Stephen Loh. - Energizer. The True Definition Of A Super Senior

Missing you guys

2010-11-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

Time flies, and you are deeply missed..

Hope you are doing well..

Ed

2010-11-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

hey cher.. hope you're doing well up there! missing you...

It's been long

2010-10-01T03:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Serangoon Bro,
I think this is the 1st post i've put up on your blog. It's been almost 3 years. how time flies.

One training not too long ago, i was spurned on by Bryan who asked me to "do it like how Stephen would do it". Some of the younger teammates were wondering who Stephen was. Your name might not ring a bell to the new guys, but the legacy, the dream lives on. Til today, i talk about how nice Stephen does his chinups. How he lifts the heaviest weights with such poise, only to say "shag" after the set is over.

From the 05 guys, it's left with Bryan, Zhenlong and Jingwei and me trying to chase our dreams for this sport, and this being the final push for some of us. I live my life as a fulltime athlete preparing for Asian Games now and;

I will try my best to "do it like how Stephen would do it".

A fellow Saint,
T

We are arming for the fight, pressing on with all our might, plumming wings for higher flight, UP & ON!

2010-08-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Dearest Stephen,

   Was just looking through the blog set up by the NTU Dragon Boat Team and tears just welled up because I still miss you!

   There are so many things I wish I could say to you.... But I know one day, we will meet again in my heavenly Father's house... So meanwhile, I just want to say thank you...

   Thank you.... For touching my life with your friendship.... I miss the days when we used to play Basketball in St. Andrews Secondary... We loved the game so much that we would play it during recess and again after school till the evening..... And on Fridays and Saturdays, we would head down to NIE for more BBall till late at night and end up having dinner cum supper at Serene centre McDonalds where we would chat until we got on the last bus number 93 to head home! JORDAN RULES!

   Then on Sundays, I remember Wen Bing, your brothers, Daniel, Gideon and you would pop by to visit me at my church because our churches were renting the same compound at SIM!

   Thank you for always lending me a listening ear and for giving an encouraging word when I was down.... Although I never got to see you again after we left school.... Your friendship has always held a special place in my heart....

   And finally, thank you once again for being an inspiration to me to live my life with even more passion and to make it count for the Lord. After reading about all the lives you have touched, I am encouraged and spurred on especially when times got rough and I wanted to give up. In those dark times, I remembered the legacy of your life and I asked myself many a time, "How would Steph have done it?" and the answer would always be a resounding "With excellence and tenacity!"

   Bro, you have fought the good fight! And until we meet again! You will always be the inspiration for me to fight mine and to finish my race well! You will ALWAYS be greatly missed!

UP & ON!
Your friend,
David Low
24 August 2010

2009-11-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

It may take years , but I am sure we will meet again. I will never forget you.

From Ginny

2009-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Still Missing you
Gideon Loh

2009-11-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

(click to enlarge the image)
From : Straits Times, November 23, 2009

2 years

2009-11-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

still have your tie in my cupboard.dropped out while i was taking out the old n team jersey for today's race.still deeply missed my friend.seragoon brothers.ha.been long.

Home sick

2009-10-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

(Home sick)~ Mercy me

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are goodbyes
And in Christ, there is an end
So I'll not hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord won't give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now.

Hey man. It's been so long. Just to let you know that I am still following what you left behind here on earth. And I will become a teacher and touch the life of students just like you did.

See you soon (:

2009-08-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge the picture

2009-08-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

It will soon be Teachers’ Day 2009, and also the 3rd anniversary of that special, strange meeting…the place may have experienced some changes but not the memories …

(click to enlarge the picture)

2009-06-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Stephen, it's June 18, 2009 where I am now, and today’s a good day to reminisce about that special period long ago when we entrusted our innermost secrets to each other, at that special place so far away ...

2009-06-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hey stephen.

I just wanted to say that I may not know you like other did, didn't fight alongside with you like other did..But what you did...what you were..what you stood for..For guys like me it means everything like a great example to follow..I just wanted you to know that.

Coping without you

2009-05-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Stephen,

I had been hiding my feelings, trying to come to terms on the day that you were gone. It is not easy. Really. I miss having you around for trainings. I can vividly remember you as my inspiration to continue to push hard during the trainings.

It is one of those hard working days and I will look up, taking a break and wondering how you had been doing. Whether you are giving us that cheeky look and shouting at us with the donald duck voice, asking us to press on.

Yes, I miss all these. And you will always always be that driving force for me to continue.

Miss you. Very very very much.

Dreaming of you

2009-05-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Stephen,

I dreamt of you again last night. This is the second time i dreamt about you after so many months.

I can feel the loneliness and the sadness rushing into my heart as i look on as your hand slipped away from mine.

Just want to let you know that you are always in my heart. i miss you.

Happy birthday Stephen still thinking of you ...

2009-04-05T10:35:00.001-07:00

2009-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day !

You are my once in a life time, every time ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5beVKxUhrEc&feature=related

2009-01-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

Stephen Loh Memorial 2008 Video Slideshow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5PVtCq_3ik&feature=related

happy new year (:

2009-01-01T01:29:00.000-08:00

Happy new year steph. It's 2009 already (: We still miss you.

Merry christmas eve stephen.

2008-12-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

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 (:

2008-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Link :

http://www.nie.edu.sg/news/contents/6.html

Tomorrow...

2008-11-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

Will be one year since.....Miss you all man....

2008-11-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

NTU Dragon Boat Team raises $ 125,000 for Bursary Fund created in honour of Stephen Loh Soon Ann and Poh Boon San

(click to enlarge)

One last prayer before the year ends

2008-10-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

happy teacher's day mr loh.
you r still remembered. (:
mr muscles.

2008-08-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

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

Remembering our great pal!

2008-07-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-06-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-05-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-04-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

hey steph. Liverpool just got into the European Cup semi-finals. Guess you must be feeling very happy now. Take care bro... still thinking of u guys whenever i'm doing gym or ergo.

2008-04-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

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,

It's Your Day

2008-04-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-04-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Super Senior.

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-03T09:49:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Steph!

Joyce and Jansen

2008-04-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

Stephen,

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

2008-03-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Was just looking throught the old photos.The last time NTU won gold for mixed was in MR500 2006.You were there.
Hope you saw them race this time.
Rest well dude.

In Tianjin 2006

2008-02-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-01-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

“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

2008-01-14T06:11:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

SOURCE :

http://getforme.com/previous2007/261107_fivesingaporeansdieindragonboatmishapincambodia_more.htm

2008-01-07T07:51:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-06T12:06:00.001-08:00

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)

2008-01-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

STEPHEN'S CAT

2008-01-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

Just went to your place the other day.
Finally saw your cat, yep you're right, he's fat.ha.
Looked through your old photos and all the overseas race tags.

我们还有很多梦没做
还有很多明天要走...

These 2 lines say it all...

Know you are in a good place right now.Take care bro

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Stephen, Wishing you Merry Christmas.

Abby

2007-12-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

I know it's too late but I just want to say that I'll miss seeing him at the Kallang river.

2007-12-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

ST PHOTO: LIM WUI LIANG

From The Straits Times Photo Gallery :

http://www.straitstimes.com/gallery/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_180546.html

2007-12-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

Mr Stephen Loh (front row, second from left) on a class outing with his Secondary 5 students while he was a trainee teacher at First Toa Payoh Secondary in 2005. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF PNG WEI SIONG

From The Straits Times Photo Gallery :

http://www.straitstimes.com/gallery/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_180546.html

2007-12-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

National Junior College's online "News Article" :

Stephen Loh - A Tribute

26th Nov 07

Stephen was a promising teacher who, in the course of these six months with us, had given of himself to his students and his work. He inspired and encouraged the squash and track and field members and put in place an innovative physical conditioning module to help them peak in performance. He showed initiative when he was involved in organising our Games Day as well as YLTC in October and November respectively. He conceptualised a new leadership module that helped his students relate the experiences encountered during the YLTC back to the College’s leadership values. His diligence, foresight and enthusiasm revealed his love for all that he did.

Stephen found meaning in teaching and in sports. His students will always remember him as a caring mentor and a dedicated teacher who went out of his way and gave of his time to his students. He helped them see the possibilities in and for themselves and inspired them to pursue their interests with passion.

As a colleague, Stephen went the extra mile to lend a helping hand. He never took anyone for granted and his colleagues always had a wonderful experience working with him.

Stephen will be dearly missed by staff and students of the College.

* For staff, students and parents, you may refer to site on KM specially set up on Mr Loh.

Written By: NJC ,
College

FROM :

http://www.njc.edu.sg/index.php?option=news&task=article&id=97

2007-12-09T07:13:00.001-08:00

NTUlink - Issue February 2006.

Salute...

2007-12-07T05:32:00.001-08:00

Mr Loh,

老天真不公平。。。

天下无不散之宴席,
眼见一位善良的人在那种情况之下一是隔绝，我不禁流下悲伤的眼泪。
有一个开始，就一定有一个过程，接着有一个结尾。
天若有情天易老，为何对此人这么不公平呢？
好人就不能长命百岁吗
好人就不能有好报，不能过好日子吗？
有一个开始，却没有过程就来一个结尾？
老天真不公平。。。

I still remember the day I first saw you introducing yourself as a trainee PE teacher in our school. I even laughed at you, calling you a "boxing kangaroo". Despite knowing just your name I know that you are a kind and gracious guy who simply cast those remarks aside and make changes to please those around you. I, myself, feel guilty and really salute you for being so forgiving.

From,
Student of yours who purposely ignored your instructions during PE lessons in MSHS.

I can close my eyes to reality, but not to memories

2007-12-07T01:18:00.000-08:00

It was difficult to accept the reality that you have left.

Though it has been a good six or seven years since I recalled last training with you, the memories still remain.

You were a source of inspiration; with your resilient strength and silent confidence, you made light of the tough trainings. I remembered most about your smile - it never fails to lighten up the mood in the boat however rough the going got.

I will miss seeing you at Kallang.

Haikang
London

Stephen to Stephen

2007-12-03T09:17:00.001-08:00

Stephen Loh,

During that meeting, I asked you your name and you said "Stephen". You pronounced it as "steFan" instead of the common "steVen". I said I was "Stephen", too, pronouncing it the same way, delighted by the coincidence.

You were somebody many leagues above me, and I was a nobody, many leagues below you. I am sure you knew that, but you did not mind.

As you did to others in other ways, you changed my life in just one memorable chance meeting. I experienced "euphoria" and "exhilaration" beyond their dictionary definitions. Now I am experiencing "heartache", "heart-wrenching" and "ruptured aorta", also beyond their dictionary definitions.

You are still changing my life. Thanks. Stephen Ho.

Stephen's Eulogy

2007-11-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Over the course of the past few days, I have come to realise that many have not seen the different facets of my brother, Stephen’s character. Please allow me now to share a little bit about Stephen.

Stephen the Athlete
Not only was Steph incredibly strong and muscular but he was very athletic to boot. After all, his students nicknamed him “Mr Muscles” for a good reason. However, what made him special as an athlete was his focus, drive and determination. His team mates will all testify that Steph gave no less than a hundred percent of himself during both training and in competition. He was extremely dedicated to his passion of dragon boating and if he was not training on the water, he would usually be found in the gym. In reaching the zenith of his sporting passion, by becoming an established member of the national dragon boat team, my family will always be proud of all his sporting achievements.

Stephen the Inspiration
There are many who teach, and there are the rare few who inspire. Steph would certainly belong to the latter. Reading through the numerous messages left by his students, who even though only knew him briefly, the common theme was the word- Inspirational. He went the extra mile for his students by showing concern, offering words of encouragement and even giving extra help to them outside of normal teaching hours. Some students even went as far as to say that his short time with them was nothing less than life changing.

Stephen the Friend
Although he was never one who would give into wanton displays of affection, however he through his quiet ways, he would always be there for a friend. A man of few words, Steph would be the one to provide a listening ear and give words of comfort. He would probably buy you coffee and say “eh don’t worry lah, its gonna be ok”. I’m certain all his friends from Church, St Andrews, Commandos, NTU, Dragon boat and NIE would dearly miss having his comforting presence.

Stephen the Son,
Throughout his growing up years and into adulthood, He was an obedient and filial son who was never a cause of worry for Mom and Dad. He was constantly on top of his studies, well disciplined and was excellent in managing his time wisely. Once again, he would seldom display his affections physically, but he was always concerned with the well being of my parents. Steph; Mom and Dad are most proud of all your achievements whether it was in school, or when you became an Officer in the Commandos, paying for your masters through a scholarship, representing our nation in dragon boat and most recently, for leaving such a wonderful legacy amongst your students.

Stephen my Brother
Daniel and I would certainly recall fond memories of the three of us growing up as kids. I certainly remember that during the WWF era, I would always be used as their life sized wrestling toy. All three of us shared a common love for Liverpool FC and we would watch live matches on the TV late into the night and cheer and scream hysterically whenever Liverpool scores. When I was studying abroad, he would always ask if I needed money and whenever I would thank him for his support, he would simply reply, “eh come on, we are brothers”. Steph, I have always looked up to you as both a older brother and a role model and have respected you for being the wonderful person that you are and I will continue to do so.

And now allow me to end my eulogy with a beautiful poem written by the National Junior College Track and Field team.

Our Tribute- A Poem
Just as the mist rises
Then vanishes down the stream
Mr Loh too has come and then left us
Today seems like it was a dream

That he was once so much a part of us
That he loved and lived as we do
Just like a fish that a fisherman threw back into the stream to go on its way
That is what he’s doing today

See the sun glitter
Though our tears are bitter
Just like the salmon’s leap
He’ll always be there in our memories deep
He’ll always be there in our memories deep

Goodbye Steph, I love you, we all love you and we will always miss you and you will be close to our hearts forever

Stephen's younger brother
Gideon Loh

brothers

2007-11-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

you taught me to fight.
to live life as we like.
to make everything worthwhile
to never look back
you show me the spirit of life
you inspire me to leap
you give me strength, to look up to the skies
there i see you, flying strong and high
thanks, for we hug we smile we sweat
thanks, I go further because you are here
thanks, for we are brothers, today, forever

i remember you.

2007-11-30T07:12:00.000-08:00

dear stephen,

i will always remember how u readily gave me ur shirt the very first time i met you. that pe tshirt probably meant nothing to you cuz u must have had many nice singapore team shirts, but the small gesture really struck me that u were a really nice guy.. much contrary to my first impression i got when i saw ur muscular build. heh :).

i will always remember how you are always friendly to me whenever u saw me around.. u were always full of smiles, even towards the other neighbours whom u dont really know. and also, how u seem to be forever hanging clothes outside your room without ur shirt on ;). i remember your stories about your naughty students.. and also your passion for dragonboat. i remember the last time i saw u, it was at sdba and u were running late for training. i was late for my kayaking class too. thus, we only said a quick hello. well, i wish i talked to you more then. those few minutes of lateness now seem so insignificant.

hmm.

even though we only conversed that few times.. u have left an impression in my heart. u know, i lost the shirt you gave me back in hk on a tour.. but i know.. the memories of you will be here to stay.

rest in peace, stephen. u make us singaporeans proud.

River Regatta 2006

2007-11-30T02:38:00.000-08:00

2007-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Stephen, i am sitting in the office today. daydreaming..drifting away in thoughts.. You know something... we humans are a bunch of asses... WHY do we need to have something like this to happen before everyone realized or start pouring out how great he/she is/was.. how much we will remember them for... how long they'll stay in our hearts etc etc etc how some even reassuring the whole damm world how safe or a nicer place they are right now.

CRAP DUDE.. USELESS.. TOO LATE.. Stephen, im sorry if i sounded rude. I'm pretty pissed off in fact for the past few days when D broke the news to me. It was like WHAT THE F**K!!!.. of all people u??? Freaking 1st Commando Battalion Officer.. dragonboater.. and u cant pull urself out of that capsize incident?? i dont know, if the rest can come out of it. why not you?? WHY..WHY WHY WHY..........

As your fellow commando officer.... if u're still around in camp together, you ought to know what you'll get for failure to extract yourself from dangerous situation and f**ked up along the way yeah??... haha i shall not remind you.

Stephen, yesterday i met up with most of my close friends and very unlikely of me... i actually took the chance to express how important each of them is to me..and guess what, they were actually delighted that i cared so much and they pretty much understood where it came from.

I don't really give a damm HOW many hearts u touched.. but u for sure made one here very sour and miserable... nuff said. I'm glad we got acquainted.. shared the same commando/dragonboat experience.

Stephen.. till then..PADDLES UP! AWAS! & FOR HONOR & GLORY....... COMMANDO!!! -G

NJC track team's tribute to Stephen Loh

2007-11-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

This poem was read by teacher Stephen Loh's younger brother, Gideon at the end of his tribute.

Just as the mist it rises

Then vanishes way down the stream

Mr Loh too has come and then left us

Today it seems like a dream

That he was so much part of our lives

That he lived and loved as we do

Like the fish that a fisherman threw

Back in the stream to go on its way

And that is what he is doing today

To a bright new world, see the sun glitter

As he drifts from sight, though our tears are bitter

We know that he, like the salmon's leap

Will always be there in our memories deep.

More than a teacher... but a friend

2007-11-29T01:41:00.000-08:00

Mr stephen loh....
more than a teacher but but a friend..
although he taught us for less than half a year...
he was already more than a teacher but a friend to us....
remember him giving us extra lessons after school from his own free time to make sure that we score wif flying colours in maths....
he will always answer our questions when we r in doubt....
We will never forget him....
Always in our memories...
luves..:]
student from mshs 2 benedict....

Dear Mr Loh

2007-11-29T01:04:00.001-08:00

Dear Mr Loh,

it's really a pity that you had to leave us so early. Through all entries posted by your students, it is really obvious that you are a great teacher, a great educator and a great friend. It's a pity that i wasn't your student. How i wish you would have taught me. Still, no matter what..your story touched my friends, many other singaporeans and definitely myself. We lost a great man. You will be a great role model to many, including myself. A guy who has passion in everything he does. A guy who's forever there to bring joy to the people around him. Mr Loh, REST IN PEACE. Deeply missed.

From Eugene.

More than just a teacher.

2007-11-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

I remember the first day Mr Stephen Loh walked into our class.
We didn't expect our mathematics teacher to have such and athletic build.
Hence the name Mr Muscle after the dish-washing liquid ad.
He did all he could to make sure we excelled in mathematics, staying back after classes to give us supp lessons.
He was teaching us Linear Graphs, and most of us couldn't draw the graph lines properly. But he never once got angry at us. He stayed back and made sure we got it right. Our maths grades improved greatly under him.
During PE lessons it was the same. He was patient with us, no matter how noisy we were.
Our class received an email after we invited him to our class gathering. It mentioned him teaching at NJC and to drop by and say hello if we enrolled there.
We never thought the next time we would see him was at his wake.

Mr Stephen Loh was more than a teacher.

From the class of 2 Benedict '07, Maris Stella High School

Rest In Peace Mr Loh.

I will miss you.

2007-11-28T04:16:00.000-08:00

Well, to me, Mr Loh was a teacher, a friend, a pillar of support. No words could describe him well enough. He seemed so macho to us, seemed so strong, so strong that nothing could bring him down. However, he was hard on the outside and soft on the inside, somehow like a big friendly giant.

He never scolded us as a class, he believed more in using the soft way then the hard way. The only time i remembered him scolding us when he broke up a fight between 2 of my classmates.

I remember going to him toask for extra lessons in maths, he agreed readily. He was unlike other teachers..He had that nothing is impossible spirit in him...When I told him i really CMI(cannot make it), he would nt scold me, but kept ask me to try again till i got the answer. He was an extraordinary teacher, a one of a kind.

I remember complaining to him that the class was too noisy. But he never gave up on us. He had that nothing is impossible spirit in him.

I remember him coming to me to ask for feedback after the lesson he taught us. He humbly accepted our comments. He was really a GREAT TEACHER.

He will always have a special place in our hearts, more than a teacher and a friend.

Rest in peace, you will be remembered and missed.

Your student.CY.

2007-11-28T02:15:00.000-08:00

when i heard this news i was shock

and i cant accept this fact just awhile.

eventhough i dont know the five heroes .

budd i still felt shoo sorry ferr them.

its a great pity of losing them.

budd we still need tu pull through this hard time.

i saw mr stephen loh once on 2004.

and thad was my primary school teacher wedding crermony.

eventhough i saw hym just once,

budd whenever i watch the news or fliping thru the newspaper my eyes

will automatically flow down the tears.

rest in peace the five rollers.

loveees,

sadd fellow singaporean. ):

2007-11-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

I don't know any of the 5 fine gentlemen personally but I sure wished it wasnt through this painful and horrible way. You were representing Singapore, it shouldnt have been this way. Each time I see your pictures in the papers, my eyes well with hot tears. I am touched by your passion and dedication to things you truly believed in. It's more than what most of us can attest to have done. Rest in peace. My thoughts are with your families through this very difficult time.
A sad fellow Singaporean.

Stephen...

2007-11-27T19:33:00.001-08:00

THough I do not know you in person but I've always seen you at Kallang and I know you by face... Rowers are like family... there are so many of us but we may not know everyone we sure do recognize each other as SDBA would most probably be regarded as most rowers as our 2nd home...

I may not know you but I would definitely be sure that you are greatly missed by your family, friends, love ones and definitely by your teammates...YOu are like the Old bird in the team and i admire your determination and strength and team spirit..

Take care my friend.. Rest In Peace for you will be deeply and vividly kept in memories by all.

In loving memories..

Charmian..

Memories

2007-11-27T18:26:00.000-08:00

We remember teasing him for being short.
We remember teasing him for being fit;
Big body, small head.
We remember teasing him and another teacher as gay partner.
We remember teasing him and a new female PE teacher as couple;
He got frustrated till he show us his gf's pic.
We remember teasing him for wearing tight t shirt and short to show off his muscle.
We remember teasing him for wearing a fake Addidas t shirt(the logo was dented in);
He stopped wearing it and came in wearing a Nike t shirt.
We remember teasing him for his ugly and small handwriting;
He actually went home to practise it.
We remember him being real patience in teaching us.
We remember not greeting him when class starts.
We remember joking and fooling around while he is teaching.
We remember him looking real funny when he is blur.
We remember him stammering sometimes while he is speaking;
We remember laughing at him.
We remember going out on a dragonboat outing with him after graduation;
He almost vomit blood and faint when teaching us.
We remember he walking towards us with his bright orange short that strikes out among his tonned body; I remember we go "woooooo-ing" and some of the girls were drooling.
We remember treating him for lunch after dragonboat at suntec city.
We remember taking group photos.
We remember parting our ways after that.

It's more than words i could actually describe what a great and respectable guy he is.
It's a great loss to many.
It's heartbreaking to hear the news of him passing away.
It's just speechless to whatever had happened to him; It's just tears.

Attending his wake before he set off on his journey is truely an agony to all of us, students. May he rest in peace.

We love you Mr Stephen Loh.

Love,
Suet, a student(FTPSS) of his.

Condolences from USA

2007-11-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

We extend our deepest sympathy to families and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - The NJ Dragon Boat Club, USA

.in memory of you.

2007-11-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

hi love!!
i may not know you & i know heaven is a place for you now.
may you rest in peace ... AMIN!!

luv & light,
juL!
http://julinikita.multiply.com/

He shall be remembered

2007-11-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.
They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
-Leo Buscaglia -

For all the people he had made a difference in their lives... let us celebrate his life the way he wanted us to.... with our heart, mind and soul....

hugs

Of Stephen & Boon San

2007-11-26T23:09:00.000-08:00

I shall dedicate this entry to Stephen and Boon San. This is not an obituary nor eulogy - this entry is just a brief account of the memories they have left in my mind.

Stephen, was, at first sight, cold and unfriendly. Dark and fierce-looking, albeit with a cute voice - if hilariously - spoken, he was more like a favourite teacher than a hardcore paddler. I never expected we could communicate because I thought he would not want to waste time talking to people not within his league - but I thought wrong. As a friend, he was really sincere and truthful, as a teammate, he never say die, and as a school mate, he was always there to give advice. His personality was magnetic: never pass judgement on others, and his happy-go-lucky attutide was infectious - people around him are always smiling.

Stephen completed his course in NIE last semester. The last time I teased him and pissed him off was at Tianjin airport when I hid his motor-learning textbook away. The last time we had lunch together was a few weeks ago before the exam when he was back to do some project. The last time he praised me was during one of the last land trainings. The last time I raced with him was during Regatta in the Civil-Service category under Team MOE. The last time I chatted online with him was a few days before Cambodia.

Stephen was a very sincere friend. He would never say no to his friends' requests. He willingly lent me his harddisk and notes as reference. He was never boastful with his exceptional fitness; and the 'xmas-tree' at his back was idolized by all. He was an inspiration and a great motivator. Though he's gone now, he will always be in our hearts, our minds.

Boon San and Stephen had something in common - they were both very fit - on land and in water. They were well-known in the team for their pristine pace-sense in competitions. Not just that, they possessed immense mental strength that were unmatched by many. They would, join the school team for trainings - straight after theirs with the national, without complains; and they never failed to deliver the consistent effort required from them.

As a figure of speech, Boon San was someone I love to hate - for I can't do the many things he could do well in. He was a very real guy. He may sound like he had the knack of picking up a fight with anyone - but we all know he had a soft and caring heart. He was well-loved by all in the team, for his valuable contributions and pinpoint accuracy in giving feedback and debriefs. Boon San's results and work attitude were very positive. From a proofreading of his FYP, it was evident that he had took pains and effort to producing that few hundred pages of writeup. It showed how well he balanced and managed his school works and training, and it also showed how disciplined and responsible he was as a team-player.

I remember there was one occasion in the library last year - when he blew his top at me and threw my bananas away. I was very affected by it, but when we spoke again at night, I know he was, in actual fact, very harmless. This shows something very interesting about friendship - we are only affected by those who are nearer and dearer to us.

Boon San was the quintessential Jim Carrey and never failed to humour us with his jokes and impersonations of the funny characters in tv. Remember the visa card advertisement when the day breaks behind the hills in the rural backdrop of Rajasthan... and a little girl trots towards the village bazaar; and Boon San's famous line: "My brother is going on a journey today. I want to bring him good fortune", and "if you free the birds, you give good luck. More birds, more good luck", followed by the we-know-it's-boon-san's whistle.

Fly away, he has now, like the birds. We know he, and Stephen, will be watching after us from above.

It's not a loss, but a COMPLETE loss to the nation and to the team. And it really hurts to see two great friends just passed on like that.

Your presence defines the true meaning of 'one team'.
You have etched in us memories that will be remembered.
You made us see and learn many things that many others would never experience.
You turned us into fighters and left behind a benchmark for us to emulate.

Boon San, Stephen,
Thank you very much

Andy

This song is for you...

2007-11-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

信乐:-天高地厚
作词:武雄
作曲:詹凌驾 keith stuart

你累了没有可否伸出双手
想拥抱怎能握着拳头
我们还有很多梦没做
还有很多明天要走
要让世界听见我们的歌
准备好没有时间不再回头
想要飞不必任何理由
不管世界尽头多寂寞
你的身边一定有我
我们说过不管天高地厚
想飞到那最高最远最洒脱
想拥抱在最美丽的那一刻
想看见陪我到最后谁是朋友
你是我最期待的那一个

可以一起闯祸一起沉默一起走
可以一起飞翔一起沦落
不管天高地厚陪着我
陪我一起大声狂吼
想飙到那最高最远最辽阔
想唱完那最感动的一首歌
没看见那天高地厚不肯放手
因为我有我想要的朋友
你是我最想要的朋友

2007-11-26T18:43:00.000-08:00

You lived your life doing something you love, and have etched in us memories that will always be remembered.

you both inspired us to be fighters, like yourself and left behind benchmarks for us to emulate.

fly away brothers, like birds in the sky,
we know you will always be watching us from above.

Dearly missed and always remembered by your brothers inthe boat,
NTU Dragonboat Team
NTU Dragonboat Alumni Team