Yo steph...It's christmas eve already. One year just passed like this and it's another christmas....Anyway merry christmas brother. You inspired me even til now,thanks for being a blessing through your life. Merry christmas (:
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Mohammed Azuan Tan (left) & two Postgraduate Diploma in Education classmates celebrate Stephen Loh’s (second from right) birthday
From :
NIE News, January 2008 issue :
A dragonboat tragedy in Cambodia on 23 November 2007 claimed the lives of five Singaporeans when their dragonboat capsized in Tonle Sap River following the completion of a race. Among the five deceased was 31-year-old Stephen Loh Soon Ann, a Physical Education (PE) teacher with the National Junior College (NJC) and a recent graduate of NIE.
Mr Loh’s former classmate, Mr Mohammed Azuan Tan of East Spring Secondary School, reminisces their time together on the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PE) programme (2006 to 2007).
Stephen was affectionately nicknamed "The Beast" by our classmates after an X-Men character, who is muscular yet extremely intelligent. Stephen had both attributes. He was always ready to offer a helping hand, especially when we struggled with complex mathematical formulas.
Apart from his mental capacity and good looks, Stephen possessed many other virtues which qualified him as a consummate PE teacher. The man was extremely dedicated to the cause of teaching. We would often lament about our teaching experiences but more often than not, he would emanate inspiration by reminding us that the students were the primary reason for our entering the profession. He led by example. Stephen went out of his way to help his students, even in subjects beyond his scope of work. I remember a time when he sacrificed a soccer session during the term holidays to help a group of NJC students in Mathematics although his sole teaching subject was PE.
Stephen was passionate and proficient in every sport we learnt. There was not a single sport he did not represent us in interclass games. Sometimes after underperforming at a game, we would attribute his absence as the cause. During our Fitness and Conditioning lessons, I always paired myself with him thinking that we were of the same fitness level but was often proven wrong. He always carried heavier weights, ran faster or simply lasted longer. His discipline and commitment were also extremely commendable. He was never one to miss lessons or training sessions. After a hard day of physical activity, Stephen would still rush off for dragonboat training. Given the fact that we finished work at 6pm and needed to be in school by 8.30am the next day, his stamina was truly amazing.
As his classmate though, he will be remembered not so much for his achievements and abilities but for being simply a great person to be around. Despite his busy schedule, he made a concerted effort to be present at gatherings and social events because fostering relationships was important to him. Stephen was extremely jovial and a joy to have in class for I was one of those who could fully appreciate his quirky sense of humour.
Upon reading about the missing national dragonboat racers in the newspapers, I would never have expected one of them to be Stephen. But as soon as my worst fears were founded, like everyone else who knew of this tragedy, I felt a sense of loss, knowing that the world has sacrificed a great teacher and we, a great friend.
Published by Public, International and Alumni Relations Department©2008 National Institute of Education. All rights reserved.
Link :
Friday, November 21, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
One last prayer before the year ends
This photo was taken by another photographer and was selected for Eye the City 2007 - A visual Account of the Last 24 hours of 2007. The version in the book is a black and white version. I have seek the owner's permission to upload the picture here so as to share with family members and friends who have missed them a lot.PS: Only thru this blog of yours then I know MOE has a dragonboat team. Unfortunately they have submitted the application for the coming RR08. Guess I will have to wait another chance to join MOE DB team.
John
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A focused young man with an extraordinary zest for life would be a good way to describe Stephen Loh Soon Ann. His stellar list of life achievements include being selected to serve as a Commando in the elite of the SAF and being one of the youngest research presenters in a Paris conference in 2003.
It was at NTU that Stephen first discovered his love for dragon boating, and he went on to lead the team as Captain of the NTU Dragon Boat Team in year 1998-1999. Always keen to expand his horizons, Stephen went to Toronto, Canada as an exchange student in 2000, and upon returning to Singapore, resumed his National and NTU Dragon Boat activities. As one of the pioneers when the Singapore National Dragon Boat Team reformed in 2003, Stephen went on to represent Singapore in many overseas races, most notably the 23rd South East Asia Games in the Philippines in 2005. He also returned to paddle for his alma mater during his post-graduation diploma days in the National Institue of Education (NIE) and served as an inspiration and role model for many of the young NTU Dragon Boaters. His team-mates have described him as a man who proved that age is not a barrier, likening him to "fine wine, getting better with age." Never faltering in the face of adversity, constantly encouraging his teammates and leading the way, Stephen was always humble, caring towards others and ever ready to share his knowledge. To date, Stephen remains a "paragon of excellence" for his team-mates to emulate and aspire towards.
As an engineer who subsequently made a mid-career switch to become a Physical Education teacher, Stephen had made a great impact at the National Junior College (NJC) where he had been teaching for six months prior to the boating accident. It thus came as no surprise to anyone when the NJC Principal described Stephen as a "teacher of promise." At NJC, Stephen had built up a strong squash team and the track and field team and was also actively involved in leadership building. A dedicated man with a heart for young people, he was highly popular with his students and would spend many weekends coaching his students in Maths which was the hallmark of the caring and magnanimous person whom Stephen represented.
However, Stephen's kindness was not limited to just his fellow human beings. As an avid animal lover, Stephen had taken care of many animals including strays since his childhood days. One such beneficiary was a stray kitten who became a regular visitor to his NTU hostel in 2000/2001. This kitten used to wait outside Stephen's room until he finished his lectures. The patience usually paid off as the kitten would be rewarded with milk by our animal lover! When Stephen graduated from NTU in mid 2001, his attachment to the cat had become so strong that he decided to bring him home. The first time the cat was brought into the pick-up vehicle, it botled out and gave Stephen a nasty bloody scratch on his arm! From that fateful day onwards this feisty cat was named "Scratchy" and still lives in Stephen's household today, much loved by all the family members.
FROM :
Poh Boon San and Stephen Loh Soon Ann NTU Dragon Boat Bursary
http://ntudbexp.pbwiki.com/Poh%20Boon%20San%20and%20Stephen%20Loh%20Soon%20Ann%20NTU%20Dragon%20Boat%20Bursary%20
Monday, July 7, 2008
First of all , I would like to thank this man for being a good friend and a teacher of mine . He is 1 man who can tolerate our nonsense in sec 5 . The bond he formed with my class is unbelievable , especially for a man who has barely taught us for a year , we also meet often subsequently , to say the least Gary and I .
When the news of his death came , my mind became a blank . I was totally devastated and overwhelmed as I had wanted to meet him in the coming weeks to catch up with old times . I was wondering how did a man like him just died like that . He is simply a good guy
Students told in testimonials that he is a dedicated teacher who gives tuition even after working hours . We also learned that he is frugal through reading the newspapers which says that he is given 28k by his grandfather to buy a car , instead of doing so he used the money to further his studies . However , with us he splurged $400+ to give the class a treat on the last day of his lesson with us . I can never question his generosity .
It is such a shame he left too soon and to die by drowning is the last thing people would expect of a water sports athlete . No amount of tears will bring him back . We will remember the times we had together and I hope he's enjoyed his time with us too . *We will remember you.
FROM :
http://dissidentlayman.blogspot.com/2007/11/tribute-stephen-loh.html
When the news of his death came , my mind became a blank . I was totally devastated and overwhelmed as I had wanted to meet him in the coming weeks to catch up with old times . I was wondering how did a man like him just died like that . He is simply a good guy
Students told in testimonials that he is a dedicated teacher who gives tuition even after working hours . We also learned that he is frugal through reading the newspapers which says that he is given 28k by his grandfather to buy a car , instead of doing so he used the money to further his studies . However , with us he splurged $400+ to give the class a treat on the last day of his lesson with us . I can never question his generosity .
It is such a shame he left too soon and to die by drowning is the last thing people would expect of a water sports athlete . No amount of tears will bring him back . We will remember the times we had together and I hope he's enjoyed his time with us too . *We will remember you.
FROM :
http://dissidentlayman.blogspot.com/2007/11/tribute-stephen-loh.html
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Remembering our great pal!
Stephen,
i remembered the days when our entire dragonboat team was training... amongst your batch, u were the few who stand out among the rest... really missed those days when we had to do so many push ups, chin ups, runs and circuit training in the gym. I remembered you telling me how bored you were of your job with Chartered before u went into NIE and your plan to study overseas in sports management. TO be frank, i enjoyed talking to you as you are humble and frank. I was shocked to hear about the incident when i was overseas and i could only let my tears flow as i stand at your house... in front of your picture. We have lost a good brother and friend... I will always remember our numerous training days, victory dinners and our chats... always remembering our good brother...
From NTU dragons (graduated 1999)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The families of the five dead dragon boaters have each received $100,000 from two insurance payouts.
They also received a $10,000 condolence payment each from the Singapore Sports Council (SCC).
"All the millions in this world would not bring back my son," said Mr Victor Loh, father of paddler Stephen Loh.
The Lohs had donated the bereavement money to various schools their teacher son had taught at - National Junior College, Maris Stella High School and First Toa Payoh Secondary School.
Donations were also made to the family's church, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Nanyang Technological University where he studied.
Mr Loh, 64, said : "Even in death, my son managed to achieve something as well."
EXTRACTED FROM :
"Dragon Boat Tragedy Inquiry"
page H9
The Straits Times
May 31, 2008 edition
They also received a $10,000 condolence payment each from the Singapore Sports Council (SCC).
"All the millions in this world would not bring back my son," said Mr Victor Loh, father of paddler Stephen Loh.
The Lohs had donated the bereavement money to various schools their teacher son had taught at - National Junior College, Maris Stella High School and First Toa Payoh Secondary School.
Donations were also made to the family's church, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Nanyang Technological University where he studied.
Mr Loh, 64, said : "Even in death, my son managed to achieve something as well."
EXTRACTED FROM :
"Dragon Boat Tragedy Inquiry"
page H9
The Straits Times
May 31, 2008 edition
Saturday, May 3, 2008
In addition to putting up this mural on the wall leading to the NJC squash courts, the school gave out the Stephen Loh Sports Excellence award to a deserving student at College Day today.
It has been almost half a year, and as my team mate mentioned in an earlier post, we had trained hard, though probably not as hard as he would have pushed us to. Nationals ended last week for the girls, and are drawing to a close for the guys. We didn't manage to meet his aim of getting a third, regretfully. A small part of me thinks that perhaps the outcome would have been different if he had been around, since he would have taught me how to lead the team on; but a larger part of me tells me to believe that deep down, he lives on, and continues to live on in every one of us.
The mural, the award: they are all ways in which the school remembers a great teacher, and I can safely say, one of the best teachers I've met in my life. But even without these, we will still remember, for he has made such an indelible impact on our lives.
This season was probably the toughest in 3 years for me, but I've learnt the most too. Perhaps this is what he meant by saying that competitive sports makes you not just a sportsperson, but a better person in general.
Mr Stephen Loh: our teacher, our mentor, our inspiration, always.
-Squasher (just as how he signed off in his emails to us)
Friday, May 2, 2008
hey mr loh......today was our emaths paper...it was quite ok...hope to ace it. :D next week would be our amaths paper...wish us good luck k? coz amaths would be the killer one. :X o.o hey..didnt noe u was a fan of corrinne may also...based on what ur friend posted...cool... well...shall post next time we get our results for our papers...we shall do our best for amaths next week.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
In fond memories of Stephen Loh
dear stephen,how r u? you're a second fren who went away in 3 years. there's a paper coming up, but it's hard to concentrate...your bright smile and tiny eyes keep appearing in my head. it pains me when i saw your name appear in the news and i'm shaken by ppl who are so bloody insensitive and are discussing bout you n your frens deaths in forums...i remember the times when i massaged your bulgy muscles. my hands got all tired and you still wanted more.i remember you laughing at me during exams cos your exams were so freaking easy...i remember the times when both of us went thru a relationship breakup. we were there for each other silently... you intro-ed me to corrine may, and it became my healing album. you asked me to watch corrine may's concert with you, and we went. immersed in her performance, you wiped away a tear. i saw it, and wiped away mine.i remember when i wanted to go vietnam and you copied me and went there before me!i remember... you still owe me a dinner...:( i admire you cos you're so young at heart and passionate. you were so proud when you showed me your SEA medal, and i'm full with regrets now cos i lost my fake "SEA medal" tht u bought for me... :( you always say you're an old man and need to sleep early. the last time we talked online, it was a brief one cos AS USUAL, u wana go n sleep. how i wish you should have stayed a bit longer, so i could spend a bit more time with you...actually, i still don't believe it. for 2 days i have been looking at the news just to confirm, again n again.i'm glad i hav so many fond memories of you. and each one of them are unique and held close to my heart.ps. after thinking through, i decided to make this entry public. so tht anybody who wish to read bout it will know that stephen is REAL,SPECIAL, and not jus some VICTIM OF DRAGONBOAT ACCIDENT.
FROM :
http://ccube.livejournal.com/76975.html
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Film on dragon boat tragedy
A 20-MINUTE documentary is being planned on the five national dragon boat paddlers who died when their boat capsized in Cambodia last year.
Water Dragons:5ive is to celebrate the lives and commemorate the passion of Singaporeans Chee Wei Cheng, Reuben Kee, Jeremy Goh, Poh Boon San and Stephen Loh, who died in the Nov 23 tragedy, the film's producer Jaden A. Zander, 33, told Life!.
He is also writing and directing the film.The police officer, who is also an actor and emcee, is working on his maiden film project with Fly Productions, a subsidiary of Fly Entertainment.He said the film will focus on the national dragon boat team, the history behind it and the November tragedy. It will also spotlight dragon boat racing as a safe sport.He said the film is being kept to 20 minutes because of budget concerns.He is now rounding up financing and other assistance from sponsors for the film.
LIFE!
Straits Times
April 25, 2008 edition
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
It's been a few months.
We've been training hard, us girls and guys.
Trained, recruited, bonded. We are a team now more than ever.
Tomorrow, the guys from NJC are playing a crucial game.
We dedicate our match against ACJC to you Mr Loh.
Our efforts wont just boil down to the outcome of tomorrow's match. Winning will come as a bonus. But more than that, we hope to fight all out tomorrow. Bring home memories of representing the NJ team.
Make you proud, just as everyone else watching us.
NJC Squash,
We've been training hard, us girls and guys.
Trained, recruited, bonded. We are a team now more than ever.
Tomorrow, the guys from NJC are playing a crucial game.
We dedicate our match against ACJC to you Mr Loh.
Our efforts wont just boil down to the outcome of tomorrow's match. Winning will come as a bonus. But more than that, we hope to fight all out tomorrow. Bring home memories of representing the NJ team.
Make you proud, just as everyone else watching us.
NJC Squash,
Friday, April 4, 2008
It's Your Day
Hey Stephen, today is the day you came to this world to share your life with us. May God Bless your soul.
P.S. Hope you like that flower I got for you......and for the rest.
P.S. Hope you like that flower I got for you......and for the rest.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
It's April 4, 2008 in Singapore ...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHEN !
It's your 32nd birthday ...
Here's my message to you...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=euV_6vK8SlI&feature=related
Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
I want to vanish inside your kiss
Every day I'm loving you more and more
Listen to my heart, can you hear ? it sings !
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste
It all revolves around you
And there's no mountain too high
No river too wide
Sing out this song I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather
And stars may collide
But I love you until the end of time
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
Oh, come what may, come what may
I will love you, I will love you
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHEN !
It's your 32nd birthday ...
Here's my message to you...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=euV_6vK8SlI&feature=related
Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
I want to vanish inside your kiss
Every day I'm loving you more and more
Listen to my heart, can you hear ? it sings !
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste
It all revolves around you
And there's no mountain too high
No river too wide
Sing out this song I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather
And stars may collide
But I love you until the end of time
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
Oh, come what may, come what may
I will love you, I will love you
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Stephen,
A song for you ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrD1hjjex5Y
A song for you ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrD1hjjex5Y
What's the time? Seems it's already morning
I see the sky, it's so beautiful and blue
The TV's on, but the only thing showing
Is a picture of you
Oh I get up and make myself some coffee
I try to read a bit but the story's too thin
I thank the lord above that you're not here to see me
In this shape I'm in
Spending my time watching the days go by
Feeling so small I stare at the wall
Hoping that you think of me too
I'm spending my time
I try to call but I don't know what to tell you
I leave a kiss on your answering machine
Oh help me please, is there someone who can make me
Wake up from this dream?
Spending my time watching the days go by
Feeling so small I stare at the wall
Hoping that you think of me too
I'm spending my time (spending my time)
Watching the sun go down
I fall asleep to the sound of "Tears of a clown"
A prayer gone blind
I'm spending my time
My friends keep telling me "Hey life will go on"
Time will make sure I get over you oh
This silly game of love
You play, you win, only to lose Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Spending my time watching the days go by
Feeling so small I stare at the wall
Hoping that you think of me too
I'm spending my time (spending my time)
Watching the sun go down I fall asleep to the sound of "Tears of a clown"
A prayer gone blind
I'm spending my time
"SPENDING MY TIME"
By Roxette
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
In Tianjin 2006
The 3 oldest guys in the NTU Team in Tianjin, 2006.
One of the first things Stephen did when he landed in Tianjin was to look for...coffee...
There's no "Kopi-O Siew Dai" at Starbucks.
Monday, January 14, 2008
“How could these five ordinary men who lived in our midst — no airs, no superstar pretensions — have made such an impact on our collective psyche this week?
I think it is because we recognised that regular guys could do pretty extraordinary things; that they had simple goals; and that they had a determination to succeed and do well for themselves, their families and their country.
They revelled in camaraderie, knew the importance of teamwork and of pulling together in the same direction. They embodied a spirit for fun and adventure that many of us would like to have experienced but rarely make the time for.
If their lives are to mean anything, we should not forget what they represented.”
FROM :
“Five ordinary men, an extraordinary legacy” by Paul Jacob
Thinking Aloud column, December 1, 2007, The Straits Times
I think it is because we recognised that regular guys could do pretty extraordinary things; that they had simple goals; and that they had a determination to succeed and do well for themselves, their families and their country.
They revelled in camaraderie, knew the importance of teamwork and of pulling together in the same direction. They embodied a spirit for fun and adventure that many of us would like to have experienced but rarely make the time for.
If their lives are to mean anything, we should not forget what they represented.”
FROM :
“Five ordinary men, an extraordinary legacy” by Paul Jacob
Thinking Aloud column, December 1, 2007, The Straits Times
A fellow Commando officer of Stephen wrote in Stephens' blog comments to the effect that WHY WHY WHY.. damn it that it had got to be him! A Cdo officer who could not extricate himself from a dangerous situation .. and if that had happened during service at Hendon Camp, the punishments of which he need not be reminded of but Stephen was "punished" for this and paid the penultimate price -- with his life!
I am sure that the officer friend was not really blaming him for what he could not have done, but spoken with the exactitude of the mindset and pschological make up of a red head affectionately, in part frustration and in part exultation that really Stephen could have done better and Hendon Camp would not have lost one of its finer Officer and Gentleman as testified to by so many of his students and by the people whose lives he had inspired and touched whether student or fellow dragon boating mates/rowers.
Stephen, we all know really how you must have tried and no one blames you for not succeeding once in your life to laden us with this sorrow and regret for your celebrated life.
When commando mates should "tick you off" for failing, in helpless and dejected anger, you, who was trained as one, would no doubt know too well only that that is all that could be expected of the rugged guys and men whom you once served with but all had only felt the anger for you as we all know that Hendon Camp shall miss the home coming of one of her finer boys. Semper fidelis -- as with the marines who do not die but just fade away -- you too shall not age nor become wrinkled but forever be remembered in your fit hunky glory till memories too shall fade and the rest of your mates be they from Hendon or dragon boating join you too in a better place than earth which had deprived you of your life albeit so deserving.
To the rest of us -- all this had taught us a good lesson -- not of life vest wearing and such but of the fact that we should never be complacent with life and more importantly never to take the time accorded us to spend with friends for granted.
Cherish all our friends for no matter how fit they are, they are not here forever. If there are any thing nice to say about them-- show them your appreciation and say so when they could still be around to appreciate it and hear it.
Before you say "no" to a friend and turn away a friends' request, think if it might not be too late to say "yes" the next time when you wanted to.
Deepest condolences to all the families and friends of the five of whom many of my personal friends have been and we shall all miss them ever more at future races.
"Paddles UP" and special salutations for Stephen, who was the only one I had spoken to and only so recently-- for Honour and Glory- did you finally lay down your life and rest in peace whilst representing Singapore.
SilverFox70
I am sure that the officer friend was not really blaming him for what he could not have done, but spoken with the exactitude of the mindset and pschological make up of a red head affectionately, in part frustration and in part exultation that really Stephen could have done better and Hendon Camp would not have lost one of its finer Officer and Gentleman as testified to by so many of his students and by the people whose lives he had inspired and touched whether student or fellow dragon boating mates/rowers.
Stephen, we all know really how you must have tried and no one blames you for not succeeding once in your life to laden us with this sorrow and regret for your celebrated life.
When commando mates should "tick you off" for failing, in helpless and dejected anger, you, who was trained as one, would no doubt know too well only that that is all that could be expected of the rugged guys and men whom you once served with but all had only felt the anger for you as we all know that Hendon Camp shall miss the home coming of one of her finer boys. Semper fidelis -- as with the marines who do not die but just fade away -- you too shall not age nor become wrinkled but forever be remembered in your fit hunky glory till memories too shall fade and the rest of your mates be they from Hendon or dragon boating join you too in a better place than earth which had deprived you of your life albeit so deserving.
To the rest of us -- all this had taught us a good lesson -- not of life vest wearing and such but of the fact that we should never be complacent with life and more importantly never to take the time accorded us to spend with friends for granted.
Cherish all our friends for no matter how fit they are, they are not here forever. If there are any thing nice to say about them-- show them your appreciation and say so when they could still be around to appreciate it and hear it.
Before you say "no" to a friend and turn away a friends' request, think if it might not be too late to say "yes" the next time when you wanted to.
Deepest condolences to all the families and friends of the five of whom many of my personal friends have been and we shall all miss them ever more at future races.
"Paddles UP" and special salutations for Stephen, who was the only one I had spoken to and only so recently-- for Honour and Glory- did you finally lay down your life and rest in peace whilst representing Singapore.
SilverFox70
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
During my second day there (in Indonesia), I received a sad news (SMS) from Seok Kuan. She messaged saying that the national dragon boat team, competing in Cambodia met with an accident. 5 men were missing. One of them was Stephen Loh Soon Ann. I prayed for his safety.
The following day, the sad news came....his body was found. I was dumbfounded. Devastated....
We weren't the best of friends. Neither do we talk everyday when we were trainees in NIE. The late Stephen was arguably the fittest person I've ever met in my life. We once sat in the canteen having lunch when I asked him how often he trained to get a muscular body like his. He said twice a day. He'd go to the gym in the morning, eat, went back to the hall (dorm) to sleep the whole afternoon and train again in the evening. He's a very agile person. Soft spoken, smart and asks the smartest of questions during lectures. My impression of Stephen.
I first saw him way before we entered NIE. I was playing soccer with my camp mates and Andy Liew brought some of his NTU dragon boat friends with him to play soccer in NUS handball court. That was when I saw Stephen for the first time. A few years later, he was a colleague...classmates.
The last time I saw Stephen was during the September holidays this year. We played soccer at the Cage during the September holidays. I was just talking to Ryan today when we were in the gym about the last time we saw Stephen. He came late during our Cage session and started scoring the moment he came in. I can't believe that I'll never see him again.
I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed that I can't attend his wake. But I'm a newly wed. I wouldn't want to make my wife and my in-laws unhappy. I guess there are things in life that I have to face.
Earlier this year, it was a PE guy (Zam) who met with a fatal accident at Mount Ophir. Now, it's my own friend. Someone who I know and play and talk to personally. I will always remember Stephen as a competitor, a gentleman, arguably the fittest person I've met and a friend. I am sure that Stephen would have a better life on the other side in spite of the fact that he had left his family and his loved ones behind. To you my friend, Stephen Loh Soon Ann, rest in peace. You will always be remembered.
Rest-in-peace my dear friend.
Treasure your loved ones. You'll never know when you might lose them.
RuDy...
FROM :
http://rudy-myblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/it-has-been-eventful-weekboth-of.html
The following day, the sad news came....his body was found. I was dumbfounded. Devastated....
We weren't the best of friends. Neither do we talk everyday when we were trainees in NIE. The late Stephen was arguably the fittest person I've ever met in my life. We once sat in the canteen having lunch when I asked him how often he trained to get a muscular body like his. He said twice a day. He'd go to the gym in the morning, eat, went back to the hall (dorm) to sleep the whole afternoon and train again in the evening. He's a very agile person. Soft spoken, smart and asks the smartest of questions during lectures. My impression of Stephen.
I first saw him way before we entered NIE. I was playing soccer with my camp mates and Andy Liew brought some of his NTU dragon boat friends with him to play soccer in NUS handball court. That was when I saw Stephen for the first time. A few years later, he was a colleague...classmates.
The last time I saw Stephen was during the September holidays this year. We played soccer at the Cage during the September holidays. I was just talking to Ryan today when we were in the gym about the last time we saw Stephen. He came late during our Cage session and started scoring the moment he came in. I can't believe that I'll never see him again.
I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed that I can't attend his wake. But I'm a newly wed. I wouldn't want to make my wife and my in-laws unhappy. I guess there are things in life that I have to face.
Earlier this year, it was a PE guy (Zam) who met with a fatal accident at Mount Ophir. Now, it's my own friend. Someone who I know and play and talk to personally. I will always remember Stephen as a competitor, a gentleman, arguably the fittest person I've met and a friend. I am sure that Stephen would have a better life on the other side in spite of the fact that he had left his family and his loved ones behind. To you my friend, Stephen Loh Soon Ann, rest in peace. You will always be remembered.
Rest-in-peace my dear friend.
Treasure your loved ones. You'll never know when you might lose them.
RuDy...
FROM :
http://rudy-myblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/it-has-been-eventful-weekboth-of.html
I'm finally backk from 2 weeks of MIA-ing. Things happened too sudden that I'm not even aware that time really don't waits. yupp. Received a call from *Mich on Sunday afternoon (just after my clubbing session with Fenn and Esther @ O Bar) when I'm still sleeping and she told me about the tragedy of the dragonboat accident in Cambodia. One of the bodies found were Mr Stephen Loh Soon Ann. This really was a shock to me. I woke up from my sleep, sat on my bed and stared at the wall with a blank mind. Just couldn't think of anything. Too fast for me to react on. Watched the news, read the newspaper. Everywhere in Singapore is talking about this. & one of them which I know. Though he was in charge of Softball for not more than 1 year. He was someone whom many of us respected & we will always be. He was more like a friend to me rather a teacher. He joked with us, went through the tough trainings he gave us, taught us. 31 years old. Perfectly healthy, career taking off, handsome young man. They just took him away from this world, from his family, from his friends. From everything. WHY? Perhaps it's all predestined. Nobody knows. Still remember vividly, there was this time after our training Mr Poon (one of the 17 who was saved during the accident), drove us to Bishan together with Mr Loh. 8 of us in a small car. It was filled with only laughters. Noo worries, noo tears, noo sorrows. Attended Mr Stephen Loh's wake on tuesday night. All of us were soo tensed on the way to the wake. When I was waiting for my turn to pay my last respect for him, I could feel the tensed atmosphere there. Standing by his coffin side, I almost couldn't control my emotions. Went out of his house and sat together with Mich and gang. Just by looking the number of people attending his wake, you could see how important he holds a place in each and everyone's heart. We said the prayers and his father talked to whole hall of people using the mic. He joked a little and told us the little stories of Stephen. The most heartwrenching part was when he told us that he went in the room to recognise his body. It was beyond recognition. The stress of this sentence, Beyond. He recongnised his son merely by opening his mouth to see his overleaping teeth. When I heard this, I couldn't control anymore.
Now and then, I would think of him when I was in Ftpss. This tragedy indeed let me learn alot. It made me understand that people gain and loss. Treasure those you love for you don't know what will happen next. His smile would always remain in my heart forever. Hope he will rest in peace. :'( Same goes to the rest of the four who lost their lifes in this tragedy.
Always remembered and respected, Mr Stephen Loh Soon Ann.
TinTin_71 FTPSS Softball Team (2001-2005)
FROM :
http://www.xanga.com/would_u_be_there/630193246/in-memorance-mr-stephen-loh-soon-ann.html
Now and then, I would think of him when I was in Ftpss. This tragedy indeed let me learn alot. It made me understand that people gain and loss. Treasure those you love for you don't know what will happen next. His smile would always remain in my heart forever. Hope he will rest in peace. :'( Same goes to the rest of the four who lost their lifes in this tragedy.
Always remembered and respected, Mr Stephen Loh Soon Ann.
TinTin_71 FTPSS Softball Team (2001-2005)
FROM :
http://www.xanga.com/would_u_be_there/630193246/in-memorance-mr-stephen-loh-soon-ann.html
Principal says Stephen Loh was 'a teacher of promise'
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 November 2007 2140 hrs
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/313650/1/.html
SINGAPORE: National Junior College Principal Virginia Cheng described 31-year-old physical education teacher Stephen Loh Soon Ann, who died in Friday's boating accident in Cambodia, as a teacher of promise.
An engineer who made a mid-career switch to become a teacher only six months ago, Mr Loh had already made an impact in the school by building up a strong squash team and being involved in leadership building and the track and field team.
"We are saddened because in the six months, he was very, very engrossed with teaching... he was a teacher of promise and (his) switch to (the) teaching profession was a good one. The kids loved him," said Mrs Cheng.
Naturally, the news came as a shock for all.
"They knew that Stephen had gone to Cambodia. Everybody was very anxious and when they said he was among the five who were missing, that was a terrible moment for us," she added.
With news that his body was found on Sunday morning, the school will now meet teachers and students to offer help and counselling.
"Usually when such tragedy strikes, the reaction sets in later. We think we should be there for the children and the teachers, and also those who have worked with him. I am sure Stephen will want us to be strong," said Mrs Cheng.
The school is also in touch with his family to offer whatever help they can.
- CNA/so
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 November 2007 2140 hrs
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/313650/1/.html
SINGAPORE: National Junior College Principal Virginia Cheng described 31-year-old physical education teacher Stephen Loh Soon Ann, who died in Friday's boating accident in Cambodia, as a teacher of promise.
An engineer who made a mid-career switch to become a teacher only six months ago, Mr Loh had already made an impact in the school by building up a strong squash team and being involved in leadership building and the track and field team.
"We are saddened because in the six months, he was very, very engrossed with teaching... he was a teacher of promise and (his) switch to (the) teaching profession was a good one. The kids loved him," said Mrs Cheng.
Naturally, the news came as a shock for all.
"They knew that Stephen had gone to Cambodia. Everybody was very anxious and when they said he was among the five who were missing, that was a terrible moment for us," she added.
With news that his body was found on Sunday morning, the school will now meet teachers and students to offer help and counselling.
"Usually when such tragedy strikes, the reaction sets in later. We think we should be there for the children and the teachers, and also those who have worked with him. I am sure Stephen will want us to be strong," said Mrs Cheng.
The school is also in touch with his family to offer whatever help they can.
- CNA/so
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Passion and focus were also traits that another victim
Mr Stephen Loh, possessed, said his father Mr Victor
Loh, 64.
He also described his son, a PE teacher at National
Junior College, as an independent and obedient son.
Said Mr Loh: 'When he was in Primary 2, he came home
one day to tell us that he didn't want to take the
school bus any more because the woman on the bus was
not nice. He started taking two buses to Saint Andrews
School every day.
'Once, we lost him at a shopping centre and he was
just waiting for us at the main entrance.'
He also described Stephen as a frugal person.
He said: 'His grandfather left $28,000 for him to buy
a car, but he didn't want to use it. He wants to keep
it for further studies, to get a sports science
degree.'
Brawn and brains were what his son possessed, said Mr
Loh, who has two other sons aged 33 and 26.
Mr Loh said Stephen obtained a bachelor's degree and a
masters in engineering and worked for one year as an
engineer before quitting to join teaching.
SUPER-FIT
His son was also a super-fit man, who was a commando
officer during national service and completed a
marathon recently after two weeks of training.
Said Mr Loh: 'I never had to worry about his studies
or anything.'
Nor did he and his wife Cathy Loh, 59, have to worry
about his involvement in dragon-boat racing.
But even Stephen's super-fit status could not have
saved his life, said Mr Loh.
'In an open sea, they would have all survived. But
it's because they were swept under the pontoon. If you
can't surface, you can't breathe, you will drown...
'I hope the people in Singapore will learn from this.
I hope the sacrifice of my son will help prevent
similar incidents in the future.'
Taken from The New Paper article by Kor Kian Beng (Cambodia) (November 27, 2007)
Mr Stephen Loh, possessed, said his father Mr Victor
Loh, 64.
He also described his son, a PE teacher at National
Junior College, as an independent and obedient son.
Said Mr Loh: 'When he was in Primary 2, he came home
one day to tell us that he didn't want to take the
school bus any more because the woman on the bus was
not nice. He started taking two buses to Saint Andrews
School every day.
'Once, we lost him at a shopping centre and he was
just waiting for us at the main entrance.'
He also described Stephen as a frugal person.
He said: 'His grandfather left $28,000 for him to buy
a car, but he didn't want to use it. He wants to keep
it for further studies, to get a sports science
degree.'
Brawn and brains were what his son possessed, said Mr
Loh, who has two other sons aged 33 and 26.
Mr Loh said Stephen obtained a bachelor's degree and a
masters in engineering and worked for one year as an
engineer before quitting to join teaching.
SUPER-FIT
His son was also a super-fit man, who was a commando
officer during national service and completed a
marathon recently after two weeks of training.
Said Mr Loh: 'I never had to worry about his studies
or anything.'
Nor did he and his wife Cathy Loh, 59, have to worry
about his involvement in dragon-boat racing.
But even Stephen's super-fit status could not have
saved his life, said Mr Loh.
'In an open sea, they would have all survived. But
it's because they were swept under the pontoon. If you
can't surface, you can't breathe, you will drown...
'I hope the people in Singapore will learn from this.
I hope the sacrifice of my son will help prevent
similar incidents in the future.'
Taken from The New Paper article by Kor Kian Beng (Cambodia) (November 27, 2007)
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