U Ba Toke & U Ba Than

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Garawa

• U Ba Than usually visits and pay homage to his saya U Ba Toke at least once every year.
• Both are our Sayagyis.

January 2017

• Pansy (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her daughter & son-in-law to pick up Saya U Ba Than (86 years), Saya U Tin Htut (79 years) and me to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke (96 years).
• Sayagyi has some problems with mobility & vision, but his mind remains crisp & clear.
• He was born on Dec 26, 1920. Rangoon University opened on Dec 1, 1929. They are “Phwa Bet Taws”.
• Sayagyi deferred celebrating his birthday so that three of his grandchildren abroad could come back & join the celebration.
• Sayagyi is pre-deceased by his beloved spouse, daughter (Kitty) and son (Soe Win).
• He has six remaining children : Betty, Ye Myint, Nellie, Pansy, Tammy & Debbie
• Pansy has offered transportation (within Rangoon) to Sayas who want to visit her father

Book

• A detailed account of Sayagyi has been covered by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (“Maung Thin Char”).
• I received an autographed copy during a previous visit. The book may need a reprint.

Memories

SPZP-2000

• Ko Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) donated a roundtrip ticket to invite a Saya from Myanmar to attend SPZP-2000.
• Debbie (Saya’s youngest daughter) relayed Saya’s wish to attend SPZP-2000.
• Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70) offered accommodation for Saya, Ko Ye Myint & spouse.
• Several sayas and alumni donated towards Saya’s expenses for the trip. Some offered to show Saya around the SF Bay Area.

SPZP-2007

• Saya was asked about Longevity.
• Saya recounted his experience in USSR. The host said, “Do not worry about the noise upstairs. It’s my 100+ years young uncle quarreling with his fourth wife. They will make peace soon”.

SPZP-2012 & 2016

• Saya needed assistance to attend the SPZPs.
• Even some younger Sayas needed wheelchair.

RU Centennial

• Due to pandemic, most events were broadcast or held online.
• Saya passed away on Dec 2, 2020 — the day after the RU Centennial.

GBNF

• Sayagyi U Ba Toke passed away a few days short of his Centennial birthday

• U Ba Than passed away after his 94th birthday

• Dr. Khin Maung Swe passed away in his 80s