Memories of my sister Anna
Anna and I were borned in Hongkong. At a very young age, we found ourselves on board a steamship on a long voyage towards Brunei. At age 5 years, and with my 3-year-old little sister in tow, we were running all over the ship, exploring it deck to deck, and from the engine room to the captain�s bridge. The European Captain tolerated us and instructed that we be allowed on the Bridge at all times!
It took us about a week to cross the South China Sea to Borneo. Cargoes were unloaded at various ports in Borneo. I could not remember what our dad did during the voyage, but my mum was seasicked and confined in bed throughout the whole voyage. Inspite of the rough sea and heavy swells, Anna and I were not affected at all.
One day, we two siblings were on the Bridge as usual. The ship was steaming into a winding river. We noticed the Captain seriously giving directions to the helmsman. The ship navigated the Brunei River, then Brunei Bay and, finally we docked in Kampong Ayer. We have arrived in the Sultanate of Brunei!
Anna and I grew up in Brunei. In 1959, and then 1962, with the subsequent additions of our two younger sisters Grace and Jennifer, our family expanded to seven (including our very faithful and devoted nanny, the late Siew Chey, who stayed with the family for more than 40 years!).
Anna and I went to different junior schools, but during her senior years, from Years 10-13, we became schoolmates. Anna was the hardworking and smarter one in her academic studies. She and her classmates bonded extremmely well, and even up to this day, they had remained close friends. During her school days, Anna was invited to many social functions and because I was very protective as her older brother, I had to be invited too, otherwise she would not go. I still recall the social parties we attended. Although she had her full share of male admirers, she never went on single dates with a particular guy.
During our childhood and schooling years, Anna and I learned to play the piano. Unfortunatedly, in her adult years, because of work and family commitments and pressures, Anna never took up music again, although her love for music never wavered. Anna also took ballet lessons in her youner days. We both enjoyed going to the movies and we watched all the Elvis movies! One of her favourite movie was West Side Story, and her favourite actor, George Chakiris. I clearly remember the movie �633 Squadron�. I went for it because of the action, and she, because George Chakiris was in it!
During our final years in high school, Anna did very well in her A Level exam, and was accepted into a reputable Canadian university. My results were not so good, and I remember Anna cried because my exam results were not up to her standard.
Anna left for Canada sometime in 1969 and I found myself at the other end of earth, in New Zealand, where I studied and later worked. We corresponded regularly and often shared our thoughts and experiences in a foreign country. In those days, emailing did not even exsist! I returned to Brunei from New Zealand in 1978. Anna stayed on in Canada, got married to Ben, and they started their family there. Our lives took on different paths. In fact, recently, Anna reminised about our different paths in life and how our fates changed!
On 6th July early dawn, Anna came home to Brunei in Spirit. Her message to everybody, through me, is that she is still with us for now even though she had discarded her bodily vehicle!

Although with only few memories left of my Aunt, living in Canada whereas I in Brunei. The few times I was in her presence I found that all I had heard from those who knew her from her youth, that she was a very positive and kind person, was true. I deeply miss her, and send my condolences to my cousins Caitlin and Gordon, and my uncle Ben. I was privileged to be her nephew and I hope she is happy where she is now.

Anna & I grew up together as children in Brunei, albeit for a short time until I moved to the US. We met a few times over the past several years; in retrospect, it is never often enough. She came to visit with Caitlin last year and we were all touched by how vibrant she looked and acted. We are all saddened this did not continue. She was always so happy, caring, positive, and forever smiling. That is what we will always remember and cherish. Our deepest condolences to her mother, Joseph, Grace, Jennifer, Ben, Caitlin & Gordon. She is truly a unique and wonderful person and we are privleged to be friends of hers.

Anna was such a great lady and will always be remembered for her patience,willingness to help and great smile. I was fortunate to work with her on numerous occasions. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. She wll dearly missed.

I also had the pleasure of working with Anna a few years back and was deeply saddened to hear the news of her passing. She will be remembered to me as a great lady with a beautiful smile. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

I had the pleasure of working with Anna on several occasions. She was always very pleasant, patient and great to work with. My deepest sympathies on her passing.