With the news yesterday (Tuesday 30 August) of not just one but two individuals passing away, this is a tribute to both their memories.

Gene Wilder

The news is all abuzz of Gene’s passing on Monday. At the ripe old respectable age of 83, we salute him and all of his contribution to The film industry. Gene will always be remembered by people of my age as Willy Wonka from the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Fittingly, last night I watched the film and was able to celebrate fond childhood memories of the movie. Gene’s singing talents make him all the more memorable, and his call to our pure imagination. Thanks iTunes for making it so accessible – I did not see any rental/purchase requirements.

Pure Imagination lyrics:

Come with me, and you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination
Take a look, and you’ll see
Into your imagination

We’ll begin, with a spin
Traveling in, the world of my creation
What we’ll see, will defy explanation

If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Want to change the world?
There’s nothing to it

There is no, Life I know
To compare with pure imagination
Living there, You’ll be free
If you truly wish to be

If you want to see magic lands
Close your eyes and you will see one
Want to be a dreamer, be one
Anytime you please and please save me one

Come with me, And you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination
Take a look, And you’ll see
Into your imagination

There is no, Place to go
To compare with your imagination
So go there, To be free
If you truly wish to be

Living there, You’ll be free
If you truly wish to be

Puan Sri Datin Amar Freda Temiang

Puan Sri Datin Amar Freda Temiang, wife of the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Lee Hun Hoe, passed away yesterday. Her loss to the Lee family is lessen slightly in the knowledge that she now has joined her husband and other relatives in the afterlife of the Christian/Catholic faith. Having lived the last 11 years widowed, she now joins the growing number of believers who all rejoice that she is reunited not just with her husband but more importantly her/our saviour Jesus.

For those unfamiliar with the Malay honour system of titles, “Puan Sir Datin Amar” is just that – her title. The A “Puan Sri” is simply the wife of a “Tan Sri”, which is the second most senior Federal title, behind Tun, which is conferred on a limited 35 individuals at a time by the Malaysia king (Yang Di Pertuan Agong). Datin/Datuk are the first tier of style and title conferred. In summary the male / female titles are:

1. Tun / Toh Puan
2. Tan Sri / Puan Sri
3. Datuk / Datin

I feel the sorrow that much more partly because by the time I learned the news of my aunt’s passing, I had already been in a sober state from the news of Gene Wilder. However, I had the brief privilege to meet her in Kuching, over two dinners celebrating a wedding and birthday. I am glad that my Dad had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet his cousin-in-law. That she was jovial and so healthy just weeks ago and now gone is a slight shock to me; I had hoped to get the chance to meet her again just to hear stories of the family.

Both Gene and Freda were individuals with class and grace. Dignified until the end, their immediate families both can take heart that their final moments were shared with those closest and dearest. We cherish all the fond memories and love that Gene and Freda have given to us over their respective lives. Thank you and may you both Rest In Peace now.