A recording of the service is available, please click here to watch.
The following is written by Poh Seng as a eulogy of his friend Max:
I first met Max when I travelled from Singapore to Canada to enroll in a post-graduate program at the University of Calgary in 1969. I was told by the Faculty of Graduate Studies that there was another University of Singapore graduate, also staying in the same hostel. I sought him out, and when I saw him, I recognized him immediately.
Max was 2 years my senior at the University of Singapore. I used to see him at the students’ canteen. I noticed him because he was lively and appeared to have a lot of friends. (I now know why he was so well liked.)
In my first few months at Calgary, Max generously drove me around in his big car which I remember very well: Ford Galaxy 500. On weekends, he would drive me to the Rockies. During all those times, he never asked me to share the cost of the petrol/gas (and I was too dumb to offer) even though he was on a tight graduate student’s stipend.
During the Christmas break (2 weeks), when all Canadian students went home, Max and I continued our stay at the hostel. We then earned some pocket money by taking a janitor job to keep the place clean. It was easy job as there were few occupants in the hostel: we spent 30 minutes cleaning in the morning and then a further 30 minutes at the end of the day. In-between, we played bridge with other foreign students. For our meals, my small electric rice cooker was indispensable: we cooked rice with Chinese sausages thrown in. We were really enjoying ourselves.
Soon, Max and I moved out of the hostel. We shared renting a basement. Our stay together was short, I think for one or two months, because of differences. Max made the decision to move out, and I was not happy. But then Max explained his decision: to save our friendship. At that time, I did not buy it as I felt our relationship was not that bad. It was several months later that I realised how wise he was as we became closer.
When I married Swee Chin a few months later, I got Max to be one of our two witnesses of our civil marriage. So, that was 50 years ago.
After I completed my study, Swee Chin and I returned to Singapore. Max and Maria and us continued to keep in touch.
When Max and Maria visited Singapore, they would stay with us for 1 – 2 nights. Likewise, when we visited Canada, we would stay 2 – 3 nights with them. Our friendship strengthened. Soon, Max and I were both friends and brothers. We were always there for each other.
There was a time when I was in crisis. Max phoned me regularly. I appreciated his counselling very much. A few years later, I found out that during that period, he was also going through a crisis, and yet, that did not deter him to avail his time for me. He was my older Brother, always looking out for me.
And recently we saw how he looked after Maria during her illnesses. He taught us the meaning of the marriage vows.
When Maria phoned to say that Max had passed away, both Swee Chin and I were just speechless. We sobbed.
The last time I spoke to him was a few days earlier, on 20 Dec. It was a leisure chat and was cut short as I excused myself to go out for a lunch appointment.
On Christmas eve, we planned to phone Max and Maria after our phone call to another very close friend in Calgary. But by the time that Calgary call was over, it was a bit too late to phone them. We decided to phone the next day. The next day, when we remembered to phone, it was around 10 pm Edmonton time. We decided it was too late to phone. We wished we did!
Swee Chin and I were so proud of our friends Max and Maria that we introduced them to all our close worthy friends. We used to have dinner together, and as these friends now reminisce, henceforth, one person is going to be sorely missed.
Our two children always looked forward to Uncle Max’s and Auntie Maria’s visit. They will miss their beloved Uncle Max.
And as for Swee Chin and I, when we now visit our favourite chicken rice hawker store or the hawker store that sells the pig’s ears that Max loved, or seeing sea-cucumber dish on a restaurant menu, we are sure to choke. Goodbye Max, we are missing you…..if only we had few minutes before you went, to tell you one more time how much you had enriched our family life and how much we loved you.
My Brother Max, thank you for your friendship.
My Brother Max, thank you for always thinking of us.
My Brother Max, do come to talk to me in my dream!
Poh Seng
Jan 2021
A Eulogy From Vincent Ah Chuen:
Max and I have been close friends since we were attending St Mary’s College. We formed a bonded team, going out together, singing and taking dancing lessons. Max was the intellectual, the singer and the poet. His views were always spontaneous, straight forward but full of wisdom. You can always count on Max.
We were in the Legion of Mary under the leadership of Pere Ah KONG .One of our tasks was to distribute monthly religious newsletter carefully stenciled by Kwok Siang to all Chinese shop keepers in Beau Bassin. I have fond memories of Max.
In our frequent bicycle rides around the island and camping excursions, Max knew how to charm the girls and we were a bit jealous of him. Even though we have been far apart we would occasionally exchange news and pictures and stories of our youth. Peter Fong planned for a reunion of all members of our “clique” or team in Mauritius as most of them have been living abroad. Unfortunately Max would not be present.
I will never forget how Max could sing, recite and write poems with such an ease. When I informed him about the birth of my granddaughter he wrote a poem for her.
I thank God for sending Max to be a most faithful friend.
I will never forget him, his good humor, his smile.
By his loyal services to the Church and Diocese of Port Louis, Max has showed us the way to Thank and Glorify Our Lord.
On behalf of our team, Peter, JAcques, Andre and Cyril, I would like to convey our sincere condolences to Maria and her family, and the Wan Sai Cheong family. We will keep them in our prayers to comfort them in this difficult moment.
A recording of the service is available, please click here to watch.
Peter and Jenny Chuah says
We met Max and Maria in the Chinese New Year dinner hosted by Dr Ong a few years ago and although we only meet once a year, we always enjoy the company of Max and Maria. It is sad to hear the passing of Max, we miss you. Rest in peace, Max and our condolences to your family.
Harold and Didi says
Our deepest condolences to Mara and family on the sudden passing of Uncle Max. We miss him. Love to all.
Harold , Didi and the Brandon Manitoba FUNG’s
DONALD JOE SHALANSKI says
Maria. Thank you very much for including us in your funeral mass for Max. I thought the messages from you, Richard, Roger and Singapore were excellent and a very fitting tribute and sendoff to a wonderful friend who was taken away too soon and will be greatly missed by Madeleine and me.
Ever since you told us the sad news, and the impact has reduced somewhat, I have had a chance to reflect on our lives together now, and over the past. I think it has been very fortunate that we have known the two of you. It seems both fortunate and somewhat destiny.
When I reflect I think about Max being born in September ’43, I was born in November ’43. We were able to celebrate some birthdays together. I spent until I was 9 on a farm in the prairies of Manitoba where my father died early. Perhaps not unlike Max’s life in Mauritius. Our family moved to British Columbia at that time. I was in university at the same time as Max, though not the same university.
I graduated and took a job in Northern Quebec. You and Max were nearby in Arvida about the same time. Our lives came together when we moved to Edmonton in the summer of August ‘76. On my first day at GCOS, back then, the boss assigned Max to introduce me to the department and staff.
I would say we have been good friends ever since. Max and I may have worked at different jobs over the years but we always came together as friends and finished our careers together at NAIT. You and I started working the same day at CUL – too many coincidences. Max and I may have started our careers together and finished together but our friendship survived long after that.
I cherish the memories of all those Christmases and New Years, plus the meals and games, together. I will long remember the lunches Max and I had with the debates about politics and life and the way things should be. Not having those times any more will be sorely missed.
Our lives do go on. When these Covid times are over and, I have found as times pass , things come back into prospective – sooner than later I hope. You and Madeleine and I will get together to talk and perhaps be able to laugh a little and reminisce a little. We look forward to it.
Forever friends.
Love
Madeleine and Don
Jessie Koh and Chao Loy says
With deepest condolences
Vincent and Dawn says
To our dear sister and friend Maria
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss of our brother and friend Max Wan. Words cannot express our shock and sadness when we received the news of his passing.
As we reminisce on the short but memorable time we spent with Max and Maria in Canada and the many gatherings in Singapore during your trips back, we remember Max in our hearts and share in your sadness.
May you and your family be surrounded by lots of love and your heart and soul find peace and comfort knowing that Max is with the Heavenly Father in everlasting peace.
Love
Vincent and Dawn
Love
Vincent and Dawn
Zara Ong says
Hi Aunty Maria
Our deepest condolences to you, Richard and family.
We miss Uncle Max. We were shocked beyond words and sadden to tears, hearing the news.
Uncle Max has always been such a thoughtful and sweet person. Generous and always so encouraging in our homeschooling journey and Christian walk. We miss Uncle Max.
We felt comforted when we prayed for Uncle Max that he entered into eternity without pain or struggle. Something we know he will have wanted, as he leaves this Earth to meet with God.
Uncle Max will always have a special place in our hearts.
George and Zara Ong
Lee Tong Kuan, Andy says
Dear Maria, please accept our condolences on the sudden home going of Max.
We were shocked by the sad news because Max was healthy.
Words alone cannot reduce the distraught you have to endure. Allow God to comfort you and flood you with His peace.
Max was a wonderful man and husband. He lived a godly life and blessed many.
Please be strong and take care of yourself. Swee Hua and I will uphold you in prayer.
Lee Tong Kuan, Andy says
Dear Maria, Swee Hua and Tong Kuan extend you and loved ones our condolences on the sudden home-going of Max.
We remember Max fondly as a wonderfully friendly and helpful person, full of life. He was a good man, very sincere and hence earning much respect and admiration from those who know him.
No words are sufficient to console you, Maria. Allow God to envelop you with His love and comfort. Receive His peace, knowing that Max is now with his Heavenly Father.
Please take good care of yourself, drawing on the strength of the Lord.
Henrietta & Dudley Tay says
My deepest condolences & sympathy to you, Maria & family for the lost of your most caring (as described by Swee Chin always) husband/father, Max.
I wished, I’ve insisted on meeting you both over a meal. Just wanted to thank you both for the kindness & selfless; in bringing Tea3 oil whenever you visited Spore.
There’s no goodbyes; for I’ll always remember this kind soul, Max.
May your soul Rest In Peace.
Johnny Tan says
Lee and I will miss Max. We enjoyed his company as well as Maria’s. He will always be remembered for his humbleness and ever helpful. Dear Max, may you soul have eternal peace.
Lee and Johnny Tan.
Tan Swee Hua says
Dear Maria,
We extend our deep condolences to you and loved ones on the sudden home-going of Max.
Max was a wonderful person, friendly, helpful and full of life. He was also a sincere man, earning respect and admiration from those who know him.
It was a great shock to learn of his demise, because he was a healthy man. Maria, we empathize with your distraught.
Max was a good husband. Dear Maria, no words can console you sufficiently. Allow God to envelope you with His love and comfort. Receive his peace, knowing that Max is now with His Heavenly Father. Please do take care of yourself, drawing on the strength of the Lord,
With our love,
Swee Hua and Tong Kuan
TC Tan says
Dear Maria,
Good day and be blessed everyday!
It came to us as a unbelievable shock when we read the passing of Max via Bro. Poh Seng email. We were speechless, and stayed silent for quite awhile. Instantly our thoughts and prayers were with you, though we could not reach you directly.
“Life is so fragile and full of uncertainties”
Our first meeting with you and Max was in Singapore when Bro Poh Seng and Sis Swee Chin delivered the beef broth to you. You were just recovering from operations.
Max whom we know is a real gentleman, good looking, warmth, accomodative and intelligent! Undeniably, we enjoyed every minute of our time together with Bro Poh Seng, especially on Malaysian politics and Malay cultures. During our last CNY dinner in 2018, he was engrossed in the conversation with our second son, Qi Ting about his work experience in Pakistan.
We share your grief losing a wonderful life long partner, caring husband and awesome daddy. We are confident that your relatives and close friends like Bro Poh Seng , Sis Swee Chin, Aunty Ruby,Albert and many others will be in regular contacts with you at this trying moment. We are sure that you will find comfort in their supports, including us !
Maria, lovely times of life will not return back. But the lovely relation and missing memories of Max will stay in our hearts forever!
May your life stay healthy, your heart filled with gratitude and joy, your home with LOVE!
With warmest regards,
Peck Eng and TC (Kuala Lumpur)