Eulogy by Ms Vera Tay, Bok Guan's eldest daugther, who took on his father's lead in becoming a banker and missionary
Touching eulogy by Mr Jason Tan, captain of 1st PJ. He was in tears right from the get-go, showing how much Mr Tay Bok Guan meant to him. Apparently he was one of the handful of Juniors that were around when Mr Tay first came in - that was how close the Company came to closing down
I wrote a Facenook post the night before, which can be read below, just to preserve my own memories of the main a proudly call my former colleague:
I was sad to learn of the passing of a Brigade strongman – Mr Tay Bok Guan. I remember seeing him for the first time during the 2005 BCM in Sandakan. A vocal individual who was serving as Brigade Treasurer at the time (or was contesting in election to be), he had no problem speaking his mind. Back then, we was already a senior citizen, being a Bank Negara Malaysia retiree. Prior to our first encounter, I’ve already heard much about him from other BB officers – I suppose one could describe his reputation as being one that is “infamous”.
Our next encounter was during 1st Petaling Jaya Company's Enrolment Service of 2006 (see pic), but it was a very brief hi-and-bye. I was impressed by his willingness to volunteer in heading up the Company. 1st PJ is among BB Malaysia’s early companies, founded in 1959, which has seen its share of ups and downs. In fact, it has gone defunct once and was reestablished in 1983. It wasn’t until Bok Guan came along before it experienced a period of stability. He was able to pull a strong team around him – both young and (not so) old (especially compared to him), building a once struggling Company into one of BB Malaysia’s finest.
While my first two encounters with him was brief – but it was more than made up for when I had the privilege of working with him in BB Malaysia Headquarters for 22 months. Bok Guan volunteered to help BBM repair their accounts which was in disarray – particularly that of the depot. He was also asked by the Brigade EXCO to take care of the HQ which did not have an Executive Secretary at the time.
Initially, I was apprehensive starting the job alongside him due to the rumours. Mr Tay had a very charismatic personality with a certain brashness in the way he interacted with people – a type of confidence (one could also say overconfidence), if applied a tad more intensely, can be inaccurately perceived as insults or bragging. I can see why those who did not know him well could easily misunderstand his character. However, the man turned out to be quite a humble and decent man. Despite the difference in his age and seniority, he never once pulled rank. He was willing to listen to suggestions and ideas, rather than dictating how things were to run – a true “working together” experience, rather than one where I was “working for” him. There is a caveat – he’ll treat you well if you’re a team player and hard worker, always having your back and defending you (he certainly vouched for me on numerous occasions with the BBM EXCO). But, if you’re a self-centred slacker – you will incur his wrath and abundant amounts of criticisms/nagging (and he can be very, very vicious).
I have many fond memories working with Bok Guan in BBMHQ. In terms of work ethics, he was very hands on – willing to do the manual work. Once in a while, heavy uniform supplies will arrive at the office – and I mean really heavy boxes. Despite his age, he would push these supplies into the stores by himself, not wanting to bother the other HQ staff, nor did he want to use his seniority to tell us to help (of course I will always panic and insist to help – worried he might break his back. But some mornings I would walk into the office and find that it's all done - old ppl wake up in ungodly early hours). HQ also once had plumbing issues – I remember a morning or two where I would catch him in the septic tank (which is a pretty gross place to be) trying to figure out the issue. Once I was repainting the outer office walls, so I brought a waterjet sprayer to remove the paint. It was only half done on the first day – when I came back the next morning, Bok Guan was out half naked in the sun trying to finish off where I started off (photo available upon request - might put it into the comments if you're interested). He was certainly diligent and a workaholic – there were numerous times after midnight (sometimes at 2am) where I will find him logging on his computer from home, using TeamViewer to continue consolidating the depot accounts (cause the PC screen will be moving in the office and I could see him at work).
Mr Tay was also a man of integrity, preferring to do what is uncomfortable but what is right during times of crisis. In our quarterly meetings with the BBM EXCO, he did not shy away from the sensitive issues in getting to the root of problems (even when he was no longer in the EXCO - acting without fear or favour).
I'll cherish my memories of Mr Tay Bok Guan – driving around in his old Proton Saga, how he was highly looked up upon by his Boys and officers from 1st PJ (as some of them evidently took up his brash personality), the fellowship, mentorship, and being a person I can call a friend (and thank you for the recommending me for an extra half month bonus in 2010 - which I understand the rest didn’t receive, heh). Well done fighting the Good Fight and serving the Lord selflessly. Until we meet again.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends from 1st PJ BB.
