Daniel Weng Khuen Chan, a Victoria Institution and Royal Military College alumnus, passed away unexpectedly while on holiday in Norway on 12 June 2011. Barely two weeks earlier he had organized a VIOS lunch in Kensington, Sydney, on the occasion of the visit of VIOS Khairuzzaman Mohd, Daniel was de-facto President of the VIOS in Australis, and volunteered to arrange such gatherings in the major cities of Australia and even in his home country Malaysia. My picasa album is a record of many of these occasions.
You can get an idea of how much Daniel loved the VI and its alumni by visiting these samples of postings on VIOS gatherings for which he was a prime mover:
VIOS Sydney Aug 2006,
VIOS Sydney Oct 2007,
VIOS Sydney Jan, Feb 2008,
VIOS Perth April 2008,
VIOS Sydney-Melbourne 2008,
VIOS Adelaide Mar 2009,
VIOS Sydney Oct 2009,
VIOS Sydney Aug 2010.
Later I will post some reports of gatherings in Malaysia that he organized. He would have been a principal of the VIOS meeting in Cambridge next year.
As you browse the photos you may realize that you have some with Daniel in them, of whatever vintage, that are not in my album. If you have a gmail id you can add them to the album as I have permitted that. Alternatively you may email them to me and I will add them for you with acknowledgement.
Daniel's life was a manifestation of his profound Christian faith, living to the fullest the injunctions that his beloved Jesus preached at the
Sermon On The Mount. He was compassionate, selfless, saturated with love for all regardless of creed, ethnicity, and station in life. A measure of his achievements, marked by a disarming modesty and good humor is in Daniel's Personal Memoirs in the VI web page.
I did not know Daniel in the VI and only met him 5 years ago. Within a short time we became close friends. It was not long after I met him that I realized that he was gifted with not only a natural charm but he was a seeder of social happiness by initiating new, and reviving old, VI comradeship. He was in fact a perfect exemplar of
Malcolm Gladwell's connectors. Through Daniel I quickly got to know 30 more VIOS! The archetypal VIOS connector of all time has to be our guru Chung Chee Min, aka "Chimes", who is acknowledged by all to be a walking encyclopedia of who was who in the VI, where they are now and what they are up to. Daniel's style was more direct, arranging VIOS parties at the drop of a hat to connect and re-connect VIOS. Both brought joy to many VIOS, including yours truly. Thank you comrade Daniel!
Postscripts:
I noted that even Daniel's old ACS students have posted tributes to him below. Thanks ACS old boys! RMC friends of Daniel's are invited to post too.
A Memorial Service for Daniel was held in the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium on 25 June 2011. On the right you can see a blog that describes it by his closest friend, the economist Dr Michael Tan Ngee Tiong, and whose Eulogy for him is at the top of this page.
26 comments:
Most definitely. azam
Daniel,
We all love you. May you now found eternal peace with the Lord.
"In His arms He'll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there."
Meng Keong.
My recollection of Abang (Big brother) Daniel as a Man. I was driving him around 7:30 p.m. to a dinner organized by a few Victorians. We had just reached Bangsar when he asked in the gentle voice of his "Isn't it time for your Maghrib prayers?". I said yes, but said I will drop him at the restaurant first. He said "Young Man, God is more important than any dinner". He waited in the car while I went for my prayers at the mosque. I will miss his humanity and concern for his fellow man.
Rest in peace, Sir, and condolences to Lydia and the Chan family.
Khairuzzaman Muhammad
Victorian, Class of 1982
Thank you Sir, for all that you have inspired me to achieve.
I will forever be indebted ..
All my very best wishes to Lydia, David and Andrew
I feel your loss..
Daniel is indeed irreplaceable
We have lost a towering man of great character, strong principles, fantastic attitide coupled with friendly, humble ways.
May your soul rest in peace .. and find happiness, wherever you are
Foo Chi Chean
VIOS Class of 1972
I first met Daniel during my recent trip to Australia and he was very active and excited in organising an old boys' gathering where I spoke. We promised to meet again if I ever make another trip but I suppose this shows us how unpredictable life is and we should treasure every moment. Daniel and I never met in school because we were of a different 'batch' but he treated me like we were in the same class. This is so sad and my condolences to his family.
Raja Petra Kamarudin (avenger.malaysia@gmail.com)
It is indeed very sad to hear of Mr. Daniel's passing. The last communication he had with me was to request for a get together or a "teh-tarik" session with my batch of '82 & '83 (STPM or '80 & 81 if you go by SPM). I had already sent out an email to my batch of friends, informing and inviting them to this get together.
Mr. Daniel did not teach any of us in this batch, as he was already in the supervisory role when we first joined VI in 1976 and 1977 respectively. Nevertheless, we got connected, rather Mr. Daniel sought to connect, as I found he has been doing with all VIOS from all corners of the world. He wrote and asked about our batch and I sent a short reply note about some of those from batch 82/83 in my loop and their background in the corporate world or career. He responded by requesting the "Teh-Tarik" meet up, if possible with them.
We had a window of opportunity to meet him on June 3, when he did a stop-over in KL, before the Scandinavian holidays but it was too short a notice for me to gather the gang, so we suggested a later date at the end of the month of June when he supposed to have been back in KL after his holidays. It is now a missed the opportunity!
I have enjoyed his contribution, thoughts and ideas in the email exchanges with him and got to know him and liked his views from the simple banters to more serious one and my respect for him only grew.
Kam Weng and Francis also from my batch, both based in Sydney, were more luckier and did meet up with Mr. Daniel and other VIOS as well. Mr. Daniel recalled both of them in his emails.
When Kam Weng, was down in KL at the end of April, we were talking about Mr. Daniel and how Mr. Daniel had requested us to address him as Daniel. Both Kam Weng and I agreed we could not do that!. For me, it is as same as calling our fathers and mothers by their name and agreed it will be Mr. Daniel. It is not to keep the relationship at arms length but to show the respect for teachers who are the next most influential person in our life after our mothers and fathers. This especially is true when the teachers come from a school which is more than "the roof and wall".
We shall miss him but lets us celebrate his life, a great one, I am sure! The torch is now passed to all who has been touched by Mr. Daniel Chan to continue his work.
Udhaya (Uday)
I am a former student of Mr Daniel while he was the headmaster at ACS Ipoh. Some of us would like to pay our respect to him. Would you by any chance know the date of the memorial service? Thank you.
Dear Sir, you will always be “Sir Daniel” to me.
Last year when he went over to Houston, he brought back for me a devotional from the Lakewood Church on his own accord. He passed it on to me through his sister in Perth. I was deeply touched by his love.
I remember him as the good looking jovial and lively biology teacher back in 1980 in VI…
Indeed we are here today and gone tomorrow and what remains is the lives we would have touched and loved…..Sir Daniel has touched mine.
I am encouraged to know that he is resting in his Heavenly Fathers bossom and the promise of the Lord in John 14: 2 has come true for him.
John 14:2 “ In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
As a dedication to his family and his close friends, I would like to leave this song by Elvis Presley with them (click link below):
http://www.wrensworld.com/in-my-fathers-house.htm
Farewell my dear Sir…till we meet again in my Fathers house..
I was a student of ACS Ipoh from 1988 till 1995. Mr Daniel Chan was the headmaster when I started my secondary education till I was in Form 4. Mr Chan truly instilled the school motto, 'Bene Orasse Bene Studuisse', to each and every student who was privileged to be an ACSian during his headmastership. A absolute God-fearing man, Mr Chan oozed Christ-like behaviors in his dealings with students. I loved Chapel period each week where Mr Chan would sing songs and had a short Bible study with us. Will miss you, sir!
I have many fond memories of this wonderful man when I was privileged to have him as my Headmaster in ACS Ipoh.
I remember him as someone who was always open towards us students and had no airs, although he was not afraid to exert authority when situation required. Most of all, I experienced him as someone who really saw the potential in his students.
He approved a gang of us Form2 punks to start our own newsletter to rival the official school magazine and even pulled some strings to help us along.
He encouraged me, a recent convert at the time, to lead in the school chapel sing alongs.
He also handpicked me, an untested leader, to command the newly revived 1st Ipoh Boy's Brigade.
This was a man who had love for everyone.
God bless his soul.
I will remember Mr Daniel Chan as the Principal who supported the 01 KINTA SCOUTS TROOP very much.
As a young teacher and Scoutmaster, we often discussed about the Scout movement and activities. Though at times we disagreed over certain issues but we still worked well and never kept any bitterness.
During the 01 KINTA SCOUTS TROOP ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS - Mr Daniel Chan - supported the troop with allocations for the Scout Den repairs and renovations. He woke up early to personally see the physical arrangement for the Launching Ceremony by YM PUAN SRI RAJA NOORA ASHIKIN. Mr Daniel Chan enjoyed watching the Inter scouts guides competitions and was surprised by the skills shown by the scouts and guides.
After the anniversary he continued to support the scouts especially giving the scouts a campsite behind Dewan Teerath Ram.
I last met him during his visit to Ipoh where he happily hosted a dinner for teachers and friends.
Well we the scouts and scoutmasters will miss him alot. Humble, kind and easy to work with our condolences to His beloved wife and sons.
God gave and God has taken away, Blessed be the Name of the LORD.
from
SELVIN DAVID.A.,PPT
SENIOR SCOUTMASTER
01 KINTA SCOUTS TROOP
ACS IPOH.
I am a former student of Mr Daniel between 1998 to 1992 and kept in touch briefly with him in Sydney and Melbourne. Thank you Mr Daniel for your all contributions, values and kept our feet firm on the ground during those wonderful time in ACS Ipoh. Thank you.
Posted on behalf of Rex Toh:
I first met Daniel at Jalan Imbi Chapel in Kuala Lumpur in the 1960's, together with his parents, sister, Esther, and brother, Peter. I met him again about three months ago through VIOS2, a world-wide forum of old students of the Victoria Institution. We have been corresponding ever since on matters of spitituality and our shared charismatic experiences. I will miss Daniel dearly, my Brother-in-Christ.
I met Daniel after a lapse of almost 40plus years at the reunion held at Ronnie Wong's restaurant last year. We were supposed to meet again in Hong Kong when he said if he visited the place he would let me know early so that I can plan my schedule in China and to meet up with him. He wanted to introduce his son to me. When he saw me during the reunion, his remarks were 'Chang Soong you have not changed a bit" I replied to him that " Not at all except with fewer hairs!". Then he autographed his book which I will treasure even more now. I was looking to meeting up with him again at the Golden reunion on July 2nd. But I know for sure we are going to miss him very much as he had moved ahead from all of us. We are all transient beings and it is inevitable that each and everyone of us will walk the same path in a matter of time. I'm glad that Daniel went peacefully and in my belief is a culmination of all the good deeds Daniel had done and bestowed to others. To his family I send my condolences and may he rest in peace!
I remember Mr. Daniel Chan as a very warm, kind and understanding principal. Like a true leader, He encourages and provides room for growth, bringing out the best amongst those around him. Mr. Daniel is indeed an inspiration and a dear friend. He will always be missed.
Krishna Rajaratnam (VI 1959)
We (Irven and I) were shocked to read about the passing of Daniel Chan. Our deepest sorrow and sympathy have been conveyed to Lydia and her family.
Daniel seemed so well and was his usual cheerful and happy self when we recently last met for lunch at Kensington. It was no trouble for him to drive us back to our car which was parked a reasonable distance from the restaurant. I have lost a dear friend in Daniel. When I settled in Australia, I lost touch with all my school friends in Malaysia. Thanks to Chung Chee Min and Daniel Chan I have reconnected with VIOS. It was Daniel Chan who put me at ease reconnecting with VIOS after so long. I believe Daniel is a shining example of the Christian faith he has adopted. He lives and practises what a true and good Christian believes in without imposing his faith on others. This is most welcome when so many extreme views abound.
Daniel will be sorely missed by us.
My association with Daniel goes back to 1952 when we both first enrolled in the Batu Road School. We were both in Standard 1A and our class teacher was Ms Nancy Foo.Daniel was always very neatly dressed and was teacher's pet and was chosen to act as Cinderalla in our School Play while Lawrence Teoh was Prince Charming and I was the fairy godmother. Daniel was also an excellent sportsman and was chosen to represent the school in relays together with myself, Ow Peng Kooi and Chan Tat Meng. We were in the same class from Standard 1 to 6.From Batu Road School we both progressed to Victoria Institution in 1958 and Daniel continued his sporting activities. In 1960 both Daniel and I joined the then Federation Military College in Port Dickson (later renamed Royal Military College) and although we were both posted to different companies (he was posted to E Company while I was in B company) we continued to be good friends. Daniel was an outstanding athlete throughout College days and represented the College in relays and hockey. The Royal Military College had a multi-racial enrollment in those days and he enjoyed firm friendships with not only Chinese, but also Malays, Indians and Eurasians Daniel always went to church on Sundays and was a devout Christian
who practiced biblical teachings. Although a good athlete Daniel was also asthmatic and as a result missed crucial exams at the end of Form Five which resulted in his not continuing onto the sixth form in RMC. So Daniel went back to VI in 1963/4 for his sixth form and reconnected with his old VI friends and classmates.Daniel then continued onto the University of Malaya and subsequently became a teacher initially in VI and then later as Headmaster of ACS in Ipoh, where I understand he achieved outstanding results for the school.
I lost touch with Daniel for many years as fate and destiny took us along different paths and it was not until he migrated to Sydney in 1991 that our paths met again. I had migrated to Sydney in 1987 and when I heard Daniel was in town tried to link up with him. The opportunity came rather late in 2004, when he needed some financial advice and as I was working as a senior financial planner then, was able to assist him. From then onwards we became firm friends again and I would visit him at the English College in Hurstville where he taught English to new migrants. He was loved by all his students because he was such a passionate teacher and many of them became family friends.
Daniel was a devoted family man and loved his wife Lydia and his two children unconditionally. He was proud of the achievements of his two children and attributed the success of his children to the care and devotion of his wife Lydia.
Over the last five years as mentioned by Norman in his earlier blog, Daniel organised many functions and activities for the VIOBA in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and even in KL. Daniel did all that with such zest and joie de vivre that it amazed me and many fellow Victorians. And when Chee Min's book came out about the Golden Years of the VI came out, it was confirmation that Daniel's efforts had been worth every ounce of effort and energy.
During the last one year, Daniel and I enjoyed many happy moments together. Last December, I invited Daniel and Lydia and Ken (Choon Kean) and Millie to my house for a Christmas dinner and it was such wonderful fellowship that we three couples determined to repeat it.Photos were taken and Daniel asked me to send them onto Chee Min for inclusion in the VIOBA website. Alas I must apologise for not doing it.
There are so many warm and beautiful memories I have of Daniel especially over the last one year (as both of us being fellow retirees) - the meals we took together, the trips we took together that it all seems so sad and poignant that they will never come again.
I have lost not only a dear friend, but also a comrade and a brother. Farewell my friend, my comrade and brother, I will miss you dearly.
Tan Ngee Tiong
Tribute My Principal Mr Daniel Chan
I met the Late Mr Daniel when he took the reins from Mr Ling Ong Sing at Teerath Ram Badminton Hall in 1986. He had envisioned a new ACS and even the formulation of the Air Training Corps (ATC). Despite his busy schedules, amidst a bunch of naughty school boys, he always found time to share, but he has his stricter side too, without which we will not be whom we are today. Mr Daniel was one of few whom supported my application to the then Technical Institute, and later laid a strong foundation to what I do for a living today. Although there may be many pursuing a career in teaching, It was through him I saw selfless dedication, passion and most of all impeccable intergrity. Indeed sir, We the class of 1988 ACS, stand and salute you for all that you have and pray that God repay you for all that you have done for us.
"Bene Orasse Bene Studuisse"
Kana
I was in Form 1 at ACS Ipoh when Mr. Daniel Chan retired (1990). Still remember the farewell ceremony and him waving to a cheering crowd as he walked out of Dewan Teerath Ram. I'm saddened by his passing. Although I disagreed with certain changes he made at ACS Ipoh (like abolishing the traditional school sports house names; Horley, Oldham etc for an inter-class sports system or Sukantara as he called it), his contributions to the school dwarf the cons. In fact back in 2007, we got in touch via email and he was surprisingly candid about his time at ACS which made me respect him all the more. The following is one of my final correspondences from him:
..Now that we are connected.. wherever I go back to Ipoh.. the next visit maybe we can have a cuppa together with other of your mates. I hope to be back in Malaysia sometime in the middle of June 2008 as my VI classmates want to have a reunion in KL where everyone in both the Arts and Science HSC year will be invited, so kinda grand affair.
Ta.
Daniel
Alas, I never made in back in 2008 and never got to meet our beloved headmaster. Daniel, I sincerely hope you had a great time with your classmates. You will be sorely missed. ACS' rich culture and history is being gradually 'replaced' as we are all aware. But you will always be remembered. God bless
i'm dennis chua, nephew of former teacher mr chin yoong kim. i was from the class of 1989. mr chan was a fearsome disciplinarian, but a kind hearted soul nevertheless. we had dinner together in 2008 when he came back for a visit. will miss you dearly sir. condolences.
I got in touch with Sir again via the VI email loop. Being mutually in Sydney, Sir phoned me one Sunday morning in February 2011 and we spoke after 30 odd years. Sir gratiuosly invited me to his home during RPK visit and we finally met again. I have Sir autographed his bibiography and his book will be very much cherished. Thank you Sir very much for the teachings of knowledge, humanity, friendship and comradeship.
Chong Kam Weng
Daniel came into my life when he was teaching at the VI. We were reconnected when I came to reside in Sydney. He offered me a job teaching English to migrants at St.George Community College, Kogarah. About two months ago Daniel invited me to travel to Newcastle. I was privileged to enjoy a long conversation with him about God. He shared a book on God in China; going back three thousand five hundred years.
Daniel leaves a very strong impression on me about growing in the Spirit. Like Mary who said "My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord" in the Gospel of Luke 1:46, Daniel magnified the Lord in what he said and did. "The Word became flesh" (John 1:14); Daniel was an epitome of the Word of God.
Thank you, Daniel, for inspiring me.
kung sing anthony
Mr. Daniel Chan was the senior assistant (deputy HM) for most of the years when I was in the V.I. from 1978-1984. Although I never had any personal encounter with him during my schooldays then, I have deep respect for him.
His memoirs on his V.I. days as pupil, teacher and senior assistant is inspiring. After the posting of his memoirs, he embarked on a successful mission of organising series of VIOS gatherings, starting from Sydney, Australia.
In honour of him, we should nurture these seeds that he had planted so that the VIOS network grows wide and strong.
Rest in peace, Mr. Daniel Chan.
Boon Kheng
I came to know Daniel only lately although my wife, Kim, and her siblings knew him from way back.
One can fathom the measure of a man by the way he takes an interest in others even those whom he had just known.
It was two years ago when I visited him while in Sydney. He knew I am a shutter bug and drove me all the way from his house to somewhere faraway where I can get a good shot of the Opera House. It was already getting late and chilly, yet he insisted we get there. Truly it was a good long view of The Hanger and the House. There was just enough light to shoot it.
Last year, we met again in Sydney. He took a long bus trip to see me.Daniel took me to his favourite cafe in the CBD and we had a long chat about anything and everything. He asked about my plans to become a missionary and said he would pray for me and Kim. After having a good morning we parted and he gave me a generous love gift.
It seems just like yesterday. Yes Daniel cared about people just like Jesus cares for others.
Bob Teoh
Daniel Chan I recollect met me as a student in 1964.I managed to run the 5000m qualifying rounds to score 5 points for the House.He came to me petted me thanked me and encouraged me to strive for the best.Years later in 2005 I managed to re-connect with him through the VI Homepage.He told me to meet up with him in Bungsar where he usually stayed when he was in KL.We exchanged several mails but sad that we were not destined to meet.If a person whom I knew for a moment of time in 1964 what about those who were with him longer as friends or students or colleagues? Such a caring and humble human he was.May his soul rest in peace.
Dr.G.Mohan
Mr Daniel was my school pricipal, ACS Ipoh when I was a student there from 1989. He taught us to sing hymns during moral education hour which was conducted in the old Wesley Chapel before it was burnt down. I wasn't a Christian then. I believe he has planted the seed in my heart for God and God has caused the seed to grown.
I believe I am just one of the many that Mr Daniel has lead to Christ in an indirect way.
Now it is time for Mr Daniel to get his crown of glory which the Lord has promised.
"I know a place, where no one ever goes, there's peace and quiet, beauty and repose..."
This hymns that Mr Daniel had taught me came into my mind while typing this tribute. I believe he is now resting in this place.
Glory to God!
I will missed Mr Daniel strumming his guitar and his wonderful voice.
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