U Ba Toke (1920 – 2020)

Phwa Bet Taw of RU (Rangoon University) and the First RU Students’ Strike (which led to the amendment of RU Act, and the establishment of National Schools and National College.
Studied at Mandalay University and Harvard University.
Professor and Head of Mathematics at Rangoon University
Rector, Mandalay Arts and Science University
Voluntary transfer to Rangoon Institute of Technology as Professor and Head of Mathematics
Associate Dean, Assumption University, Bangkok
More information can be found in the Book by Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char)

95th Birthday Celebration

Sayagyi U Ba Toke passed away on Dec 2, 2020 (the day following RU Centennial, and a few days short of his Centennial Birthday).
The photos (shown above) were taken on Sayagyi’s 95th birthday with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Sayagyi was pre-deceased by his beloved spouse, son (Soe Win) and daughter (Kitty).
Ma Betty, Ye Myint, Nellie, Pansy, Tammy and Deborah have posted photos and articles about their loving father.
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) wrote a book about the “Life Journey of Sayagyi U Ba Toke” and published with the sponsorship of Tekkatho Thin Char Mi Thar Su.
Sayagyi attended SPZP-2000, but skipped SPZP-2002 due to Sayagadaw’s health.
He attended subsequent SPZPs in Yangon and Singapore.
The attendees of SPZP-2007 appreciated Sayagyi’s anecdote about a 100+ year young Soviet guy quarreling with his 4th wife (and making amends soon after).
Sayagyi played soccer in his younger days.
Even in his 70s and 80s, he took weekly hikes to Shwe Dagon Pagoda with younger neighbors.
Sayagyi served on the RU Sports Council and as Leader of the Burma Olympic Team to Tokyo Olympics.
Sayagyi served as Commandant of the Tekkatho Luyechun Camp.
During my early visits, Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy of the Book and also took us down memory lane.
Sadly, aging caught up and Sayagyi lost mobility and his vision and hearing were impaired (as apparent on my later visits).
Many were planning for his Centennial Birthday, but …

On behalf of the Classes of 70 and 71 (also known as the 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65), Ko Khin Maung Myint (ChE71) offered Garawa money to Sayagyi.

Per invitation from his former students, Sayagyi attended the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (also known as SPZP-2000), San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
On behalf of the sayas, Sayagyi gave blessings to the SPZP-2000 attendees.
He was accompanied by Ko Ye Myint (eldest son) and spouse.

Bagyee Myat Myo Myint (Ko Myo Myint, Retired Dy Chief Engineer, Burma Railways) drew a Pon Tu of Sayagyi.

Pansy sent a car and driver to pick up Saya U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me at Winner Inn.
Saya U Ba Than pays respect to Sayagyi at least once every year.
Saya U Tin Htut also paid visit to Sayagyi during most of his visits to Yangon.
I visited Sayagyi during my trips to Yangon. Ko Ye Myint, Pansy, Debbie and Ko Ohn Khine (M70) provided transport on different occasions.