A tribute to Corporal Gan Teong Wee (1985-2003)

I continue remembering Gan Teong Wee, I am brought back again and again to realise just how much of an impact he had on so many people. It's amazing that one life, even in his passing, can have a profound impact on so many.

I was looking through some other tributes to Teong Wee and came across this one by WO Ng Sek Yan of 2nd Subang Jaya Company. Benji Wong, who shared how Teong Wee's death triggered his response to accepting Jesus, is from this Company also.

Reminiscence of the past … (A tribute to Corporal Gan Tiong Wee)

In my years serving the BB, I dare say that I have matured into a much better and stronger person. BB has given me a head start to the working life, and it’s not because of my academics. I’ve come to realize that a higher education is no longer a necessary means to a higher position, let alone a higher pay. BB is about character building. It is about the things a teacher will never teach you. Lessons in life that will never be written in school textbooks in the hopes of educating the “right” things to the children. Through BB, I’ve experienced how twisted and cruel a person can be when under pressure no matter how “holy” or “righteous” he or she claims to be.

Three years after the company started, we received grievous news. A member from 1st KL passed away. As some of you may know, his name is Corporal Gan Tiong Wee. It seemed unlikely that there was something good that was about to happen after the incident. Anyway, I remembered taking the bus down to KL with Benji Wong and Grace Tan. Back then, both were Privates and I was a Primer. We entered the sanctuary of KL Wesley Methodist. It was solemn. No one said a word. We found 3 empty seats and made ourselves comfortable. All the three of us never had the privilege of meeting this fine teenager but still, we decided to pay our respects on our company’s behalf. As the service progressed, much sobs and sniffs were heard. After the pastor gave a short message, there were testimonies by his close friends and relatives.

We sat down feeling for every word the people had to say about Corporal Gan. I remembered everyone started with a piece of paper in their hands. But as they continued, I saw them referring to the paper less and less. Some shed a tear or two while some had tears flowing like rainwater in the gutters. It was truly a time of emotions. What struck me during the service was when someone went up there and said that Corporal Gan must’ve had so many dreams and wishes unfulfilled. But God chose to take him up earlier. Perhaps he has done enough of what it takes to be a great leader and a mentor to the rest. The moment I heard this remarks, I couldn’t hold it much longer. I cried like as if I’ve known him since childhood. At that very moment, I realized that life is not about achieving your personal goals, but rather to do what God has intended for you to do while you were still here. I felt for every word that held that message.

As the ceremony ended, it was time for the closest friends of the Corporal to carry him out of the sanctuary. Most of them were BB members. As they marched out with the coffin by their side, everyone tried to keep a straight face. It was an honour for them to escort Corporal Gan’s body out. Corporal Gan must have been proud of his friends because in times of mourning, they still tried to contain their grief even though they were in tears. I remembered how drenched the shirts of the boys were. I guess Corporal Gan must’ve really made an impact in their lives.

We journeyed back to company grounds. It was a very silent Saturday. Truly, it was an emotional Saturday. It was also the Saturday when Benji finally accepted Christ. Benji now serves as a Corporal of 2nd Subang Jaya Company. He is one of the best Corporals I’ve seen in action for he does not worry about his own well-being, but for his members. He is serving as how I would have imagined Corporal Gan would serve when was still alive. Corporal Gan’s life proved to be a turning point for many of us. Through the years, Benji and I became buddies and we would often talk about our members’ affairs. I’m not too sure about Benji, but I have a feeling that both of us secretly saved a space for Corporal Gan’s testimonies to cherish and to use as lessons in life. Lessons no text books will record. Lessons on character building.

Here’s to you, Corporal Gan. The corporal as I would imagine being a fine and functional rank. You have shown us the meaning of quality leadership. Your traits continue to shine on not only among your peers, but of those in different companies.

God rest thy soul, servant of God.

Be SURE! Be STEDFAST!

-WO Seki- A person leaves behind his/her name when it is their time. What will your name be remembered for?

The Day I Said Yes To Christ - Benji Wong

I am remembering Gan Teong Wee.

Remember when I said how I had raged against God when I heard about Teong Wee's death? Well, one of the things I did during that time was to also make a promise to myself and to God that I would never be "God's spokesperson" again.

Thankfully, looking back, it turns out that I didn't have to be God's spin doctor anyway - He did a great job speaking for Himself (In fact, He has continued to do so throughout my life). However, one of the most memorable ones came in the form of an email from a young Private in the 2nd Subang Jaya Company.

This is also archived here.
 

THE DAY I SAID 'YES' TO CHRIST 

I’m Private Benji Wong from 2nd Subang Jaya Company .This is about how I became a Christian through the Boys Brigade. When I first joined BB I wasn't a Christian. I actually join BB because I liked the uniform and the drill best. I did not know how to pray and I didn't bother asking because I don't believe that there is a God. Challenging my fellow BB members was my favorite past time because they do not answer my challenge and I assume that I win all the time.

I always thought who wrote the Bible and who spread the word around. I was a very bad boy before accepting Christ because I always swear and even just for the fun of it. I only accept Christ on the night of Cpl Bennie Gan Teong Wee’s funeral (25/01/2003) which really touched my heart and feeling. The whole day even during BB meeting back in my Company I was thinking and asking myself lots of questions like is the Bible really true?

On my way home I felt something and I started thinking of Teong Wee. When I got home I ran up to my room and started asking questions, surprisingly heard a voice. At first, I thought it was my imagination but then I think its God who answered all my questions. I then broke down and confess all my sins to Him and also accepted Christ on that moment. From that night onwards I knew for myself that God is really real.

On the following night (26/01/2003) as I was praying I suddenly broke down but there was this voice and I felt like some one or some thing was patting my back. It was very comforting. The voice said something like 'shhhhh' and it was getting softer and softer.

Finally, I want to thank my buddie Private Grace Tan who helped me and calming me thru this peril moment. She’s a good friend and she’s always there for me when ever I needed help or a shoulder to cry on.

Teong Wee is a person I won't forget although I have not met or talked to him before because he is the one who showed me the correct path to God. I now treat him as my brother in Christ. Thanks to every one who take the effort to read my testimony. Thank you God for saving Teong Wee and me. Thanks and God bless.

The Funeral of Corporal Gan Teong Wee (1985-2003)

I am remembering Gan Teong Wee.

This originally appeared in MyBBKul - the Boys' Brigade in Malaysia's official webzine. It is still available online in the MyBBKul archive here.

THE FUNERAL OF CORPORAL GAN TEONG WEE

One last one with their best friend

Leaving his home on earth

The procession into the church for service

Kuala Lumpur, 25th January 2003 - It was not a normal Saturday where you see cheerful boys running around. It was a sunny but sad Saturday. It was the day when we 1st Kuala Lumpur Company gave our last respect to Corporal Gan Teong Wee who had turned 18 just a few days ago. He was a great leader who had been called home to the Lord suddenly, in the late morning of 23rd January 2003.

School friends and relatives at the church

CPT Ken Wong presenting Teong Wee's awards to his father

One final look

The funeral service started at 1030hrs and the whole church was filled with family members and friends numbering more than 300 people. It was a day which we all honored Corporal Gan. Despite the service being held in the church, friends and teachers of Corporal Gan of different races also came to pay their last respect to him.

It was a day to be remembered by all of us who attended the service. Some fellow officers and his close 'buddies' who knew him well, shared their wonderful moments together with him. Tears of both joy and sadness flow that day, touching the hearts of all who attended the service. There were also other BB members from other companies joining us in the service.

BB Boys & Red Crescent members lining the aisle

BB Boys lining the road outside the church

BB Boys helping to place the coffin at the crematorium

All the people who were present there gave their last respect to Corporal Gan before he was placed in the burial car. It was a great surprise to all the members of the Boys' Brigade as his family members decided to dress him up for the last time in full BB uniform.

It was a great honor to us all that his family knew that Corporal Gan was so committed to the BB fellowship.

At 1230hrs we accompanied his body to the crematorium in Cheras. The last post was blown by one of his closest friend and vesper was sung by all the BB members before his body was lowered down for cremation. It ended approximately 1500hrs. His ashes was thrown into the sea near Klang on the following day.

BB Boys at the crematorium

Yong Jenn Hoel (left), one of Teong Wee's best friends blowing the last post

Friends throwing flowers as Teong Wee's are cast into the sea

By: WO Tham Chwen Fong of 1st Kuala Lumpur

Cherish The Memory And Look Forward To Hope (Gan Teong Wee, 1985-2003)

I am remembering Gan Teong Wee.

I wrote this short eulogy for Teong Wee's funeral. I am grateful that a dear friend, Brother and fellow-Officer, Terence Yap, read it out during the service. At least, in some small way, even though I was halfway round the world grieving, I was also "there" to send him off. 

Cherish the Memory and Look Forward to Hope

I cherish his memory.

I knew in Teong Wee a passionate Christian - young enough to have known Jesus as his heartbeat. I knew in Teong Wee a strong leader - his strength was in the gentle way in which he led those around him. I knew in Teong Wee a willing learner - humble enough to realize that it is possible for a young person not to know everything. There aren't enough young people like Teong Wee around.

I look forward to hope.

It is a hope that belongs only to Christians. A hope that I will one day see him again. I look forward to that coming Day, where all my tears will be wiped away, for I will see him standing with His Best Friend, smiling that smirk of his. I look forward to asking him if he's finally learned to play the guitar as well as he'd have liked. He'll probably show off. And we'll jam. We'll jam with the Lamb.

I cherish his memory and I look forward to hope.

Let his memory inspire us to live our lives fully and rightly - to remember our Creator, even in the days of our youth. And let this Hope that we have, both Sure and Steadfast, take us to the place behind the Veil, which enters into His Presence.  

This was also used on Teong Wee's memorial page, which is archived here.

In His Uniform (Gan Teong Wee, 1985-2003)

I am remembering Gan Teong Wee.

I wrote this eulogy when I heard about his death during my second jaunt in the US, in pursuit of my Master's Degree. I remember writing it with gritted teeth - partially because I was shocked and grieving, partially because I was angry at God for letting it happen, and partially because I was going through a dark period in my soul.

The news was pouring in over phone, email and ICQ/Messenger (we didn't have Facebook in 2003) and it was a terrible time. Yet, throughout, perhaps in reflection of Teong Wee's life - there were bright sparks and moments to rejoice. He was a great kid... and perhaps it was right that his death, though heart-wrenching (how is it that a good kid suddenly dies at the age of 18?!?), was a catalyst for many great and inspiring things. 

The title of my eulogy came from when I was informed by dear Brother and fellow-Officer Lee Yew Heng that, just before passing away, Teong Wee was very insistent that he be cremated in his Boys' Brigade uniform. That... really got to me (and still does, even now).  

In His Uniform 
By Wong Giok Leigh

On 23 January 2003, Corporal Gan Teong Wee passed away peacefully to be with His Best Friend, Jesus Christ. He was an upstanding member of the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys' Brigade Company. He was bright with potential, an honoured leader and a very dear friend. His passing, like his life, left a very deep impression on those who knew and loved him.

No one can understand why exactly all this had to happen. Sometimes, there are more questions than there are answers. We can only look up to God and to our future Hope. But we learned lessons from his life and his passing.

We learned that life is short. At any time in our life, whether young or old, it can all come to an end. Sometimes, it is expected. At other times it comes as a shock. Whichever way it is, however, we live with limited time. What we do with that time, makes a difference to our lives.

We also learned that we must live life in a way that makes it worth living for. Most people just go through life. They exist. They do not live. They wake up, go to school or work, come home, earn good grades or a good paycheck, then go to sleep. They wake up and do it all over again; every day of the week, every week of the month, and every month of the year. Maybe they make a stop to get married or have children, but life is just existence.

 

   

Teong Wee did not live that way. He numbered his days and gained a heart of wisdom. He lived in grace and with a passion to know Jesus. He pursued his interests - not just selfish pleasures that are so common today - but interests that were used to serve others. He started learning the guitar and would practice to play for Company worship. He also expressed his desire to play for the Church Praise & Worship Service.

Maybe that's why his passing is so difficult for us. He had potential. We could see how far he could have gone from the way he had already lived. Even now, after his passing, he has made us pause to reflect on the value and impact of our lives, while we are still alive.

How many of us live a life that is worth living for ? How many of us live lives that inspire others ?

His funeral was a touching one.

It showed what Boys' Brigade should really be like. It's not about the activities. It's not about how much money we raise or the number of Members we have. It's not even about the awards or competitions won. It's about friends...friends who stick closer than brothers. It's about being a family.

The band played two songs at the funeral service. One of them was the Cantonese pop song, "Friends". It is an old song and we already knew how to play it well. But this time, it was different. This time, it wasn't a song to be played for display or for competition. There was no money to be earned, nor a trophy to be gained. It was a song played for a friend... a comrade... a brother.

At his funeral, we cried. We did not cry for a good band member. We did not cry for an excellent NCO. We cried that day for a brother whom we had grown up with, and whom we will not get to see again until we reach Heaven.

As an Officer, I learned one great thing from Teong Wee amidst all the tears and questions. He taught me that the Boys' Brigade is worth it. Every tear shed, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night counts towards a life. A life that is changed for the better. A life that is touched by Jesus. A life that becomes worth living for, and sometimes, even worth dying for.

He showed me the true value of what the Boys' Brigade can mean to someone. At his passing, I was told that he wanted to be in his BB uniform. I was told that he looked "satisfied" when he was in his BB uniform.

The Boys' Brigade is still relevant today, even after 120 years. It will touch lives, as long as we keep giving ourselves to following Jesus and serving our Members. We may not see it any time soon. In fact, some days, it is easier to resign. But my friends, "...my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

You will know that your labout in the Lord is not in vain. Never in vain.

Thank you, Teong Wee, for teaching me and inspiring me. May God find me a "good and faithful servant" when I finally see you again. Until then, we will continue to look towards our Hope as an anchor of the soul, both Sure and Stedfast, and which will enter the Presence behind the veil.

We'll see you again.
   
At his funeral, Corporal Gan Teong Wee was surrounded by loved ones, including members and officers of the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys' Brigade Company. As his body was committed, one of his best friends blew the Last Post. A General's Salute was given in his honour. We will miss him, but we will also look forward to seeing him once more.

 Corporal Gan Teong Wee was cremated in his BB uniform and his ashes were thrown into the sea.    

This article also appeared in the Berita Anchor March 2003 issue.