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.