Sabah quake: Family, friends bid last farewell to 3 quake victims

Sabah quake: Family, friends bid last farewell to 3 quake victims

Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) pupils Peony Wee, Rachel Ho and Emilie Giovanna Ramu, who died in Sabah a week ago, were laid to rest yesterday.

The 12-year-old girls, who were on Mount Kinabalu when a 6.0-magnitude quake in the vicinity caused rock slides, were cremated in separate services.

Seven pupils and two teachers from the school lost their lives, as did a Singapore adventure guide accompanying them.

Yesterday, more than 80 relatives and friends attended the cremation of Rachel at Tse Tho Aum Temple in Sin Ming Drive.

Her father James Ho, 45, noted in his eulogy that in her death, Rachel had brought the family closer.

"You've left behind many beautiful and lasting memories that we will always cherish," said Mr Ho, struggling to hold back tears during the two-minute-long eulogy.

Family members and friends remembered the bubbly girl who loved netball and harboured dreams of representing Singapore in the sport. "Your smile, laughter and kisses will always stay with us. We love you, our little angel," said Mr Ho.

Earlier in the day, about 100 people attended the cremation of Peony at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery in Bright Hill Road.

Her father, machine operator Alson Wee, 51, described her as an active girl who played netball and enjoyed wonton noodles.

In the afternoon, more than 90 people were present for the cremation of Emilie at Mandai Crematorium. The girl, a budding ballet dancer, had been preparing for a show and was due to perform tomorrow.

At TKPS, a tribute site set up for the public to offer condolences to the victims ended yesterday. Over five days, hundreds had come to mourn those who died.

Yesterday as well, friends of TKPS teacher Mohammad Ghazi Mohamed, 35, had raised $43,470 for his family. Mr Ghazi, whose body was identified on Wednesday, left his wife, also a teacher, and three children.

On Wednesday, about 30 of his friends began an online campaign, Remembering Ghazi, to collect donations. The organisers closed it at 3.30pm yesterday, citing an "overwhelming response".

In a letter from the Education Ministry yesterday, the family of Terrence Loo, another teacher who was killed in the quake, said that up to the end of his life, the 29-year-old not only imparted knowledge, but also took on the responsibility of protecting the young ones under his charge.

His family said: "Although we are extremely saddened with loss, we are also extremely proud."

calyang@sph.com.sg

Additional reporting by Melissa Lin


This article was first published on June 12, 2015.
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