EULOGY for Wong Yan Chew by Son, William Wong 31st March 2008

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we can go through, so much more if it is a parent. No words can express what I am feeling right now and I’m sure only time can help me accept the fact.
“Here lies a man that was born nearly 80 years ago, came to Singapore from China. He was left alone to care for his sisters in his teens with the passing of both parents. Both of them worked hard to forge a new world for themselves.”

From the stories that I have heard from my relatives, I gathered that my father’s first job was an odd job labourer, working for one of those traders in Sago Lane. This job only provided him “food and no pay”. Sago Lane was the hospice of yester years. Later he found a better paying job that he worked for over 40 years. He started as a store keeper and rose to be a sales manager in a shoe shop. This job brought stability to the family and was the only source of income to provide for the 5 of us.
I have learned many traits from my father which I would like to share some of these with you this evening.

My father taught me to be grateful. During his teenage year as an orphan, my grand auntie took care of him. My father remembered her for the rest of his life. To was told upon receiving his first pay check, he brought her to one of the best roasted Chicken stalls in China town and treated her to a big meal. There after he continues to give a portion of his salary to her until my father started his own family. My Father was forced to stop giving her money only after some persuasion from my grand auntie since he had a family to take care of.

My father was one of those hard working fathers that started his day early and came home late. Only Sundays were left for family time. As Kids, we look forward to having family time with him. We thank God that he was our father. We had many fond memory of outing at the Singapore Botanical Garden.

I remember when we were little, in 1965; our father bought us our first Black & White TV. It was an American brand and it was an envy of the neighborhood. Our neighours will peek from the window to have a glimpse of the B&W TV programs. We were on top of the world with this new furniture. Father always looked forward to spend time with us in front of the TV.

And important trait is his words were the law in our house. I used to fear him but I never thought he was already imparting principles of his own, teaching me one of the most valuable lessons in life. Standing up for what you believe in and letting anybody tell you otherwise. As I grew older, I slowly understood why he treated us like that.

And I also discovered that he was a very compassionate and kind person. I learned that the most important thing that he had was us, his family. Though he may never have said it out loud I know that he was really proud of what we have become. We are who we are now because we have a father like him. As most of you may know, my father never revealed his feelings publicly. You would only see a look that tells you that you did something great, and seeing that will make you feel like you owned the world.
He showed strength until the end and still had some enlightening words for us. I promise that I will continue what my father has started. I know this will not be an easy road but with your help I have faith that I can do it. Let’s just remember everything that my father shared with us. And let’s be happy that he has finally gone home to our creator, the one true living God. And he is waiting for us.

For those relatives and friends that yet to know Jesus Christ as you person Savior and God. Please take time to know him, talk to one of our Pastor or leaders.