Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University & the First RU Students’ Strike in December 1920
Passed away on December 2nd, 2020 the day following the RU Centennial, but a few days before his Centennial Birthday on December 26th.
Obituary
Education & Experience
Graduate of Mandalay University, Rangoon University and Harvard University
Professor of Maths, RASU
Rector, MASU
Professor of Maths, RIT
Associate Dean, Assumption University, Bangkok
RU Sports Council
Leader, Burma Team to Tokyo Olympics
Family 1Family 2ConvocationInvitation
Birthday Celebrations
Saya celebrated his birthdays with his children, grand children and great grand children
U Ba Toke (Birthday)
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char) interviewed Sayagyis. Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khine transcribed the tapes. The book was published by RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su as a birthday present for Sayagyi.
U Ba Toke (Book)Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char)Daw Myint Myint Khine
U Ba Than’s visits
U Ba Than, retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering, paid respect to his mentor Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
The group photo was taken on one visit. Sayagyi’s daughter Pansy Thin (ChE74) provided transportation for Saya U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me.
U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
Sayagyi attended RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes starting with the inaugural SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
Sayagyi missed a SPZP in Singapore due to Sayagadaw’s failing health.
Spouse of Dr. Peter Tun (Khin Tun, my cousin nephew)
During our visit to UK in September 2017, they hosted us
Peter & Win Mar
Peter was working at the NHS hospital and at a private clinic. He would show us around late in the evening (e.g. River Thames).
Tribute to Peter
Trip to Wales
On the week end Peter drove us to Ogmore-by-the-sea in Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi & Khin May Than.
Trip to Ogmore-by-the-sea
Guide
She would be our guide during the week days.
We took bus and train to see Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace & tourist attractions. Since she had been to those places many times, she would patiently wait for us near the entrance / exit gate. As seniors, we received discount on the bus and train fares.
She keeps fit by massaging her feet in a bucket full of salt. She also climbs up and down the stairs to do her chores (cooking, washing, drying clothes in the backyard).
Chefs
Both are outstanding Chefs.
She is selective in eating food. She prefers Burmese specialties over Chinese, Indian & British food (with the exception of “Fish and Chips” sold at the shop owned by Peter’s assistant).
Love Story
With young Min Ko
She would tell stories (esp. to my spouse).
When she was working as a teacher in Hlegu, Peter would come over with a food container. Guess what. Peter brought mashed potatoes not knowing that she did not have appetite for non-Burmese food.
Later, they regained contact by chance at the Chauk Htutt Yone (6-storey Govt. office).
Peter asked her for a date.
He handed over a 7-page “Yee Zar Sar”. Win Mar appreciated the Open Book approach. Peter listed his puppy love, current & potential suitors.
Peter agreed to settle in Mezaligone. They spent a long time there.
Peter’s sayas & friends finally suggested him to study for MRCP.
2020
Covid
In late March, Peter told me that COVID-19 had hit UK, but Reading did not have many cases.
Nevertheless, he showered every day (before & after work) as a precaution.
He treasured Win Mar’s health.
Then, we heard bad news. Five of Peter’s patients tested positive for COVID-19. Peter was asked to “self isolate” at his home.
Per his brother, sister & nieces, Peter felt confident that he would be victorious.
After a week, Peter’s health declined and was admitted to ICU.
A few days later, Win Mar had fever and cough. Min Ko & Ye Lay (who could not visit the house due to the “self-isolation”) called ambulance. The medics checked Win Mar and suggested to wait a few days.
Hospitalization
Peter passed away on April 13.
Win Mar was taken to the hospital for observation & treatment.
Her health and appetite returned. She requested “Fish and Chips”. It was a sign that she still have a good memory. Her friends (esp. Ma Theingi) cooked Burmese meals.
She was discharged on April 29.
She was able to attend the service for Peter on April 30.
She spoke with Cho Cho Hlaing (Peter’s youngest aunt) in the video conference, “Peter was born on a Monday and passed away on a Monday. He must have run out of his life span. KAN KONE LOH SONE THWAR DA. ကံကုန်လို့ ဆုံးသွားဒါ”
Win Mar now has close company of of her sons Ye Lay and Min Ko (who still had lease for a flat 5 minutes away).
They offered One Month Soon Kyway to Birmingham Sayadaw U Ottara Nyana.
They also celebrated Ye Lay’s birthday a few days later.
Peter & Win Mar at Min Ko’s Wedding Reception
Updates
After attending Min Ko’s wedding reception, Peter’s relatives — aunt, uncle, brother, cousins — had a gathering in Sydney.
Peter chose to fly back to UK to take care of his patients. Sadly, he might have been infected by a patient.
Peter was looking forward to his retirement and the day when he would be a proud grandpa.
Win Mar has a consolation prize. She could spend quality time with her two granddaughters.
