Prolific writer, an outstanding lecturer, and a teacher of teachers
Lay people in Burma were not known to teach Vipassana meditation
The Ledi tradition has a lineage of Vipassa teachers who are not ordained monks: Sayagyi U Thet, Sayagyi U Ba Khin, Sayagyi S. N. t
Mingun Jetawun Sayadaw U Narada (1868 – 1955)
Credited as one of the major revivers of Vipassana meditation
Went to one Mingun Sayadaw, who presumably had studied meditation under Thee Gon Sayadaw, and asked for guidance. Was told to study Sattipattha (from the Scriptures) deeply and then practice meditation
Prominent disciples : Mahasi Sayadaw and Taung Pulu Sayadaw
Sayadaw U Thittila (1896-1997)
U Thittila
Did missionary work in UK
Came back to Burma and taught at the Pali Department for several years before continuing his missionary work abroad
Lectured in 25+ countries (including US, UK, France)
Ovadacariya to Sanagha Maya Nayaka, trustees of renowned pagodas
Outstanding teacher and writer
Played an important role in reviving Buddhism in India and propagating the study of Abhidhamma
Very modest; rarely talked about his many achievements
Patamagyaw scholar of all Burma (1918) : selected from among 5000 candidates
Panyattisasanahita (1923) : among the 4 out of 150 entrants who passed the toughest monastic examination
Studied Sanskrit in India; English in India and England
Translated Vibhanga (second of the seven Adbhidhamma texts) from Pali to English : published by the Pali Text Society in 1969 under the title of The Book of Analysis
Mahagandaryone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa
Mahagandayone Sayadaw
Wrote several books in Pali and Burmese
Several of his students including Thamane Kyaw Sayadaw and U Hla Myint are teaching “Pali Sikkha (Training)” to lay persons without overwhelming with Pali Grammar
Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana
Sixth Buddhist Council Mahasi & Mingun SayadawsMahasi Sayadaw
Renowned Meditation Master and author
Served as Questioner at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at Kaba Aye, Rangoon, Burma
Chief Resident Monk of Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha
Mentees : Sayadaws U Pandita, U Kundala, U Janabhivamsa and many meditation teachers
Panditarama Sayadaw U Pandita
U Pandita
Senior disciple of Mahasi Sayadawgyi
Renowned Meditation Master and author
Succeeded Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana at Sasana Yeiktha
Established Panditarama
Saddhamaransi Sayadaw U Kundala
Senior disciple of Mahasi Sayadawgyi
Outstanding meditation teacher
Made Dhamma Duta missions abroad (until his health forced him to stop going on long, tedious trips).
Practiced vipassana meditation with the instruction of Mahasi Sayadawgyi in 1953-54
Served as Palipatiwisodhaka (editor of Pali scriptures) at the Sixth Buddhist Council.
Meditation teacher at the Sasana Yeiktha from 1967 – 1977.
Member of Mahasi Sayadaw’s Dhamma Dhuta Mission to Europe and US in 1978 – 80
Established the Chanmyay Yeiktha Buddhist Meditation Center in Myanmar chanmyay.org Branches in several countries (e.g. US, Singapore, Australia)
Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw Ashin Vicittathara
Two Sayadaws at Sixth Buddhist Council
The Guinness Book of World Records listed Sayadaw as having an outstanding memory — the best at that time [in 1954].
Served as the Chief Reciter (a la Ashin Upali and Ashin Ananda at the First Buddhist Council) at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma from 1954 – 1956.
Could memorize, recall, and give exposition on 8027 pages of the Buddhist Scriptures known as Tipitaka [“Three Baskets”] : Vinaya – Rules of monastic conduct Sutta – Buddha’s discourses Abhidhamma – Ultimate reality)
Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala (1899 – 1962)
Mogok Sayadaw
Renowned Vipassana meditation master
500 (or more) audio tapes of Sayadaw’s recordings have been transcribed into books (some e-books), and CDs Available at the Mogok Vipassana Meditation Centers
Featured in “Yahanda Hnit Poke Ko Htoo Myar” book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing
Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
U Silananda U Silananda
External examiner for the Pali Department
Rector of ITBMU
Chief Resident Monk of Dhammananda Vihara
Spiritual Advisor of several monasteries and meditation centers
Wrote books in Pali, Burmese and English
Served as Chief Compiler of the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary for the Sixth Buddhist Council.
In April of 1979, Mahasi Sayadawgi made a Dhamma Duta mission to the US. At the request of the devotees, Sayadawgyi agreed to leave behind Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa and Sayadaw U Kelasa as “trail blazers” for the promulgation, preservation, and the promotion of Sasana.
There were no Burmese Buddhist monasteries and/or temples, but the Sayadaws were determined to sacrifice their blissful lives back in their homeland to do whatever they can to do the Sasana work.
The Class of 69 (mostly M69) paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than on October 1, 2017. U Aung Min organized the visit.
Sayagyi’s birthday is October 2.
U Ba Than
The group attended the birthday celebration ceremony and received blessing from sayargyi. The group handed over garawa birthday gifts that they had collected before and on the monthly breakfast gathering held earlier that day.
Sayagyi U Ba Than
Sayagyi usually performs dana with the Garawa money he received for his birthday and for attending the SPZPs and mini-SPZPs.
Sayagyi has supported various charitable associations for the needy, the sick, the blind, the deaf and dumb, old people and “Nar Ye” . They include
Little Sisters for the Poor
U Hla Tun Foundation
Jivitadana ဇီဝိတဒါန
Hnin Si Gone Bo Bwa Yeik Tha နှင်းဆီကုန်းဘိုးဘွားရိပ်သာ
Mary Chapman
Kyaw Thu Nar Ye (နာရေး အဖွဲ့)
Medical Clinics
On his Birthday every year, Sayagyi offers “soon kwyay” ဆွမ်းကျွေး at Yaw Sayadaw’s monastery.
The Soon kwyay held on October 2, 2017 was attended by sayas, alumni, relatives and friends.
Updates
During the pandemic, physical gatherings were put on hold. Celebrations were done virtually, e.g via Zoom
U Tin Htoon compiled a Photo Album for Sayagyi’s 90th birthday in 2020.
U Ba Than
Sayagyi passed away peacefully after his 94th birthday.
After retirement, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children.
Attended 69er Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019 in Yangon.
Kyaw Kyaw
Member of elite group who married before graduation.
Myo Tun (Bobby)
Johnian
Studied in UK twice. During his high school days, he received BOC Scholarship to study in the UK, but the program discontinued around 1962.
Finished GCE. Had to take some subjects in Matric to attend Rangoon University.
Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun.
Assisted P Aung Khin (Guardian) with Supplement & Scrabble Tournament
Joined PWD
Received State Scholarship to pursue Masters in the UK.
After retirement, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He served as an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He later taught at selected monasteries. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias Kittim Ku & Uzin Bobby Myo Tun
Saw Tobias Kittim Ku (Tobi, GBNF)
Albertian
Sang “Kawthoolei” at RIT games
Attended 69er monthly breakfast gatherings.
Passed away due to Covid. His daughter also succumbed to Covid.
Thet Htun
Moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi (Olive)
Played chinlon with her A69 classmates
Spouse : U Han Zaw
Met them last at Lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF)
Expert in Abhidhamma studies.
Although his health was failing, he attended the monthly Breakfast Gathering to bid farewell to his former classmates.
Per his request, his family hosted the BFG after his demise.
Saya U Yone Moe was the Dean (since BIT was then Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University).
U Sein Hla (MIT alumnus) was the Registrar.
Dr. Aung Soe (C61), Dr. San Tint (EE61) and U Maung Maung Win (M61) joined BIT as Assistant Lecturers.
Mao Toon Siong (M62), S Arya (M62), Dr. Tin Win (M62), U Aye (M62), U Tin Win (M62), U Hla Myint (M62), U Than Se (Richard, ChE62), U Aung Gyi (Simon, ChE62), Chow Seik Lim (EE62), and Daw Khin Than Nwe (T62) are some of the students who attended the Final Year classes at BIT.
U Aye (M62) and U Shwe Kyaw (M63, GBNF) represented RU and BIT in Volleyball.
BIT Volleyball
Coup d’etat occurred on March 2, 1962. The final exam for the Class of 62 was delayed for an hour or so.
Hall Tutors & Warden
U San Tun (M59) was a Gold Medalist in his class and joined the Faculty. He studied for his Masters at MIT. Upon his return, he taught at BIT and also served as a Hall Tutor.
U Kyaw Tun (EE, saya of our sayas) was the Hall Warden.
U Myo Kyi (EE59), U Tun Shwe (EE60), U Maung Maung Win (M61), Dr. San Tint (EE61) and Saya U Shwe Yi (T61) were Hall Tutors.
Social and Reading Club
BIT S&R Club
BIT had “Social and Reading Club” (သဟာယနဲ့စာဖတ်အသင်း Tha ha ya and Sar Phut Ah Thinn).
Most halls in Rangoon University have Social and Reading Clubs. For example, Shwe Ku May Hnin described S&RC and the notable members (who became known in the Literary Circle in Burma and beyond) in her book, “Nga Doh Khit Tone Ga Tekkatho”. She gave me an autographed copy during her visit to the US.
Rangoon Institute of Technology
BIT was renamed as Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT).
The name change took place in 1964 with the introduction of the New Education System.
RIT became an autonomous Institute. U Yone Moe became the Rector.
The degree was renamed as B.E.
First Intakes at RIT in 1964
In November 1964, there were three Intakes.
450+ students were admitted to the 1st BE based on the ILA system.
320+ students were admitted to the 2nd BE based on the marks from the I.Sc.(A) exam.
About 200 students were admitted to the 3rd BE based on the marks from the I.Sc.(B) examination. They were joined by a few students who took sabbatical in the last First Year of Engineering (in the old system).
Engineering Departments
In 1964, there were eight engineering departments.
Architecture (Acting Head : U Tha Tun)
Chemical (Head : U Khin Aung Kyi)
Civil (Acting Head : U Min Wun)
Electrical (Head : U Sein Hlaing)
Mechanical (Acting Head : U Ba Than)
Metallurgy (Head : U Thit)
Mining (Head : U Soon Sein)
Textile (Head : U Maung Maung Than)
Supporting Departments
Several departments were placed in-house.
English (Head : Daw Yin Yin Mya)
Burmese (Head : U Tein Kyi)
Maths (Head : U Sein Shan)
Physics (Head : Daw Nyein)
Chemistry (Head : U Kyaw Tun)
There were several Visiting Lecturers (e.g. for Sociology, Industrial Management, Electrical Inspection) and Part-time Lecturers.
What’s in a name?
We are not sure if “BIT Rangoon” was considered as an alternative to RIT.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has several campuses. The five oldest IIT campuses and their establishment dates are: (a) IIT Kharagpur IITKGP 1951 (b) IIT Bombay IITB 1958 (c) IIT Kanpur IITK 1959 (d) IIT Madras IITM 1959 (e) IIT Delhi IITD 1963 [founded in 1961]
Many IIT graduates continue their studies at the prestigious universities in the USA.
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) presumably was designed as a school for South East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO).
Some states (e.g Massachusetts, Illinois, California) in USA are known for their Institutes of Technology.
Dr. Freddie Ba Hli received his Sc.D. in EE from MIT. He was an informal adviser to Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Wun, who were among the first three engineering undergraduates to be chosen under the “Twining Program” initiated by U Ba Hli, first native Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University.
Further Name Changes
RIT was renamed as YIT (Yangon Institute of Technology) and later as YTU (Yangon Technological University).
Placeholder
In 1999, I started the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” partly because my alma mater was called RIT during our days, but I have mentioned repeatedly that “RIT” is simply a placeholder for all the engineering schools in Burma/Myanmar that precede RIT and succeed RIT.
Highlights and Lowlights
Adhamma Era
Our alma mater had its ups and downs. The classes were forced to close citing “disturbances”. There were no convocations for the years 1988 to 1991. It was branded as “Tha Bone Kyaung သူပုန်ကျောင်း” during the “Adhamma Era”. The classes were relocated to far away places, and “Swel Daw Bins” were decimated. The A to G Halls were transformed into make-shift quarters. Wall clocks stopped. Bushes sprang up. A video of that time brought tears and anger, and the notion that “we might not live to see our alma mater in its former glory for decades to come”.
Pwint Linn Era
With the dawn of the some-what “Pwint Linn Era”, our alma mater rose from the ashes. Per request from H.E. U Aye Myint (EP 72), the alumni — young and old, near and far — provided physical, monetary, and spiritual support to help the alma mater in every way possible.
Home Coming
The first true “Home Coming” took place in December 2012. There were tears of joy.
3000 copies of the Swel Daw Yeik Magazine were sold out in a couple of days.
Limited reprints of the 23 RIT Annual Magazines were also sold out.
Autographed copies of “Selected RIT Cartoons” were also sold out.
Some copies of “History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar” were donated to RU Central Library and YTU Library.
RUESU
Six Annual Magazines published by RUESU (Rangoon University Engineering Student Union). Saya U Moe Aung learned and refined his publication skills as an editor/publisher of the magazine.
Ban by BSPP
The student unions and all professional organizations were banned following the coup d’eat in March 1962. Censorship increased with subsequent regimes.
Alumni Association
We now have an official alumni association. It sponsored the Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in 2016.
Shwe YaDu
Shwe YaDu Celebrations were held in 2014. Fifty Swel Daw Bins were planted and maintained. The sayas and alumni donated for the Shwe YaDu Lann, Shwe YaDu benches and much more.
SPZP
The world wide SPZP scheduled for December 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Library
YTU Library Modernization Project was launched to satisfy a requirement for the accreditation of YTU. There were hiccups in the design and implementation, but thanks to the generous supporters — young and old, far and near — the first phase of the project was completed recently. Students will be provided access to the new YTU Library.
Acknowledgement
Thanks to the Ko Htu’s and Ko Hta’s ကိုယ်ထူ ကိုယ်ထ our alma mater မိခင်ကျောင်းတော်ကြီး is on track to achieving its former glory.
Kudos to the sayas and alums for keeping the RIT (Swel Daw Yeik စွယ်တော်ရိပ်) Spirit alive and well.
Irrespective of years gone by, my beloved mother and benefactor still remains in my heart. I wrote the poem for Thway Thauk Magazine in May 1964 in memory of my mom who passed away on March 10, 1964.
Alumnus of Rangoon University and Southampton University, UK
RASU, UCC, CSO, ABAC
Worked at RASU Maths Department. Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe asked him if he wished to join UCC.
Became Systems Programmer at UCC and did Masters in Computer Science at Southampton University, UK
At UCC, he wrote lecture guides and user manuals with me under the guidance of Saya U Soe Paing (Manager of Systems Division & later also Operations Division).
Known for his humor and satire (e.g Thingyan Sar)
Also wrote Kabyars and articles.
Taught at UCC and CSO before moving to Thailand. Ko Myint Oo took him to Assumption University where he was offered a job on the spot.
Sydney
Moved to Sydney, Australia and continued teaching Computer Science and Applications.
UCC gathering hosted by Saya Zaw
Hosted mini-gatherings to pay respect to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli.
UCC gathering hosted by Saya Zaw
Spouse
His spouse Daw Kyawt is a culinary expert and donor of her kidney to Saya Zaw as a priceless gift.
Books
Dhamma & Bawa
He wrote two books “Dhamma and Bawa” and “Cetana Thi Thar Kan”.
Cetana Thi Thar Kan
I am honored to be a reviewer / editor for both books and a contributor of a section for the second book.
He shared his memories about his sayas (Dr. Chit Swe, U Sein Min, U Tin Hlaing, Dr. Kyaw Thein, Dr. Khin Maung Swe, …).
Unconventional wisdom says, “We should maintain GBNF lists as part of the Written History of our beloved alma mater, our mentors and colleagues.
GBNF stands for Gone But Not Forgotten သွားနှင့်ပေမဲ့ မမေ့သင့်ပါ။
We use GBNF in the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and in my Posts.
Other posts may provide additional information for the entries in this post.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) set up three GBNF pages on ex-RIT.org web site :
GBNF for sayas and sayamas
GBNF for alumni
GBNF for spouses
I used it in the last stanza of my poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”.
Several classes maintain their GBNF list.
GBNF for the Class of 69
U Aung Min (M69) and team maintain the GBNF list of the Class of 69. About 320 students entered the first ever 2nd BE. The list includes a few seniors who took sabbatical in their study and ended up as our classmates. Several of our former classmates have passed away. Due to the decline of health, the 69ers chose to have two Golden Jubilees : the first in 2014 to celebrate the admission to RIT, and the second in December 2019 to celebrate the graduation of most members [in 1969].
GBNF for the Class of 70
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list of the Class of 70. Over 400 students entered the first ever 1st BE.
My Classmates
Among my Primary School classmates, Myo Set (son of actor Tha Gaung Gyi) was the first to pass away. He perished in a car accident.
Among my High School classmates, Min Thaw (Gilbert, SPHS63) was among the early ones to pass away. Dr.Myo San (Freddie, SPHS) is the most recent to pass away.
Tone Kyaw
One should have Samvegha (sense of urgency) after hearing the sad news. When my name sake Hla Min (Pauk Si, SPHS64, EP70) passed away in his mid-thirties, we were shocked since he seemed strong and did not wear jackets (mandated for UCC employees entering the Computer Room). He would often be seen in sport shirts. He passed away with a few months of being diagnosed with liver problem. The consultant doctor was Dr. Min Lwin (Maurice Hla Kyi, SPHS64, IM71). Ko Pauk Si was not a drinker, but other causes inflicted his liver. I became a Tone Kyaw when two government departments where I had given Guest Lectures on Computers and Applications tried to send me “Lwan Thu Pan Khwe“.
U Han Sein (C69) became a Tone Kyaw when the Organizers of the 30th Anniversary of Graduation inadvertently listed him in the GBNF list of the Class of 69. The organizers were unaware that U Han Sein was detained by the authorities after the 8-8-88 event. He resurfaced two decades later with the declaration of Amnesty.
Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63) became a Tone Kyaw when his namesake Saya Dr, Tin Hlaing (formerly of Maritime Studies) passed away. Some alumni had to revoke the wrong announcement.
GBNF
If you have additional information (e.g. Date of demise), please provide comments
Deans and Rectors
U Ba Hli (Dean)
Dr. Htin Aung (Interim Dean)
Dr. Maung Maung Kha (Interim Dean)
U Po Tha (Interim Dean)
U Yone Moe (Rector)
U Maung Maung Than (Rector)
U Aung Than (Rector)
U Khin Aung Kyi (Rector)
Architecture
U Tha Tun (Part-time)
U Kyaw Min (Part-time)
Sai Yee Leik
Civil
U Allen Htay
U Aye Win Kyaw
U Myint Soe
U Kyaw San (Part-time)
Chemical
U Khin Aung Kyi
Dr. Maung Maung Win
Daw Than Than (Chemistry)
Electrical
Dr. F Ba Hi (Part-time)
U Kyaw Tun
C. Ping Lee
U Sein Hlaing
U Tin Swe
U Sein Win
U Thein Lwin
Dr. San Tint
U Soe Min
U Chin Way
U Tin Shwe
U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan)
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee
English
Sao Kan Gyi
Joe Ba Maung
Mechanical
Dr. Chan Nyein
U Han Tun
U Khin Maung
U Kyaw Sein
U Myo Win
U Thein Tun Aung
U Tin Hlaing
Metallurgy
Dr. Khin Maung Win
U Thit
Mining
U Soe Khaw (Part-time)
U Soon Sein
U Win Kyaing
Physics
U Hlwan Moe
Daw May Than Nwe
Daw Nyein
U Saw Hlaing
Textile
U Hla Shwe
U Shwe Yi
UCC
Dr. Chit Swe
Dr. Tin Maung
U Ko Ko Lay
U Hla Min (CO)
U Mya Thein
U Kyaw Nyein
U Maung Maung Lay
U Maung Maung Gyi
U Aung Myint
U Soe Myint
U Soe Thein
U Win Naing
U Shein Soe Myint
U Aung Aung Thein
U Ba Than Aye (Myo Myint Lay)
U Thein Tan
U Myint Aung
U Win Htein (PWD) : managed electrical systems at UCC
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than
Daw Aye Aye Kyi
Daw Win May Thoung
Daw Hla Hla Win
Daw Khin Toe Nyein
Daw Khin Mya Swe
Daw Thida Aung
Daw Kyu Kyu Lwin
Daw Khin Lay Myint
PBRS
U Kyaw Zaw
Daw Khin Khin Aye
U Tin Maung Thant
U Kyaw Min
U Myint Sein
U Myat Hla Sein
U Khin Maung San
SPHS
Saya U Sein
Saya D’Cruz (Australia)
Brother Clementian
Brother Austin (Malaysia)
Brother Felix (Germany)
Ms. A Benjamin
Mrs. V. Boudville
Miss Hong Kong (Amelia Kyi)
Saya U Pe Tin
Saya U Nge
Saya U Kyaw Sein
Saya U Nyunt Maung
Doctors
Aung Khin
Aung Khin Sint
Aung Than Ba Tu
Aung Thwin
Betty Chu
Freddie Sein
Harry Saing (Htut Saing)
Htut Kyaw Win
Khin Than Nu, Daw
Khin Tun (Peter)
Kyaw Win
Min Aung
Mya Thein
Mya Tu
Myo San (Freddie)
P R Mohan
Nyunt Win (Eddie)
Thein Toe
Yi Thway
2000
Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74) : Jun 2000
2005
Dr. Mohan
Dr. Mohan
2006
U Sein Shan
Saya U Sein Shan (RIT Maths) : 17th Oct 2006
2010
U Thein Tun Aung
Saya U Thein Tun Aung (M) : Nov 2010 (See Post)
2011
U Naing Win
U Naing Win (M70) passed away in Yangon in January, 2011. His spouse Polly Win (Polly Ba San) represented Burma in swimming. I met her at A Lo Daw Pyie Kyaung, Apache Junction, Arizona.
U Chit Po Po (M69, GBNF)
Ko Chit Po Po is an expert at playing Burmese Harp.
I met Zeyar Po, Ko CPP’s son, in Sydney in 2006 along with his maternal uncle Ko Stanley Saw.
Ko Chit Po Po represented RIT in rowing along with Ko Aung Lwin (Jasper Wu, Canada), Ko Aung Tun Oo (Dennis Smithers, Australia), Ko Wunna Sithu (US) and me.
U Win Boh (Robert, EC69) wrote :
It is with my great sadness, to inform you that our close friend Ko Chit Po Po (M69, beloved husband of Dr. Daisy Saw) passed away at Asia-Taw Win Private Hospital YGN on 15 Jan 2011 Saturday early morning.
I have phoned his brother-in-Law Stanley Saw (M71) in New Zealand to convey our 69ers’ condolence.
His daughter Thiri Po in Sydney will be leaving soon to YGN for funeral.
Kindly pass on this message to Ko Chit Po Po’s friends far and near.
U Thein Swe (EP69) wrote :
It is sad news. Ko Chit Po Po (M69, ex-irrigation, tall and smiling Yangonite) passed away.
He and his brother (Dr ?) U Chit Ko Ko were close friends of my spouse’s brothers.
Before he went back to Yangon he stayed in Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand, etc. After he quit Irrigation Dept he ran an engineering (medium sized) company of Installation and Services for Air-cons and refrigerators, etc. in Lanmadaw Township.
He was a friendly classmate.
Unwillingly or in sadness we have to lose another friend.
U Tin Myint (John, M69) wrote :
It is a shock to me in hearing the sad news of Ko Chit Po Po, who was a very close friend, co-worker and also my lunch mate in the Irrigation Department at 81/2 mile workshop location.
He and I and another classmate rode the same Mazda car to work and coming back from work everyday.
He and I ate our lunch everyday.
I still remember vividly that during lunch time, after opened his lunch box and discovered fried shrimps, he would offered me his jumbo shrimps and skipped his lunch.
I enjoyed shrimps while he had no interest in shrimps.
He and I usually had one e-mail/year with exception of having two e-mails the most.
This year I received his e-mail once and I tried to have more e-mails and more info from him.
Now I received this sad news.
U Aung Thu Yein (EC69) wrote :
Our Colleague/Comrade/Friend – Chit Po Po,
We will miss you.
Just talking about you a few days ago.
Why so fast?
Why so sudden !!!
True Friends – Their Top 10 Characteristics (By Martin Sawdon)
When you forget the song in your heart, a friend is someone who sings it back to you. (Helen Steiner)
A friend’s support is unconditional: when the going gets tough a friend is right there beside you.
A friend has seen you at your worst and loves you even so.
A friend is someone with whom you can share secrets in confidence.
You can phone a friend for help even in the middle of the night.
A friend is honest with you, deflates your ego and inflates your Self.
A friend shares your sense of humor, provides nourishment and inspiration for the mind.
A friend is drawn to you not for what you are but who you are.
When you share your wildest dreams, a friend is someone who replies, quote, How can I help? unquote.
Thinking about Needs and Values, once you have recognized those Needs which,satisfied, enable you to be the best person you possibly can be, a friend will help you get them met.
U Sein Tin (“Omega”, Pathein, M 69) wrote :
We are feeling very sorry like you.
Our ages are at the sunset.
So take care of our health first and last.
Ivan Lee (Khin Maung Oo, M 69) wrote :
Dr. Daisy Saw and family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
We will remember him forever.
Daw Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :
I have a photo, which was taken at our gathering on 17 March 2010 by 69ers for KCPP’s visit to Singapore.
We were all very happy to meet him then!!
2012
U Thein Han
Thein Han (E) : 18th May 2012
U Han Tun
Saya U Han Tun (M) passed away on September, 2012.
Per his request, the body was donated to MC2.
U Kyaw Sint
Kyaw Sint (Edward Tai) (Tex 70, SPHS 63) is the beloved husband of Dolly Kamdar, father of Marlar and Noel, grandfather of three.
He passed away on November 29, 2012 at 6:58 pm.
He is the brother-in-law of Malcolm, Margaret (Tin Mg Lay [M 69]), Jannette, Ruby, and Pearl.
U Khin Maung Toe
Nationally acclaimed vocalist
Produced Thamudaya Kyaung 1 and 2
Passed away in Singapore
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, EC69, GBNF)
Collegiate Scholarship Winners from SPHS in 1963
SPHS 63 (Aung Thuyein is second from right)
The group photo shows :
Standing (L to R) :
Hla Min (7th)
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, 17th)
Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th)
Thein Wai (5th)
Maung Maung Kyi (11th)
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, 9th)
Seated (L to R) :
Min Oo (Kenneth, 2nd)
Khin Maung U (George, 1st)
Myo San (Freddie, 3rd)
Best Friends
Aung Thu Yein (Brownie Way, SPHS63, EC69, GBNF) is the younger brother of Dr. Thet Htar Way (GBNF).
He read notes to his best friend Nyunt Wai (Victor), who fell sick before the Matriculation examination.
Nyunt Wai stood 4th in the Matriculation examination. Aung Thu Yein stood 13th. Both won the Collegiate Scholarships of K75 per month along with eight of their classmates.
Studies and Career
He was one of the eleven students who graduated with EC (Electrical Communications) degree in 1969.
He is seen third from right in the back row of the Group Photo taken in 2009 (30th Anniversary of Graduation).
F Block Soccer Team
He played soccer for the F Block team. He can be seen third from left in the back row. Sad to note that Myint Thein (Kabar, M69, 2nd from left) and Tun Oo Khine (EP69, rightmost) are GBNF.
He worked at MOC and Schlumberger.
Smoking and Drinking
Before attending RIT, he was a non-smoker and a non-drinker.
He claimed that he started smoking at RIT to warn off mosquitoes in the rest room of the hostel.
He accompanied some of his hostel friends to celebrate with drinks after taking the mid-term and final examinations.
Farewell
During one of my visits to Yangon in 2012, Zau Lai picked me up first and then Brownie.
Brownie jumped into the car without changing into new clothes and without locking his home and gate. He trusted people.
Due to his medical conditions, his doctor has advised him to stop smoking and drinking.
Seeing his long lost friends and with the persuasion of Duwa Zau Lai, Brownie found an excuse to take a drink “just one more time”.
Last Days
The Monthly Breakfast Gathering at Royal Rose (Taw Win Hnin Si) had bad news. We learned that Aung Thu Yein had slipped and fell a his home. His son (a medical doctor) rushed him to the RGH Neurological Ward.
After the gathering, several of us visited the RGH Neurological Ward.
I spent a few days as a temporary monk at Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung with U Wara (Win Paing, ChE70) as my preceptor.
The 69ers learned about the demise of Aung Thu Yein, but they chose not to inform me and disrupt my meditation practice at the monastery.
GBNF
Among the eleven EC69ers, Ko Kyaw Soe was the first to pass away.
Ko Aung Thu Yein became the second to pass away.
Ko Chit Tin became the third to pass away.
May they all rest in peace.
2013
Than Myint(’64 Intake, Ah Nu Pyinnyashin)
Dear Friends,
Sad to inform that Than Myint (’64 first year intake Roll No. 168) had passed away on 23rd January 2013 at Asia Royal Clinic. The funeral was at Ye Way cemetery on 25th January. I knew about his demise from the newspaper. He was a musician and vocalist, and a Burmese Guitar virtuoso.
U San Htay (B. E. Metallurgy) 1973 Batch. Retired Brigadier General passed away on 24 March 2013 in Victoria hospital. His remains were cremated at Yayway cemetery on 26 March 2013, 2 p.m.
Bohmu Myint Swe (Retd) BE Civil (78 Batch) passed away on March 22, 2013.
Maung Htay wrote:
I am very upset. I know him. His nick name GiGi. He performed half man and half woman show on RIT concert. We lived in Thamine Hostel together when we are in RIT.
Saya Allen Htay
Condolences from Ko Ben Aye Maung (Htin Myaing, A66)
Dear Muriel,
It is with great sadness to learn that your beloved husband Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19 March 2013. I just found out from the RIT Alumni newsletter.
Please accept my deep & sincere condolences to you & your daughters.
Saya Allen was a gentle kind hearted person as well as a good compassionate teacher. He will be sadly missed by all his friends, colleagues and students.
Please be consoled by the Buddhist philosophy of the Law of impermanence and that we will all have to part with our loved ones one day.
With deep sorrow, Ben Aye Maung
PS The last time we all met together was in happy times at the Bangkok MEHS Reunion in 2008. I still have the group photo which included us & some other friends, that you sent me, which will serve as a fond memory.
Condolences from Saya U Min Wun (C)
Today I found out that Saya Allen Htay has recently passed away. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Ma Mu and her family.
In 1957 when I taught the Final Year CE class I noticed a group of highly intelligent students and Allen Htay was one of them. When he graduated the next year he was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer together with Ko San Hla Aung and Ko Win Thein.
Allen Htay was later sent abroad to Harvard University to study Soil Mechanics. He then left R.I.T. to work abroad. Later on he joined CalTrans [California Department of Transportation] until he retired due to his illness. The other day one of my RIT colleagues reminded me of the longevity of most of the senior CE staff, beginning from Saya Nam Kock, Dr. Aung Gyi, Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein, Allen Htay, and me. All of us are approaching and/or surpassing 80.
Now one of us is already gone and he’ll be missed.
From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A 67)
My deepest & sincere condolences to Ma Ma Mu & Family. You will be deeply missed by all of us.
Saya RIP.
Khin Khin Kyu (A 67)
From Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag 65)
Dear Muriel & family,
Please accept our heartfelt deepest condolences and sorrow. Allen is one of our nicest sayas and he is always smiling and a happy person.
He will be greatly missed by all Myanmar engineers.
Myo & Nu Win ( Melvyn Ba Tin & Noreen Aungyaw)
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L. Tin Htun, EE 59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
We are greatly saddened to learn about the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Mr. Allen Htay. Please convey our deep condolence and sympathy to all members of his family.
Sincerely, Chris and Pam Lee
From Saya U Nyo Win
Maurice and All,
Please convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Allen’s family. Please include me in any and all arrangements for the funeral.
With great sadness, [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (M 65)
(9) From Saya KC
Hi Maurice,
I am saddened by the bad news. Please convey my condolences to Daw Mu Mu and her family and let me know the funeral arrangement once it is confirmed. Also count me in your arrangement of expressing our grieve. Thank you.
Regards, [Saya] KC Chiu (ChE 63)
Saw Linn (C71) wrote :
Sad News.
Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19-03-2013.
Win Khaing (M75) wrote :
Dear U Saw Lin
Pls convey my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family of Saya Allen Htay.
With regards U Win Khaing President MES
U Moe Aung wrote :
Saya was a very gentle and soft-spoken person.
Please convey my deepest condolences to his wife Daw Mu Mu Khin and family.
Tunaye Sai wrote :
Very sad to hear this news.
Please convey my condolences to saya’s family.
Myint Pe wrote :
Very sad to hear about SA YAR’s news.
Aung Kyaw Myat wrote :
Deep Condolences to Saya’s Family.
U Kyaw San Win wrote :
He is genius and good teacher for us. We miss him forever. This is life. Please convey our condolences to his bereaved family.
U Kyaw Sein wrote :
I can still remember Saya’s soft-spoken manner of conducting lectures. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
Tin Lin wrote :
May you rest in PEACE Saya Allen Htay! My deepest condolence to saya’s family. This is the final journey of our life to pass through one day.
Hla Thaung wrote :
Very sorry to know that. Saya, may you rest in peace! My deep condolence to Saya’s family.
2014
U Maung Maung (T) : 31st Aug 2014
In February 2014, Daw Helen Lim, 88+ years young passed away. She is the mother of Margaret Lim and Daisy Lim. She is the aunt of Saya U “Charlie” Hla Myint (M 65), U Michael Lim (C74), Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75) and Dr. San Lwin Lin (EC77) .
Another matriarch Daw Kyin Shwe, 98+ years young, passed away at 7 am on February 8, 2014. She is the mother of U Nyunt Tin (M 70, RIT table tennis), Daw May Win Kyi (my primary school classmate), the late Daw Khin Pa Pa (Mrs. Sein Yaung, M 67), and U Nyunt Tun (Kha mee kha met of Daw Kyu Kyu Lin).
2015
Sein Sein (T) : 19th Feb 2015
Myat Soe (Myint Soe, E) : 22nd Mar 2015
Myo Thaw : May 2015
Chit Khin (A) : 23rd June, 2015
Htike Nyan (E) : 26th Oct 2015
Nay Win (M69)
Win Naing (Dicky, M69)
2016
Aung Law Ha (Min) : 30th Jan 2016
John Krasu : Mar 2016
Aye Than (E) : 25th Apr 2016
Khin Maung Pun (Pet) : Oct 2016
Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu, mother of U Win Htut
2017
U Boon Pin : 19th Mar 2017
Dr. Aung Thwin (Alfred, SPHS63, USA) : Mar 2017
Kyaw Swe Thet (M)
Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M65, Australia)
U Aung Myint (M67, USA)
U Tin Myint (M69, USA)
U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69)
U Chit Tin (EC69)
Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, Singapore)
Sayama Daw May Than Nwe (Phy, Singapore)
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, SPHS63)
U Myint Sein (Bobby, SPHS64)
Saw Yan Naing (C68) : 3rd Dec 2017
U Boon Pin
U Boon Pin
U Boon Pin
U Boon Bin (Class of 48/49), father of Ko San Lin (Robert, EC73) and uncle of Ko Johnson Lim, Chan passed away peacefully in Taiwan on March 19, 2017.
U Myo Win
RIT Automobile Club
Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M65, Australia) rowed for RIT. He co-managed the RIT Auto Club. He and Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) oversaw the RIT Gathering in Sydney in 2006 (and more).
U Aung Myint
U Aung Myint (M67, US) worked with U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) on “Set Hmu Thadin Zin” and Mechanical Magazine. He passed away in Northern California, USA.
U Myint Thein
Yet Lei Invitation for Kabar
U Myint Thein (Kabar, M69) was a Core organizer from the Class of 69. He found his health deteriorating while doing medical check up and treatment in Singapore, India and Yangon. He passed away on 24th Oct 2017
U Chit Tin
U Chit Tin (EC69) moved back to Yangon after working in Singapore for several years. There were only eleven who graduated with EC (Elecctrical Communications) in 1969. Three are now GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). U Kyaw Soe, U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie) and U Chit Tin have left us.
U Chit Tin (EC69, Nyaung Oo) succumbed to liver cancer on (9 November, 2017) 1:30 pm at his home. Per his wish, the services were performed the same day.
Two Fallen Comrades (Ko Chit Tin and Ko Myint Thein)
Ko Chit Tin and Ko Myint Thein (Kabar) are remembered by their 69er classmates. They passed away within five weeks.
From Ashin Pannagavesaka
GBNF. We are also bound to follow our dear friends, sooner or later.
From David Myint Thein
We can’t say when, but, definitely, we have to follow Maung Kabar and Bo Chit one day.
From Tobias Ku
Just a matter if time. Sooner or later we’ll be seeing each other again. Come heaven or hell. RIP KCT.
From Zau Lai
What will be will be. After 20 years the most we all (RIT 69ers) will be gone. From dust to dust. Care one another while we are still here on this earth. My father and my mother were gone. I also must be gone when the time comes. I have no plan to say “No”.
From Ngwe Tun Tun
It is a universal truth my friend KAGS. We must follow this path now and then. From Ko Thein Swe (EP69)
We (Saw Aung (Rakhine), Zaw Win M69, Nyaung Oo, now Thailand, Ko Chit Tin and I) were together studying in I.Sc A in Mandalay university before joining RIT.
From Ko Aung Khin (EP68)
Please convey my condolences to the family of U Chit Tin.
From Ko Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Very sad to hear the demise of our friend, Ko Chit Tin. It was a shocking news.
From Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69)
To meet, to love and to part, c’est la vie!!!
So my dear friends do send me flowers when I leave.
From Ko Aung Myint (M69)
Saddened to hear the demise of our friend Ko Chit Tin. I met him a few times in Singapore when he was working there.
My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.
U Saw Yan Naing
U Saw Yan Naing (Bo Bo, C69) was a room mate of Ko Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) at RIT. Both were from Meikhtila. After graduation, he moved to Mandalay. We had not seen him after graduation. He married a cousin of Ko Tun Aung Gyaw.
U Tin Myint
U Tin Myint (L. Tan Choy, John T Lee, M69, USA) matriculated from Taunggyi. He was Luyecun for 4th BE. He represented RIT in Table Tennis. He married Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T69), who played basketball for RIT. They settled in Union City, California. Their daughter (a medical doctor) asked me to give a short address at the funeral service of Ko Tin Myint.
Dr. Myo San
Dr. Myo San (Freddie Ba San, SPHS63, IM1 70) stood 3rd in Burma in the Matriculation of 1963. He became a surgeon, but had to take early retirement.
U Myint Sein
U Myint Sein attended Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS) before moving to St. Paul’s High School (SPHS). He matriculated in 1964 and studied B.Com at the Institute of Economics (IE). He is a cousin brother of U Nyunt Tin (M70, RIT Table Tennis).
He served as Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau). He taught Medical Astrology at the School of Indigenous Medicine (Taing Yin Saya Pyinnya) in Mandalay. He later founded “Idea Astrology”.
He is GBNF.
Daw Than Than
Sayama Daw Than Than (Chemisty) is the spouse of Saya U Khin Maung Myint (Chemistry, GBNF) and the mother of Ko Wynn Myint Aung (EC76). She was healthy, but unexpectedly succumbed to pneumonia. She passed away exactly one year after her younger son died.
U Kyaw Zaw
U Kyaw Zaw is the spouse of Sayama Daw Khin Khin Aye (Past Principal, Boundary Road School). He was States Scholar in the early 50s. He studied Motion Pictures (technology …) in the USA. He is the father of Bohmu Thane Myint (spouse of Ma Khin Than Nu (Glory, EC70)).
Dr. Barry Paw
Dr. Barry Paw (MD, Ph.D) is the only child of Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF, Past President of BEA, Past President of TBSA). He is a nephew of U Tun Thein (A67) and a cousin of Ko Robert Hla Thein (M72). Dr. Barry is Harvard medical school Professor, Boston children Hospital co founder. He succumbed to a heart attack.on Dec 29 in Denver when he flew back from Australia after visiting his aunt and her spouse who passed away unexpectedly. Dr. Barry had to arrange the funeral services of his uncle.
2018
U Maung Maung Swe : Jan 2018
U Than Naing (Saya Gyi) : 29th Jan 2018
U Maung Maung Than (M) : 8th Jul 2018
Saya H Num Kok (C, USA) : 12th Jul 2018
U Cho Aye (M70) : 7th Aug 2018
U Thein Htun (M) : 29th Aug 2018
U Aye Kyaw : 12th Oct 2018
Daw Khin Than Win (T70) : 3rd Sep 2018
U Hla Moe (U Kyin Sein, Phy) : 4th Nov 2018
U Khin Kyaw (SPHS 70/EP 76/ex-YCDC) : 18th Dec 2018
Dr. Daw Kyin Yee, spouse of Saya U Kyaw Myint (M64) : Dec 2018
U Ne Win Myint (Victor, ChE66, USA)
Darren Lee (M62, USA)
U Kyaw Min Than
U Nyunt Than (M86) wrote :
Our classmate Daw Khin Htwe Yee (M86) passed away on Jan 6th., 2018.
Myanmar Community in SF Bay Area
Two members from the Myanmar Community in the San Francisco Bay Area lost their beloved ones.
Ms. Yasmin Vanya, Secretary of Burmese American Women’s Alliance (BAWA), lost her beloved mother. Yasmin is a cousin of Saya Bilal Raschid (C56, Architect).
U Maung Maung Latt, President of Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA) lost his beloved wife. He was elected as MP of Beelin Constituency in the 1990 elections.
U Kyaw Min Than
U Kyaw Min Than is the younger brother of Saya Dr. U Win (USA).
HlaMin 