'FAREWELL - Comrade. Farewell -You lived up to your ideals which is the memory your friends cherish.'

President S R Nathan, 84, penned these words in a condolence book after he paid his respects to former MP Ho See Beng on Wednesday afternoon.

He spent half an hour with family members and friends at Mr Ho's semi-detached home in Joo Chiat, recalling the memories he shared with a man he considered the long-time stalwart of the labour movement and co-founder of the National Trades Union Congress.