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?