I would like to share a belated reflection on the passing of my maternal grandfather, Fang Yong Sheak (chinese name: 方荣石) affectionately known to me and the rest of my extended family as Gong Gong. He left us on April 4th, 2020, during the height of the COVID Pandemic. I received the news while queueing outside a shop, masked up and running errands, when my dad called to inform me. It was a moment of disbelief and sorrow, made even more challenging by the lockdown in Malaysia and the Dorscon circuit breaker in Singapore at that time. Most of my maternal relatives, who reside in Malaysia, were unable to travel to Singapore to attend the funeral and pay their final respects.
Gong Gong was the second oldest among ten siblings, a man whose life was marked by hard work, practicality, and dedication. His career in education in Malaysia saw him rise from a teacher to a principal, and eventually to a director of Chinese schools in Johor. His commitment to education was so profound that three of his children followed his path and became teachers.
One of the things I admired most about Gong Gong was his incredible willpower. I remember when Grandma was diagnosed with cancer, he quit smoking cold turkey, a testament to his strength and love for her. Despite his practical nature and reluctance to discuss sentimental matters, his love for our family was undeniable. He promised Grandma who made him swear on her deathbed that he would convert to Christianity, and he honored that promise by regularly attending church with us and getting baptised.
Gong Gong had his unique quirks and tastes. He was known for his Mahathir-style olive green colored safari jackets, which he wore on almost all occasions. He loved nutritious food such as mix pig organs and was surprisingly independent, often traveling around Singapore to find his favorite food spots. Some of his favorites included the Nasi Briyani from the old Shami Banana Leaf at Northpoint and the fried seafood platter at Manhattan Fish Market Restaurant which he could eat all by himself in a single sitting.
He can be a stubborn man, refusing to use a wheelchair even when it became difficult for him to walk. His mobility gradually decreased after sustaining a fall. I remember supporting him by the hand to buy his favorite I Zhou Kan magazine, which he read for the synopsis of upcoming Taiwanese drama episodes. He was hooked on a particular Taiwanese drama called 爱, which ran for a thousand episodes on Singapore's local Chinese channel 8.
Gong Gong also had a keen interest in the stock market, meticulously monitoring prices on Teletext and later attempting to use an iPad for the same purpose after the Teletext service ended. He enjoyed Chinese oldies, especially songs by Bai Xuan, and took great pleasure in our yearly tradition of commemorating Mama’s passing and celebrating his birthday. These gatherings were always filled with visits to the cemetery and dining together at a Chinese restaurant.
One fascinating tidbit about Gong Gong is his cameo appearance in the well-known writer Anthony Burgess’s novel "Time for a Tiger" He was described as a tall and thin Chinese boy who corrected another character about the cost of transport of airplane vs train. Incidentally, Anthony Burgess was a teacher at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar in 1954. It may very well be possible that he did cross path with my grandfather who was also a teacher back then and used his name as a cameo in that early novel of his.
Gong Gong raised his five children, including my mother, with great care, ensuring they all received an education abroad. His life was a testament to hard work, love, and dedication. Despite his fear of airplanes, which prevented him from accepting a scholarship to England, he found his path in education and made a significant impact on those around him.
Though it has been four years since his passing, we continue to celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. Gong Gong, Fang Yong Sheak, may you rest in the everlasting peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, reunited with Grandma, whom you loved so dearly. We love you and will carry your memory in our hearts always.
Rest in peace, Gong Gong. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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