Coffee Breaks: In Loving Memory Of A Celebrity

A Celebrity
Even Unto Death

News travel fast and somehow the right people would come along the way in times of need like this. The first is of course the next of kin, then the undertaker, friends and in this special case ; TV3.

I was informed that his death was the second most read Star online news last Saturday. The major TV stations broadcasted his death over the national news and he was fondly remembered as the popular news reader who served RTM and TV3 dutifully for 23 years. I recalled from the days of old how he put his news reading duty above everything. Those times were his happiest moments and many still remember his immaculate appearance each time he appeared on the screen. By the way, my mama used to speak to him in the Cantonese dialect and strangely he spoke just as perfect - diction wise. He spoke no other dialects and even dear Kong Kong will bring himself to converse with him in broken Cantonese ; at times punctuated with the Hakka dialect. So the volume went louder each they tried to get across to each other..."ngai , ngai ...nei, nei.." ( you and I !)

TV3 crew would not miss the world for this. They were keen to receive news about him because he was fondly remembered by them. Even the reporter who came told us that she used to be under his pupillage and had learnt from him.

His ex-colleagues from TV3 ; Kevin Ong and Anne Raj took the pains to attend his funeral service. Kevin later shared how Robert Lam would always put on the best speech and greetings which caused others to also respond appropriately...no lahs please.

An active member of the Gideons Ministry, Robert Lam is highly appreciated for his effort and role in ensuring the aims of the Ministry being achieved. He would distribute the Good Book far and wide and always ready for trips to fulfil the intended purposes.

Gideons International happened to gather in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday and leaders made their way to pay their respect for a beloved brother in Christ.

The warmth and compassion of the church is clearly depicted in a loving gesture when a high tea 2 weeks ago was organised just to tell him how much they love him. I must say the church members are living out the words of God in the Good Book...be doers of the word.

Members gathered to show their appreciation and blew the shofar to usher in the presence of God. They told him that they loved his worship ministry and reminded him how he had touched many lives not only through his singing vocals but his speaking vocals. Many international students learnt under him in the ISM ( International Students Ministry) and testified of his eloquence and kindness.

The church's social ministry recalled his patient participation in the prison and old folks' ministry and how he was ever ready to go and serve the Lord.

So, they say thank you.

That evening, when we sent him home for rest, he smiled and was very happy. Yes, we could see the tired smile but it was a smile of appreciation and joy. After so many months of discomfort and pain, that evening really lifted his spirit. I recalled Jane telling him to be happy and he pointed at the wife and said, " You too, Jane".

Mark the beloved son of the deceased in his simplicity caused almost everyone present to weep for the suffering of the dad. In simple words he thanked his dad for leading him all these years and though he could not understand the trial he was going through he nevertheless would remember all his teachings. He would miss his dad dearly ; as I witnessed how he would sit beside his dad in the hospital bed and listened to dad closely as he spoke words of guidance.

Throughout the high tea celebration, many times he would hold his father's hand this way...I cannot discard the memory. This hold is an indication of his devotion and love for the dad and God help him through the days to come, I pray. In times like these, we sometimes weep for the living as well.

The man in white playing the guitar caught my attention when he spoke of Robert's caring spirit and now he in return sang at the appreciation high tea, wake services and endured tirelessly making sure everything was well taken care of. He is indeed a worthy brother.

Even the mother church saw it fit that the casket be brought to the First Baptist Church premises in Jalan Gasing for the wake and funeral services. A privilege given to the few. A colleague later told me that she could not be present because she was not sure of the venue and when I told her about the church grounds she genuinely commented "I thought the sanctuary is only for celebrities like Princess Diana?" He was indeed a celebrity even unto death.

The church members were adamant that balloons be part of the funeral. The deceased had many a time requested for a celebration during his wake service for he had claimed the promises of God ; that he would be with the Lord and that called for celebration...easier said then done though...the grief was apparent.

In honor of him the church choir sang songs specially selected... songs which he loved.

Family members from near and far gathered for the occasion and lent support to the bereaved family.

We have never met the deceased's sister, Doreen before this...but the occasion got us together quickly to rise up to the occasion.

The church was packed to the brim during the wake service as many came to pay their last respects.

Many could not resist a last look of him.

Jane bidding goodbye and making sure the glass is cleaned before the final countdown.

The final countdown...Jackson , the sober and responsible undertaker performing the last rite .

Family members and close friends wheeling the casket to the church's door for the burial place.

Good friends stick with you forever in times of joy and grief. Norma took leave and rushed to the church without qualms and sat throughout the service. She is a good family friend who does not see colour and creed. She is a breed of her own ... depicting warmth, love, compassion and discernment. She is One Malaysia lived out.

The hearse that transported the deceased to the Subang Lutheran Garden burial grounds was decorated in full color and celebration as requested.

The next of kin coming to terms with reality. A painful loss but one that has to be accepted and life goes on.

It was Mark again ; this time holding mama's hands in this time of pain and grief.

Jane and family members having a last look before the final departure.

White roses and yellow blooms were also his last requests at the hospital bed. He wanted them to go with him. So Alexis, the daughter, searched high and low for them and making sure every family member had a bloom to give away. I pray she stays strong for mummy and the brother.