! At the hospital dad would introduced his daughters as This is daughter no 1 , here’s no 2, she is no 3 and that’s no 5 . He numbered us. I wonder why and guess what he said- it’s much easier for people to remember you girls!!! What a great sense of humour! Part 1 of 2

My dad,my hero,my best friend,my prayer buddy My favourite person There is much to learn from my dad . From his life well- lived Dad died an old man, a full 88 years. He turned 88 years old JUST 2 weeks ago. But He has been telling everyone he is 89 years old (roll eyes pause) as he would include the year of life in his mother’s womb! Im sure you will agree with me that when you think of Leonard; your mind immediately conjure his smiling face! Daddy has the sweetest, warmest & friendliest smile. Dad was very interested in people and has an easy going attitudes that draws people to warm up to hm ^ These past few months dad made new friends in Auckland City Hospital. All the nurses and doctors were coming in to visit him even when dad was not under their roster to care. He was fondly called ‘Papa Lee’. Dad loves reminiscing on his youth days - stories of his struggles especially during Japanese occupation , waking up at 4 am to tap rubber trees, heart warming stories of his court-ship with mom, stories about his business achievements & challenges, stories of his days in boarding school and many many more. There was this one time when the palliative nurses came to follow up on his symptoms and ended up stayed half hour to listened to some of his stories .One of the stories he shared was how he won a running competition. He started the race with shoes on. But half way through the race he kicked off his shoes and beat those city boys ! He made those nurses laugh so hard! At the hospital dad would introduced his daughters as This is daughter no 1 , here’s no 2, she is no 3 and that’s no 5 . He numbered us. I wonder why and guess what he said- it’s much easier for people to remember you girls!!! What a great sense of humour! (part 1 of 2)

You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.   On Friday evening, , this poem became part of Leonard’s journey  his life on earth ended. Leonard, God saw your tired face;   God wrapped his arms around you and took you home to be with him;   He gently closed your eyes and took you to be with Lucy and other loved ones.   Yes, our hearts are broken, but we are comforted to know you are not alone, part of us went with you, and you remain in our hearts.   Leonard, your gentleness, your kindness; your love; your dedication, your strong faith; your love of music;  will live on in us.   Thank you for the gift you gave us during our time of knowing you. Our time tonight has come to an end.  Thank you for coming to pray with us, to give thanks for Leonard’s life.   We will gather again in the morning for the funeral mass .   Until we meet again May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

I came to know Leonard when I moved into community with Sr Rita and Sister Priscilla.   He would attend daily Mass and always be ready for a chat afterwards.    At that point he was one of the parishioner’s. He would often talk to me about wanting to get Lucy into Mercy Parklands and eventually it happened.  He was so happ. This meant he was able to attend Mass with Lucy. He would come to visit her every day and not only attend Mass but bring her to and from Mass.   He would sit with her, sing to her, and attend to her needs in a quiet gentle way.   He would pray with her during those days, take her to lunch and quietly leave.   The next day the same routine - you could set the clock by him – and this routine was every day except when it came to lock down. Leonard had a wonderful group of friends who supported him during these days.  Immediately after lock down he was out with the coffee group. He had another group whom he never forget their birthday or special day – he was a man who made these days special and enjoyed arranging celebrations.  He connected people together. He always looked forward to time with the family, as he enriched each of you and you him. People were the most important thing to Leonard. During my interactions with him I found him a very generous man, a very prayerful man, a man who loved music and in his younger days would love to dance with Lucy.   He was quiet, he had a great sense of humour, he was always putting others first and Leonard came second. Leonard was a humble man. He was a man with a tremendous strong faith and trust in God.   These qualities are some of what we recall when we think of Leonard.   These qualities were modelled with a life lived to the fullest. As I reflected on Leonard and his life, I recalled the poem He is Gone  which I would like to share with you.     It reads.

My favorite Kaka, thank you for loving me…. the precious memories you have given me, the time you have spared me, the warmth that you have touched me, I will carry these with me till we meet again. You are always my favorite Kaka, love you!

To my cousin Aunties - Joyce, Jacq, Janet & Jo, Uncle Roy, my deepest condolences. I was lucky and blessed enough to have a short chat over the phone with Granduncle Lenny while Sonia was visiting him in hospital. He was as his usual self, always asking about the family and kids first, his selflessness a reflection of his fatherly and caring nature. He was my fatherly figure when I was studying in Auckland, as was Grandaunty Lucy my motherly figure, and I am grateful to them and cousin Aunties & Uncle for sharing their love and home with me while I was there. We did manage to laugh about the time we went fishing of the reefs and almost didnt make it back home due to the unanticipated incoming tide, thankfully made it back with a few big fish and an earful from Grandaunty Lucy. Good memories. Thank you for being You, Uncle Lenny, a wonderful human being, you will be missed dearly. Rest In Peace, till we meet again...

Uncle Leonard, we the Chia's family is going to miss you dearly. We will always cherish you for all the fond and great memories many decades ago with your loving family. You are one of the great family friend that we have which we treasure it a lot. Thank you dear late uncle for being such a dear friend us, for being kind and gentle man. You are now in a better place that the Lord has placed for you, reunited again with your loving wife, our dear late aunty Lucy. Rest in peace dear uncle Leonard. The Chia's family

I have many fond memories of my uncle with my aunt and with his children and their children. They were all very much part of my growing years and still growing together. I am thankful for the lessons shared or through how he lived his life. The unconditional love, the grace, the devotion and his affection he shared and showed to everyone equally to all. He was like a father to me, he always cared and also would stand up for me. He knew me. He knew what everyone likes, doesn’t like and ensures everyone is taken care of. And when he smiles, he gives one a steady calmness and assurance everything will be ok. I will miss his hugs, kisses, warm smile, and gentle voice. Till we meet again…. Char char

Good bye my brother. Leonard Poi Lim for all the years during our younger days since 1954 in Sibu. You're the loving person and friendly to all your friends. You're handsome and gentle . May our Lord brings you home to heaven eternity. I missed the most our cup of tea in Westfield and chitchat. We pray for you always in Jesus's name. Bye bro. Leonard.

Some nights, we both would share sweet memories of the past jokingly and laughing aloud. His appetite started coming back as he was beginning to request for certain food that he missed, and he was enjoying eating the food prepared for him. It was a great bonding time. On 28th November I had to returned to Singapore and on the 29th November my brother was admitted back to the hospital. That was on Tuesday, and we spoke daily with each other, he was telling me please come back as soon as possible, his time is near. He might only last for another week. I managed to get on the flight on Monday 5th Dec. night and arrived on Tuesday 6th . Since then, I have been in the hospital with him till 9th night at 8.48pm he passed on to be with our Lord, into the arms of Jesus. It was a difficult week for him, but they were no complaints, whining, just frowns on his forehead and a couple of Aiyoh (meaning of a sigh). Each time, he feels discomfort he would simply call out to the name of Jesus to save him. He enjoyed reading of scriptures daily from Psalm 25, Psalms 23, till the end he was still a man of great faith and certainly he had fought a good fight of faith and completed the race. He even sang the hymn “I surrender All”. He sang the hymn so well. Indeed, we all need to surrender ourselves to Jesus. I will miss this precious brother of mine. Thank you my dear ngu ko for being such a great brother and my best friend, love and miss you, is farewell for now till we meet again.

I’m Kristine, the baby sister of Leonard, that is how he has always been introducing me to everyone. I like to give thanks, to our good Lord, for His blessings to all our families. Especially, my brother Leonard’s family. He was a loving husband and father. He and his wife Lucy had brought their children up well and they are blessed with 10 grandchildren (5 girls and 5 boys) and they are all great kids. Over the years, my brother Leonard has been a great mentor, spiritual leader to many including myself (always pointing everyone to Jesus, to keep fervent prayers as Jesus is faithful and He will hear us when we pray). Leonard is a man of great faith and he trusted the Lord completely with his every need. He was such a genuine person, he was filled with love of Christ and out of the overflow, he was able to love others. His life was filled with Godly wisdom speaking through the guidance of Holy spirit in every situation, he is truly a man after God’s heart, and he never judged anyone. His face was always filled with the glory of the Lord, beaming the shalom peace and joy. I just love the way he looks, always so handsome with such charisma and great stature. Don’t you all agree with me? When he had that massive heart attack in October, he was rather disappointed as we had plan to go on a cruise in Singapore. The entire travel plan had to be cancelled. I flew over immediately after he was discharged. Both of us were overwhelmed with tears, he was so happy that we were able to see each other again, we had miss each other for 3years due to covid pandemic lock down. For the next 3 weeks we spend our time sharing the goodness of our God by saying again and again that the Grace and mercy of God was upon him throughout his stay in the hospital he had the favours of our Lord with him. Some nights, we both would share sweet memories of the past jokingly and laughing aloud. His appetite started coming back as he was beginning to reque

I have very fond memories of visiting Grand uncle Leonard in Kuching as a little kid. He was always very popular with our family. Always remember his warm and friendly nature. He shall be missed.

Eulogy for my dearest, most precious Juk Gung Granduncle Leonard, or Juk Gung, I call Was an ordinary man and not very tall… That made him huggable even when I was small And those endearing hugs, I can still recall. Younger brother of my grandpa, It never seemed like we were that far. He loved our family and cared for each one, He really was a man like no one. For an Asian man like him, The affection was certainly surprising - Hugs and kisses never sparing, “Love you lots”, he was always saying. Birthday messages to each one not forgetting, Videos and pictures with blessings he was always sending. He bore each one always on his heart, Even though we were miles and miles and miles apart. Of our lives he sure wanted a part, What a heart unfathomably large. To us, he was quite a pattern Of God’s love divine, a wonderful expression.

Eulogy: my dearest, most precious Juk Gung Granduncle Leonard, or Juk Gung, I call Was an ordinary man and not very tall… That made him huggable even when I was small And those endearing hugs, I can still recall. Younger brother of my grandpa, It never seemed like we were that far. He loved our family and cared for each one, He really was a man like no one. For an Asian man like him, The affection was certainly surprising - Hugs and kisses never sparing, “Love you lots”, he was always saying. Birthday messages to each one not forgetting, Videos and pictures with blessings he was always sending. He bore each one always on his heart, Even though we were miles and miles and miles apart. Of our lives he sure wanted a part, What a heart unfathomably large. To us, he was quite a pattern Of God’s love divine, a wonderful expression. 30th November, our very special day What a wondrous privilege, this I can really say Juk Gung with me to celebrate Though we never got to share a cake… Birthdays will never be the same, No text messages from Juk Gung ever again. It was certainly my biggest blessing, “Happy birthday”, my Juk Gung with me to sing. I’m not writing this poem quite that well… But on the thoughts of Juk Gung my heart really dwells. No one can ever replace who he was, Thank you dear Jesus, our paths briefly crossed. It’s hard to express just how great of a loss it is to us For my dearest, most precious Juk Gung to pass But only asleep, I was comforted, Our sorrow and mourning the Lord Jesus heard. His coming again, for this we wait Never apart, the promise was made. What hope of glory, have we not the best? Christ Jesus our Lord, Juk Gung can attest. Till then, Juk Gung, I hope you knew Just how much we really love you. “I love you, Jolene”, I really do Juk Gung, Juk Gung, I love you too.

Our beloved Grandpa Lee - A generous,loving,caring,gentle,thoughtful, wise and loving ' grandpa' to all of us You will be missed - lots!❤️ But will always remain in all of our hearts. Goodbye Grandpa Lee!

I have not have the fortune to meet Uncle Leonard again these past 4 years. But my memory of him and his comforting voice is still vivid. He was a true gentleman. He was kind man who always took time to listen and provide helpful advice. He was also a well spoken man. Uncle Leonard was so blessed to have his filial family by his side all the way till he left us. And now he is in a better place and I am sure he will continue to be blessed. Annette & I will miss him. We all will miss him. So long uncle Leonard. Ben.

We are all very, very sad that our dear uncle Leonard has departed from this world. At the same time, I am joyful that he is in the arms of Jesus and he is smiling at us because he is no longer suffering. Even when I was a baby, I thought that Uncle Leonard was the most handsome man in the world! Not only is he charming, he taught me about morals in life. I wanted to marry him and was “devastated” when he married my auntie Lucy. When they visited Singapore, I remembered that I did not let them sleep together!! I would crawl in the middle of the bed and slept between them. LOL. Uncle Leonard and Auntie Lucy were the most loving and compassionate couple. I do not have a sister and when I was about to get married finally, I asked them if Joyce would be my bridesmaid. They lovingly supported WeiChoong and I. Yes, Joyce was our bridesmaid and that was 41 years ago. In distance, we were far apart but in relations, we were close. When we were living in Beijing, Uncle Leonard and Auntie Lucy visited us. It was one of the few trips that Auntie Lucy traveled. This was in 1993 where much of China was very ancient. They brought warmth and love to our family and our children loved them. The last time we saw them and their warm families was 2018; yes, it sounds like 4 years but also feels like 40 years due to Covid. Uncle Leonard would send biblical messages. Uncle, we will miss you but also know that we will see you and Auntie Lucy again because God has promised in Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Love, Phoebe (Niece) 1John 2:25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life.

Dear Uncle Lee, You are forever in our hearts, my tears are saying what my words cannot. I never thought saying goodbye would hurt this much, be safe wherever you go. Goodbye and rest in peace.

I knew uncle Poi Lin in Sibu Sarawak when I was teenage. He was my dad’s good friend who must meet everyday early in the morning for qigong class. Both of them practised qigong for at least 50 years and never gave up even at their last stage of their life. In my childhood, I remembered him as our most kind n gentle uncle. Till not long ago when I met him in Melbourne, he hugged and kissed me which always warmed my heart. Now, I know he had gone to be with our Lord at a better place where there is no more suffering . It is very sad to loss him but I will miss him greatly for a long long time. With sincere condolences, Jenny Lau

When our time on this earth is done, money or material things will not matter. But 姑爹the love, time and kindness you’ve given others will shine and live on forever.

Uncle Lenny exuded warmth, comfort and a generosity that all my granduncles and my grandfather (his brothers) possessed.. My own grandfather passed away when I was 4, so whenever I met Uncle Lenny through the years, I felt the same kind of calm that was familiar to me as a child. I witnessed how he took great care of Aunty Lucy all these years and also his kids and grandkids. He lived to the ripe old age of 88…. may he Rest In Peace and look down upon us.

Our 2 families became friends for almost 4 and half decades now - started in Kuching & continued when we moved to Auckland. Uncle Leonard is like a father head to me. He was always caring and would show his love and kindness to everyone. He was a true son of God and kept his faith until his last breath. I was very fortunate to hold his hands a few hours before he was called HOME. Despite his failing health he grabbed my hand and I knew this was goodbye for us. Uncle Leonard RIP in God's Kingdom and happy reunion with Lucy. You will be greatly missed but memories of you will not fade.

Leonard Lee was popularly known to all of us uncle Leonard. He was not only a loving grandfather and loving father to all his grandchildren and children he was a loving friend to so many of us. We missed him but we take consolation that he is now happy with his dear wife in heaven. We will always remember him in our prayers .

Uncle Lee was a pillar of Wisdom. Also a great gentleman who was ever ready with smiles. Uncle Lee, you will always be remembered. With full respects to you, Uncle Lee.

[Part 2 of 2] Grandpa moved to another place with Por Por and Auntie Kristine around that time. Uncle Inn returned from China and stayed with us for a short while. He then went on to set up business in SIBU. Uncle Lenny finished school and joined him. But Uncle Inn later came back and settled in Singapore. 1960's. Uncle Lenny ran the business in SIBU. He was a charismatic businessman with good business connections. He had the foresight to invest in the shop at the wharf, where he expanded the business with Uncle Sing. I came back to Kuching after my studies overseas and worked for 2 years in PWD. Uncle Lenny moved to Kuching and set up business. Aunty Lucy, Joyce and Jacqueline joined him. Often, my DAD and I would join him in his office after work to chit chat. We lived within a short walk from each other and meet up almost every evening after dinner. Those were 2 wonderful years with Uncle Lenny, Aunty Lucy and family that I still remember vividly. Those were good memories! Uncle Lenny had a great personality, Great EQ and was very caring for the Family. We will cherish fond memories of him and miss him tremendously. Good Bye dear Uncle Lenny, may you rest in peace. Amen.

[Part 1 of 2] It is with a deep, deep heartfelt sadness that I bid farewell to a very dear Uncle Lenny. Below is a brief of the Lee Go Bing Family history and my memory of Uncle Lenny, which I want to share it with my younger cousins and the younger generation of nephews and nieces. Early 1940's. The Lee Family and relatives (must have been 17 members then) lived in a large house in Wong Shi Lai in a large rubber plantation. All uncles tapped rubber and tended the family farm to feed ourselves during the Japanese occupation. Grandpa Lee Goh Bing brought the older children i.e.my DAD David and Aunt Sylvia's family), from SIBU, Sarawak, back to Singapore after the second world war. 1947, My Mum and the 4 of us followed and all of us lived in a large attap house in Telok Kurau. 1947-1950 June. Uncle Lenny with Uncle Kwong, and Uncle Sing stayed on with Grandma Wong. They continued tapping rubber. It was hard work, tapping rubber at dawn while it was still dark. Uncle Inn then left for China to further his studies. 1950 June. Grandma Wong Siew Ting passed on when Uncle Lenny was only 15 or so. 1951-19 60. My parents brought him to Singapore and we all lived in the 2-bedroom Kampong Bahru S.I.T. Flat (predecessor of HDB) with Grandpa (some of you also lived there subsequently). These were the best years we spent with Uncle Lenny. He was more a big brother than an uncle to me and my siblings. He was then a young man, handsome and a Romantic. All the pretty girls in the estate admired and hero worshipped him...

In Melbourne, there is a mug with the face of a smiling grandpa wearing spectacles and a nose that sticks out. The mug has a cheesy message that says “Grandpa Nose Best!” A play on the words “nose” (point at nose) and “knows” (point at head). This mug is special because it was the one that Grandpa used every time he visited Melbourne. Looking at this mug, it reminds me of Grandpa’s last trip to Melbourne, which was full of happy memorable moments and time spent together. He was so happy and proud to be at Wendy and Will’s wedding. He enjoyed lots of different food and restaurants. Grandpa caught up with family and friends that he had not seen in a long time. He did battle with COVID and won. Coming back to the message on the mug, I think that in many ways Grandpa did know best because he knew how to bring the best out of people and was always willing to share his wisdom and experiences. Grandpa was a nurturer who looked out for his family and friends and did what he could to make things easier for others. He remembered the things you liked and made sure you had everything you needed. At mealtimes, we knew that sitting next to Grandpa meant that he would keep adding food to your plate when you are not paying attention. It gave him so much joy to see people around him happy and well-fed. Grandpa was your biggest supporter and often told you how proud he was of your achievements, no matter how big or small they were. He was curious and had a genuine interest in people without being nosey. Though sometimes it was a bit embarrassing! He was a good listener and had a way of making people feel seen and heard. His warm generous nature nurtured connection and relationships and left an impression on everyone he met in his life. Grandpa, thank you for your love, care, support, guidance and wise words through the years. Like Grandma, we will always have you in our hearts. Grandpa, we love you and miss you. Farewell

[Part 2 of 2] In conclusion I would like to share two quotes from the Bible with which I will always remember Uncle Leonard by: In Timothy 6: 11b – it says “The man of God pursues righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” This Leonard did. And in Proverbs 13:22 it reads: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” This I know to be true and Uncle Leonard had believed it too. Uncle Leonard, may your dear loving soul rise to eternal glory to the Lord in the Heavens: we will never forget you. Amen.

[Part 1 of 2] My wife Doreen and I had first met the late uncle Leonard through his dearest wife Lucy; who had befriended Doreen in the early 1980s in Kuching in the Lioness Club; they were introduced to each other by Wee Soh Sar a leading Lioness who had married an uncle of mine, Raymond Wee Seng Bin. Lucy had in her own kind and motherly way brought us both into the Lee household and our almost 40 years’ friendship was nurtured from their days and years at Three Hills Park – we’ve seen each other’s children grow up from toddlers to adults, and eventually having their own families. At one stage we had even shared a beach front property at Pandan beach where we would holiday together. We held endless home gatherings, parties and many happy celebrations as well as sad occasions together. Uncle Leonard was a very close and dear friend of the Ong family: he had being involved with tai-chi fitness sessions with my father Kee Bian, as well as uncles Kee Hui and Kee Huat. He was passionate in everything he did and human compassion was like second nature to him. It was easy for him to make friends and he had a great many of them. Uncle Leonard was gentle, soft-spoken, kind-hearted, generous and completely helpful and faithful as a long time family and personal friend. I have never heard a bad word spoken about him or ever seen him lose his temper.