Tommy Chan - Online Memorial Website

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My deepest condolences.  May these few words from the Holy Scriptures bring you comfort in your time of grief...

John 11:32-45

32 And so Mary, when she arrived where Jesus was and caught sight of him, fell at his feet, saying to him: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 Jesus, therefore, when he saw her weeping and the Jews that came with her weeping, groaned in the spirit and became troubled; 34 and he said: “Where have YOU laid him?” They said to him: “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus gave way to tears. 36 Therefore the Jews began to say: “See, what affection he used to have for him!” 37 But some of them said: “Was not this [man] that opened the eyes of the blind man able to prevent this one from dying?”

38 Hence Jesus, after groaning again within himself, came to the memorial tomb. It was, in fact, a cave, and a stone was lying against it.39 Jesus said: “TAKE the stone away.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to him: “Lord, by now he must smell, for it is four days.”40 Jesus said to her: “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Therefore they took the stone away. Now Jesus raised his eyes heavenward and said: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 True, I knew that you always hear me; but on account of the crowd standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that you sent me forth.” 43 And when he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice: “Laz´a·rus, come on out!” 44The [man] that had been dead came out with his feet and hands bound with wrappings, and his countenance was bound about with a cloth. Jesus said to them: “Loose him and let him go.”

45 Therefore many of the Jews that had come to Mary and that beheld what he did put faith in him;

Please go to the following link for more information regarding the Hope expressed in this passage

http://www.jw.org 

         I worked with Tommy for about 4 years, during the heady post-merger days at HP.  Throughout that time I can sincerely say I can't remember him ever raising his voice, or a sweat, over any emergency.  I must confess I sometimes wished he would get a little excited (c'mon Tommy, let's go!) ... but in his wisdom, he knew that sometimes you have to go slow in order to go fast.

        Tommy kept us all grounded with his unflappable nature.

 

        I wasn't in Singapore when his wife Peggy passed away.  But I had lunch with him 3 or 4 weeks after; and I'll always remember his words: "... if not for my son, I'd take my own life."  I was shocked -- but also touched.

        He loved his wife dearly.  But he also loved you dearly, Jeffrey.

 

        When we look at the dash between the dates on a tombstone, when we look at the length of the dash ... it's very short.  Life's an inch.

        Tommy may not have had that much time to add years to his life ... but going by the tributes and candles and reminiscing of all who have been touched by him, I'd like to think he certainly added life to his years.

 

         God bless your soul, Tommy.

I remember ....

A great boss with few words; words graced with wisdom and vision.

A gentleman with a ready smile; smile that spelt encouragement.

A sparkle in the eye; the sparkle that ignited many a zany ideas which made work @ HP fun.

Take comfort as I am sure Tommy is now in HIS heavenly mansion - gently radiating his smile on us all.

 

Chow Leng (ex-HP)

 

To Tommy's family and friends

I worked with Tommy from here in Bangalore, and though we have never met, I know that I will miss our interactions. His pleasant nature, openness to ideas, and gentle humour make him someone i will remember, and not just someone I worked with. To reach across geographies and physical meetings and make a lasting impression is not something everyone can do. My heartfelt prayers are with you.

To Tommy's family

I worked with Tommy from here in Bangalore, and though we have never met, I know that I will miss our interactions. His pleasant nature, openness to ideas, and gentle humour make him someone i will remember, and not just someone I worked with. To reach across geographies and physical meetings and make a lasting impression is not something everyone can do. My heartfelt prayers are with you.

I AM FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, to laugh,to love, to work or play.
Tasks undone must stay that way
I've found that peace at the close of the day.
If parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times,a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wants me now, He set me free.

I met Tommy through Integrated Marketing Communications in Compaq; almost 8 years ago. We became more acquainted through our Global Brand & Communications function in the new HP. In that period, I came to know and highly regard many outstanding individuals... Tommy was one of them. He was a gentle soul who engaged those around him in thoughtful and sincere conversation. In our TSG marketing communications leadership roles - him in APJ and me in Canada - we continued to email and update each other on news, grooves and moves; as recently as a holiday and new year greeting. Our company loses a special talent. We lose a friend, but celebrate a beautiful life. Peace to him, and prayers to Jeffrey and his family.

Dear Jeffrey,

I would like to share with you what someone once wrote in the loss of a loved one:

 

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand.  May the pain you have known and the conflicts you have experienced give you strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism.  Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone.  May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace.   Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.   May the teachings of those you admire (Peggy and Tommy) become part of you, so that you may call upon them. May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.   Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way.   May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.   May you view everything as a worthwhile experience though nothing makes sense for the moment.

 

Jeffrey, be proud that your dad was a good and wonderful man, that he loved you dearly, and will always be a part of you.

 

May you always feel loved.

I knew Tommy when I was working with him on the advertising portfolio.  He is a kind man with great wisdom.  Is sad to receive the news of such great man's passing.  However, I do believe his life will continue with his beloved wife in heaven....

토미 아저씨...

이렇게 아저씨라고 부르는건 처음이네요.

돌아가셨다는 소식을 메일로 접하고 정말 너무 놀라고 슬픕니다.

혼자 남아있을 토미 아저씨의 아들을 생각하니... 마음이 정말 저려옵니다.

저도 자식을 낳고 키워보니 그 자식이 얼마나 소중하고 귀한지 새삼 느끼는데....

부디 그 먼곳에서 편하게 잘 지내시고, 이생에 남아있는 아들은 잘 자라도록 저희들이 기도할테니 맘편하게 저생으로 돌아가세요.

오랫동안 함께 일하면서 정말 좋은분이라고 많이 느꼈었는데 다시는 볼수 없다고 생각하니 너무 마음이 아픕니다.

부디..... 부디....... 가계신 그곳에서 행복하세요.

When we look back at our life, it's not about how long the candle had burned; but how brightly it has shone and to how many people it has provided light.  In Tommy's case, it has definitely been one bright candle that has provided warmth and guidance to many and I was one of the many lucky people to have shared that glow.  I could not have asked for a better partner when we co-managed a team together and I will never forget Tommy's kindness and quiet strength.

I'm glad he's now re-united in love with Peggy for I know how much she meant to him.  And though your parents may have left you early, Jeffrey, I'm sure they will remain a shining light in your life, providing you with strength and love in your heart, always.        

During my previous employment with KenAir ICP & ACI, I have met and handled many corporate customers in my course of work, many were very demanding and will never take no for an answer.

 

When I first met Tommy in his office, sporting a moustache and his rather stern "look", my knees went soft thinking that I will probably get "chewed" up again.....On the contrary, Tommy was just the opposite. In his very own style, he handled himself very professionally and I felt totally at ease even on the first meeting.

 

That was the start of many years of friendship between us. Besides computer games that he enjoyed with Peter and Edwin, he also has a great passion for outdoor fishing, we went on to enjoy a couple of fishing trips together, including once on a fishing boat in Phuket, Thailand. Thinking back, he actually started to throw-up as the sea was rather choppy on that particular trip. Nevertheless, we had some quality time together, although not many fishes were caught....

 

Tommy, I will cherish these wonderful memories....God Bless & may you rest in peace!

 

Randee

 

 

I have not known Tommy for a long time. I met him when I came to work in HP Singapore almost 2 years ago. When I think of Tommy words like professional, dedicated and thoughtful come to mind. He was a kind man.  He will be missed by many of us. I can only offer to remember him and you in my prayers. I ask that you find the strength to deal with this most unfortunate loss.

As friends and family members, we will all surely cry and mourn for Tommy's passing.  But once that phase is over, we should always cherish his goodness and remember his good deeds, learn from him his sincerity, thoughtfulness and care and go practise these qualities in our daily lives.

 

Our thoughts and prayers go to his dear mother and his son, Jeffrey. To the family members and friends of Tommy, his passing is indeed a trememdous loss, however he has left us with his words and experiences which will live on in us and that we may carry it through our life.

Dear Jeffrey,

 

Your father worked closely with me during the Compaq years when he had responsibility for the Communications function for Asia Pacific. He was a private man, quiet and humble but competent in his craft. With a small group of people and a limited budget, he worked to project Compaq's corporate and brand presence. We had great camaradere those days especially during the yearly sales achievers events. We had our usual disagreements over work but that did not affect the warm friendship and respect we had for each other. We did not work as closely together during the HP days but we maintained our friendship. And I knew that your father would always give his best to any assignment he was tasked with. I visited him when he was in hospital years ago when your mother Peggy was well. When Peggy passed on, I visited him and was saddened as I sensed that your father lost someone precious to him. I am saddened today by the suddeness of your father's passing. It reminds me of the brevity of life and the importance to live it well and fully. I am sure it is your father's hope that you pursue your dreams but temper your ambition with worthwhile pursuits and make a difference to the world around you. You have your life ahead of you and you can choose your destiny. Live well.

 

Paul.

 

 

I have know Tommy for almost 10 years as a friend and colleague.  He was a warm and kind person who always made the people around him feeling special. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our prays and thoughts go out to his family.

Eulogy for a Colleague and Friend named Tommy 

I'd like to say a few words of tribute to this special man who I worked with but called a friend.

When I heard the news of Tommy's passing, I was at a loss of what to say and what to do. I could only reflect and remember that a few days prior, we were all laughing and smiling as Tommy did his utter best wearing his dark cool sunglasses imitating Boy George and Michael Jackson at the end of year HP TSG Christmas party having a ball.

 

Tommy was a man that was non-judgmental. Tommy accepted people largely for what they were and for who they were.

His spirit, his generosity, his warmth also reached through barriers of race and cultural background. It also reached through the barriers of age and generation.

If Tommy could remake the world to his liking, perhaps the world would have been a better place.............