I felt uncomfortable to be addressed as “Ah Ba”, “Pho Pho” and to be offered assistance (e.g. wheelchair).
I now feel OK to use wheelchair at air ports and to have people assist me when I climb up & down hill slopes. I had a couple of bike rides on dirt roads.
I enjoy senior discounts for trains, buses & restaurants.
I hope that my mental faculties will remain sharp and strong.
Jara (old age) caught even the sport stars like Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke
Phwa Bet Taw
Saya is a Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University and the first Rangoon University Students’ Strike in December 1920.
SPZP-2000
In 2000, Theingi (Saya’s youngest daughter) conveyed us Saya’s wishes to attend SPZP-2000. U Maung Maung Than (M79, Texas) had donated a round trip ticket. Several sayas & alumni donated expenses. Details can be found in “Count down to the Reunion” articles.
SPZP-2000
Birthdays
Saya 2
He celebrates his birthdays with his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
Saya‘s birthday
Longevity
Saya gave a speech in SPZP-2007 about “Longevity”. He visited a house in USSR where the 80+ year old host explained about the noise up stairs. “Don’t worry. It’s my 100+ year old uncle quarelling with his fourth wife. They will make amends.”
Garawa
During my visits to Yangon, I paid respect to Saya.
U Ohn Khine (M70) gave me a ride in 2012. Saya gave us autographed book. We enjoyed Sayagyi’s accounts. He was a football star, a leader of the Burma Olympic Delegation, and an excellent teacher. Up to his early 80s, he could walk to the Shwe Dagon pagoda with his friends. In his 90s, Sayagyi lost some mobility, eye sight and hearing, but he was determined to attend SPZPs.
Book
In 2016, Saya’s son U Ye Myint and daughter Daw Thynn Thynn (Pansy) made arrangements to give us rides to and back from Saya’s house.
U Ba Toke
In 2018, I called Ma Theingi and asked about Sayagyi. She mentioned that Sayagyi is healthy but because he had lost most teeth, she has to listen carefully to grasp his message.
Saya passed away on December 2, 2020. It was the day after RI U Centennial. It was a few days short of his Centennial Birthday on December 26.
On July 19, 1947, Bogyoke Aung San & several ministers were gunned down.
Memories of my cousin
Daw Myint Thwe
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty, now GBNF) was born on July 19, 1934.
She was celebrating her birthday on July 19, 1947 when the sad news were announced via the sirens. The birthday celebration was put on hold.
Arzanis
Bogyoke Aung SanArzani Nay
Bogyoke Aung San — Untimely death at the age of 32
Thakin Mya — Minister without Portfolio; “Deputy Prime Minister”; Leader of AFPFL faction
Deedok U Ba Cho — Journalist; Publisher
Mahn Ba Khaing — saved Bogyoke from the British police
Sao San Htun (Mongpawn Sawbwa) — died the following day at the hospital
U Ba Win — Elder brother of Bogyoke; Father of Dr. Sein Win
U Razak — Early graduate from National College; Principal of National School in Mandalay
ICS U Ohn Maung — Was asked to give a presentation on behalf of Saw San Po Thin
Yebaw Ko Htwe — Body guard of U Razak
Absentees & Survivors
Three ministers (U Tin Tut, U Kyaw Nyein & Saw San Po Thin) did not attend the meeting on July 19, 1947.
U Tin Tut became a victim of political assassination shortly after Independence. He was already assigned to be Burmese Ambassador of the United Kingdom.
U Kyaw Nyein and U Ba Swe led Ti Mye (တည်မြဲ Stable AFPFL faction). They lost the No-confidence motion against U Nu and the Thant Shin (သန့်ရှင်း Clean AFPFL faction). The AFPFL split led to Caretaker Government (pseudo Coup d’etat).
Saw San Po Thin was on a tour of duty.
According to Phaw Kaung ဖေါ်ကောင် Ba Nyunt, he could not find U Nu (Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies) at his office.
A few ministers (Pagan U Ba Gyan, U Aung Zan Wai, Pyaw Bwe U Mya …) who were seated at the far side of the meeting table escaped.
U Ba Gyan is the elder brother of U Ba Shan (Secretary of Maths Curriculum Committee). He sat down on the floor but was holding the edge of the table. He had a gunshot wound on a finger.
U Aung Zan Wai was a signer of the Pinlon (Panlong) Agreement.
Pyaw Bwe U Mya’s spouse is a distant cousin of Bogyoke. His plan to have more security at the Secretariat was turned down by Bogyoke.
Bogyoke’s body guards include Natmauk Phone Kyaw (writer) and Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, writer & actor). Bo Tun Hla and Deputy Secretary U Tin Ohn were in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. Dr. Tin Wa (son of U Tin Ohn) was interviewed by BBC Burmese program.
Family members & relatives of Arzanis
U Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin (GBNF) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi — children of Bogyoke
Dr. Khin Hla Cho & Daw Khin Myint Cho (UCC) — grand children of Deedok U Ba Cho
Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Maths Sayama) — daughter of Mahn Ba Khaing. She transcribed the tapes for the book about Saya U Ba Toke. Her spouse Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char) interviewed Saya and wrote the book.
Sao Hso Holm & Sao Khai Pha — sons of Sao San Tun. Sao Hso Holm was First Class English Honors and had two Law degrees. He was a regular columnist for WPD Supplement on Modern Burmese Writings. In 1962, the Sawbwas requested his legal services. He was detained by the Revolutionary Council. After serving in the Education Ministry, he and his family migrated to Australia.
Saya Dr. Sein Win (Maths) — son of U Ba Win
U Tin Myint (GBNF) & U Hla Kyi — sons of U Razak. Both are Geologists and Old Members of RUBC.
Saya U Tin Maung Thein (EE), Francis & Saya Dr. Min Myint (Chem) — sons of U Ohn Maung
Daw Nge Ma Ma Than (UCC) — niece of Bogyoke & U Ba Win; She became a Prisoner of Conscience.
Arzani Beikman / Martyrs’ Mausoleum
In our younger days, we walked to Shwe Dagon Pagoda on Saturdays.
We would occasionally stop by at the “Arzani Beikman” (Martyr’s Mausoleum). Nine Oke Gu’s were on display. Four Oke Gus flanked on each side of Bogyoke’s Oke Gu.
Near the Beikman were two more Oke Gu’s : one for ICS U Tin Tut and another for Bo Sein Hman.
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint’s article about the “Empty Tomb” mentioned that his Bagyee U Tin Tut was cremated at the special crematorium set up at Kyandaw Cemetery and that his ashes were scattered into a river.
Fast forward.
The “attempted massacre of Chung Doo Wan and his party” was carried out by three North Korean agents.
One set of bombs did not go off and thus spared the lives of the Burmese contingent led by Minister U Aung Kyaw Myint. U Soe Min, Deputy Director of Myanmar Ah Than TV, was hit by shrapnel, but he survived. The award winning Kyemon reporter, who switched duties to cover the event, was killed.
The higher authorities dictated the design of the new Arzani Beikman. No roofs were placed on top of the monolithic “Gu”. Some architects posted about their role in the project.
Several writers noted that the then Number One never attended the ceremonies. A few hinted that he was a member of the Thakin Ba Sein faction of AFPFL and had some grudges for those from the Thakin Mya faction. He banned horse racing for the public and closed the Rangoon Turf Club. He supposedly had fun (e.g. attending derbies) most July in UK.
Protocol change
Over the years, the protocol changed. The families of the fallen leaders were no longer invited to State functions and dinners.
First tier leaders did not attend the Martyrs’ Day functions. Only Second tier leaders showed up as token of duty.
The family members of the Arzanis were not allowed time to pay physical respect. They were given time only to lay the “Lwan Thu Pann Khwe”.
At one time, the public was barred from paying respect, and those who tried were detained.
The Martyr’s day regained importance during the Pwint Linn era,
Articles, books and documentaries
I have read several articles (e.g. by Tekkatho Nay Win).
I read the earlier edition of the book “Who killed Aung San?” by Kin Oung (former Naval Officer living in Australia). His father U Tun Hla Oung arrested Galon U Saw. His father-in-law U Thaung Sein (then Secretary of Insein Prison, later Justice) kept watch of U Saw so that U Saw and his team can be tried by a Special Tribunal headed by U Kyaw Myint (father of Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint).
I saw the BBC’s production titled, “Who REALLY killed Aung San?”
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint wrote: On the BBC Programme, U Kin Oung, was interviewed. He is the author of three editions of “Who killed Aung San”. The fourth edition was more comprehensive as he had access to government documents thanks to freedom of information act. The last version was titled “Eliminate the Elite”.
Kin Oung’s book
Notes
I wrote “AUNG SAN” for Bogyoke’s Centennial in 2015.
Bo Tun Hla (Tekkatho Nay Win, Bogyoke’s PSO) wrote memoirs in the Arzani Nay Supplement.
The articles in Kyemon and several posts on the Internet groups reiterated the values of the fallen leaders.
Thakin Mya was considered as Deputy Prime Minister.
Deedok U Ba Choe was a distinguished journalist and a “Hin Lay Oh”.
Daw Marie Hla Taw drove Bogyoke to Mahn Ba Khaing’s place (preventing Bogyoke’s arrest by the police). Mahn Ba Khaing helped Bogyoke get back to the safe area.
Sao San Htun was hospitalized. He passed away (the following day) on July 20, 1947. There is a hospital in Taunggyi named in his honor.
U Ba Win was a dedicated teacher. He entered politics late to support Bogyoke (his younger brother & former student). His son Dr. Sein Win served as Prime Minister of the Burmese Government in exile.
U Razak (Principal) was highly regarded by staff & students of Amyotha Kyaung (National High School). Several sayadaws from Mandalay nominated him to be Minister of Education.
Ko Htwe (U Razak’s yebaw) was gunned down by the assassins during their exit.
According to Dr. Tin Wa, his father U Tin Ohn was in an adjoining room in the Secretariat. U Ohn Maung (who was in the room earlier) was requested by Bogyoke to make a presentation.
Per Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, gun shots were fired at his father’s house. The family members laid low and were not hurt. U Kyaw Myint was then Head of the tribunal that tried Galon U Saw. It was another episode in the “Who killed Aung San?”
Mounting evidence — from declassified documents — suggest the involvement of several British politicians and officers in the murder of Arzanis.
July 19, 1947 was a Dark Moment in the history of Burma. July 7 and July 8, 1962 would join as Dark Moments in Burma.
Moved to BIT at Gyogone Campus for 1961 – 62 Academic Year.
B.Sc. (Engg) in 1962
Textile
Daw Khin Than Nwe (T)
Daw Khin Than Nwe 1
Lone female graduate in 1962.
Spouse Dr. Khin Maung Win was Head of Metallurgy Department. Became Director General of Technical, Agricultural & Vocational Training.
Son, two daughters & several grandchildren
Daw Khin Than Nwe 2
Elder sister of two Paulians : Dr. Tin Maung Maung Than (Edward, Political Economics) & Dr. Khin Maung Maung Than (Freddie)
Pon Tu
On behalf of Bagyee Myat Myo Myint, Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) presented a Pon Tu of Dr. Khin Maung Win (Met, GBNF) to Sayagadaw
Mechanical
Saya Mao Toon Siong (M)
Saya MaoSaya Mao and U Hla Min
National Coach of Burma Table Tennis Team
National Table Tennis Champion in Singles and Doubles
Competed in the World Championship in Beijing
Spouse Daw Tin Tin Maw was Chemistry Sayama. They moved to USA.
U Aye (M)
U Aye (HIC, UN/FAO), U Soe and U Tin Win — all M62 —- received their degree certificates from Saya U Yone Mo at Aung San Stadium.
A group of friends at BIT after attending the convocation at the Aung San Stadium in 1962Saya U Yone Mo and M62 graduates
Represented RU & BIT in Volleyball
BIT Volleyball
Retired in Thailand
Provided feedback / info (e.g Grads from 1952 – 1963).
Saya S Arya (M, GBNF)
S Arya (M62)S Arya (M62)Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe
Lovely accent
Remembered by students of his Strength of Materials Tutorial Class, and Ba Thein (Atlanta)
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M)
Dr. Tin Win and Lily
Youngest in the Class, but among the Top
In 1958, Gold Medal for Joint Highest Marks in Maths for Combined I.Sc classes
Past President of BASES
Organizer of 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Competed in the LA Marathon to raise fund to sponsor Sayas for SPZP-2007
Spouse Lily (T72) : Founding member & Secretary of BEA
U Myint Thein Lwin (M)
Retired from DI / HIC
Brother: U Kyaw Thein (DCA, RUBC Captain)
U Hla Kyi (M)
Moved to UK
Daughter married son of U Hlwan Moe & Daw Khin Swe Aye (both Physics)
U Hla Kyi (M) and Dr. Tin Win (M)U Hla Kyi (M) and daughter visiting Los Angeles
Electrical
Saya U Tin Maung Thein (EE)
Eldest son of ICS U Ohn Maung (Arzani)
U Tin Maung Thein
Chemical
U Than Se (Richard, ChE)
SPHS56 : Classmate of U Soe Paing
Moved to USA
U Aung Gyi (Simon, ChE)
Helped publish ChE magazine
Spends time in Australia
Spouse : Daw Yin Yin Kyi (T61)
Civil
Dr. San Lin (C)
Taught part-time at RIT.
Worked at EPC & UN Project in Thailand
Moved to USA
Spouse Dr. Daw Thynn Thynn founded Sae Taw Win 2 Dhamma Center in Sebastopol, California. Replica of Shwe Dagon & surrounding Zedis had Htee Tin Pwe in March, 2022.
First Rector, International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
Trailblazer for the Buddhist monks doing Dhamma Duta missions in the USA and beyond. See the book by Nyaung Kan Aye Sayadaw.
Ovada Sayadaw and Spirtual Advisor of Monasteries (Dhammanada Vihara, TMC, Abayarama, Mahasi) & Meditation Centers (DMC).
Lexicographer, Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary
Author — Books (in Burmese & English)
Dependent Origination
Courses — Fundamentals of Buddhism, Abhidhamma (in Burmese & English), Consecration of Sima, Dhamma Topics & Discussions
CourseCD
Passed away on August 13, 2005. I was Emcee of the Memorial Service. I accompanied Saya U Myat Htoo (TBSA) and carried the Box of Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered near the Golden Gate Bridge.
I was Contributing Editor of the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silandabhivamsa”.
Book 1
Sarah Marks transcribed Sayadaw’s talks on Abdhidhamma. It was published in three volumes.
Abhidhamma
A Thai devotee published “Paritta Pali and Protective Verses” as a birthday present for Sayadaw.
Paritta
Sayadaw’s first book “Taya Oo” was reprinted for Sayadaw’s 75th Birthday. It also had Sayadaw’s Biography.
Bio 1Bio 2
10th Anniversary
In August 2015, TBSA celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise
I read Sayadaw’s biography
Remember 1Remember 2Remember 3Remember 4
Last Journey
Sayadaw (Rector, ITBMU and Chief Resident Monk, Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California) passed away on August 13, 2005.
I had the honor to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the Services.
50+ Theravada monks from Burma, USA, and UK paid respect to Sayadaw.
U Nandamalabhivamsa (then Pro-Rector, Academic, IMBTU) and Dr. Myint Kyi (then Pro-Rector, Admin, IMBTU) attended the ceremonies as Representatives of IMBTU.
Devotees mourned that “The sun that rose in the East has set in the West”
Sayadaw was cremated.
I had the honor to carry the box containing Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered from a yacht into the waters near Golden Gate Bridge.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President of TBSA) led the procession.
Sayadaw’s last journey is recorded as a 2-set DVD.
Paying Homage
I served as a Contributing Editor and the Committee member for compiling and publishing the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda”.
Homage
In August, 2015, the saydaws and devotees of Dhammananda Vihara to celebratethe 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise. See photos
Ivan Lee (M69) invited several 69ers to get together at his house in New Jersey around June-July of 2015. U Aung Myint & U Sein Tin (who had visited Ivan previously) could not make it to the 2015 mini-reunion.
Fred Thetgyi (M69)
Lives in Philadelphia
Joined the 2015 mini-reunion
Drove most of the 1800+ mile trip in Ivan’s Mercedes
Except when his batteries went out (and had to be replaced), he took pictures at the mini-reunion and the trip. He would appear only in a fraction of the photos, when someone else (Ivan, a waiter, or a complete stranger) would offer to take the photo.
Photos
Grouped by location
New Jersey — Main Host : Ivan; Other hosts : Saya U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint
New Jersey
Niagara Falls on the way to Canada — Photos from the US side & the Canada side
Niagara Fall
Windsor, Canada — Host : Sayagyi U Aung Khin
U Aung Khin
Toronto (brief sight seeing)
Ottawa, Canada — Host: Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma
Dr. Aung Gyi
Thousand Islands — quick trip
Thousand Islands
Massachusetts — Hosts : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) & Daw Khin Maw Maw; visit MIT & Harvard University
U TAG
Connecticut — Hosts : U Toung (Tom, EC69) and Daw Khin Myint; visit Yale University; visit Pizza place frequented by the young Bill Clinton
Ko Toung
Philadelphia — Hosts : Fred Thetgyi (M69) & Eunice; visit Pake Forge and Liberty Bell; visit my last remaining uncle U Thein Han in Maryland
Saya usually celebrates his birthday performing meritorious deeds.
Before his current medical condition, he observed Eight Precepts.
Practices Vipassana Meditation
He is a day older than Saya Allen Htay.
My Beloved Spouse
My spouse (in her younger days)
Supported my volunteer activities for nearly five decades.
I completed 26 years as Founder & Editor of “RIT Alumni Newsletter Updates”.
2015 in Los Angeles
We attended several RIT gatherings : SPZP-2000, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016 & 69er Golden Jubilee in Yangon; RIT & UCC Gatherings in Australia & Singapore; and many gatherings in the USA.
SPZP-2016
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles held at the Knott Berry Farms, and a special gathering at iNapa Winery.
iNapa Winery
She is a Caring Spouse, a Dutiful Mother & a Loving Grandmother. She asked me to take care of my health and minimize use of phone & computer.
Myee
She loves to sing and dance at the gatherings. I am an amateur musician who plays instruments (piano, key board, guitar, harmonica) by ear.
NorCal RITAA
Here’s my birthday wish:
May you be blessed with Good Health, Abundant Wealth, Unbounded Love, Peace, Calm, Tranquility … for many more years to come.
June 1973
Events in December
Saya U Ba Toke
December 1, 1920 : Under the RU Act of 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College & Judson College as constituent colleges.
RU Golden Jubilee in 1970 : I was member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay” committee
RU Diamond Jubilee in 1995 : BARB produced documentary for “Rangoon University Sports”
RU Centennial in 2020 : I was Moderator of the RU Centennial Facebook group
December 26, 1920 : Saya U Ba Toke’s birthday. His life story is published in the book by Tekkatho Maung Thin Char (Dr. Khin Maung Swe, GBNF). Saya passed away on December 2, 2020 a few days before his Centennial Birthday
December 5, 1920 : First RU Students’ Strike — Caused amendments to the RU Act. Led to the establishment of Amyothar Kyaung (National School) & Amyothat Kawleik (College). Amyothar Aung Bwe Nay (National Day) is celebrated using the Burmese date
December 1961 : Second SEAP Games — Hosted in Rangoon; Burma dominated in Track & Field, Swimming & Volleyball. About 20 athletes from RU represented Burma in the Games (See photo by Dr. Richard Yu Khin)
RU students who represented Burma in the 2nd SEAP Games in 1961
I had the opportunity to serve as Master of Ceremonies at two last journeys. I also spoke at the Memorial Service of selected alumni.
Htay Lwin Nyo
Matriculated from St. Paul’s High School in 1968.
Admitted to 1st BE as a Top student
RIT Luyechun
Graduated with EP in 1974
Luyechun
M.Sc (Computer Science) from UCC
Doctorate in EE from Syracuse University, New York, USA
Last job : Part time Professor of Electrical Engineering at San Jose State University (SJSU), California
Told his friends that he would retire to spend time on his interests (Movie Scripts, Video Games, Vintage Cars, Painting, Cooking, Cryptography). He was a Jack of All Trades & Master of Some.
Demise
Passed away alone at his home
Never missed a class. When he did not show up for a couple of classes, the students requested SJSU authorities to investigate. Finally, the Security team broke into his house & found his dead body.
Sad News
Dean of SJSU EE Department told her students to contact Htay Lwin Nyo’s relatives via Burmese in the San Francisco Bay Area. The sad news was received by members of BAPS & SF Bay Area Alumni Group.
Khin Maung Zaw (EC76) set up the commemorative web pages on the first ex-RIT web site. He also contacted Kyaw Zwar Than (Jaws, UCC alumni, then in Canada).
HLN’s Last Journey
Cremation, Ash Scattering, Soon Kwyay
Burmese Community helped with the Last Journey
I had the privilege to start the trigger for the incinerator
My spouse & I joined Dr. Lyn Swe Aye & Dr. Khin Nyo Thet (GBNF) to scatter the ashes in Santa Cruz
Soon Kwyay was offered at Tathagatha Meditation Center (TMC), San Jose.
The sad saga is described in the BAPS Newsletter, RIT Newsletter & Updates, ex-RIT website and my website.
KMZ wrote : He [HLN] was couple of years senior at SPHS, his younger brother Aung Lwin Nyo was my classmate off-and-on there, at times in different sections. HLN graduated from SPHS [Botataung (6)] the same year as Sein Tin/Johnny Ong. We were adversaries to folks at HLN’s batch (E 1974) at RIT, since we took over the Electrical Students’ Association in 1972, yeah! we were BAD BAD BAD to the bone. We became friends when we met again at UCC, we visited him in San Jose several times, stayed at his apartment couple of times, he was our guide to Yosemite National Park. He visited Seattle, we went all over BC/Canada. He told me in no uncertain terms, that he would not be a friend if and when I got married. He spent time honing his culinary skills, one time he told me he might open a restaurant, he showed his new culinary skills while we were at his place. He taught Chota/Dr. Rafiul his recipe of cooking Moh-Hinn-Ga using canned Sardines. That was in the early ’90s when most of us had our own different recipes. [There was a funny story on this episode of HLN’s Moh-Hinn-Gar story.] Couple of years before his demise, he stopped talking to me. After several calls in as many days, he told me I was the one spreading his death and caused his mother some anxiety. I asked him how he knew it was me, his response was “you are the only one who could say such thing”, my reputation was the culprit. Of course, he got chilled after I told him I would never do that to anyone, let alone to my friends. All I can say over the years is that I really miss him, as we always had colorfully conversations when we talked. Rest In Peace my friend…
Sayadaw U Silananda
Trailblazer
Trail Blazer for the Burmese monks doing Dhamma Duta missions in the USA and beyond
U Silananda
In 1989, per request of the devotees of Mahasi Sayadaw, U Silananda & U Kelasa were left behind in California. U Kelasa later moved to Maryland in the East Coast.
Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) was established in the SF Bay Area to support Sayadaw U Silananda and resident monks of Dhammanda Vihara.
The Vihara was first located in Daly City. It later moved to Half Moon Bay.
Sayadaw wrote several books in Burmese & English. His first book was reprinted for his Diamond (75th) Birthday along with his Biography (full of achievements).
Sayadaw’s book
Memorial Service
Sayadaw passed away on August 13, 2005. He was 78 years old.
I was VP of TBSA, Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter & TBSA website. I served as Master of Ceremonies at the Memorial Service.
50+ Theravada monks from Burma, USA, and UK attended.
Sayadaw was the First Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University (ITBMU). Two Pro-Rectors — Sayadaw U Nanadamalabhivamsa (Academic) & Dr. Myint Kyi (Admin) — represented the Universityat Sayadaw’s last journey.
Scattering the Ashes
I carried the box containing Sayadaw’s ashes.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President of TBSA) led the procession.
The ashes were scattered from a yacht into the waters near Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Sayadaw’s last journey was recorded by photographers & videographers.
DVD
Paying Homage
I served as Book Committee member & Contributing Editor for “Paying Homage to Saya U Silanananda”.
Commemorative Book
The 2-set DVD of Saydaw’s last journey was provided as a supplement for the Commemorative book.
10th Anniversary
The 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise was celebrated in August 2015 at Dhammananda Vihara.
U Osadha and U Hla MinVolunteerDevotees
Eulogy
I had the honor to say kind words about fallen alumni from the SF Bay Area
Darren Lee (M62, GBNF) : He attended Alumni picnic a few months before his demise. He was a classmate of Saya Dr. Tin Win and U Aye (RU & BIT Volleyball).
Henry Chee (U Myint Lwin, C63, GBNF) : He was an organizer for SPZP-2000. He was a vocalist at the Myanmar gatherings.
Henry Chee
John T Lee (U Tin Myint, M69, GBNF) : He represented RIT in Table Tennis. He was selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE. His spouse Lyo (Mabel, T69) played Basketball. Their daughter (a medical doctor) requested me to share my memories.
John Lee (Tin Myint) & Tint Lwin (Daniel, Singapore)Memorial Service
Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) & Daw Khin Htar Yee (Lily, T72)
Khin Hta Yee (Lily)
Youngest & among the Brightest of his Class
In 1958, won Gold Medal for Joint Highest Maths Marks in combined I.Sc
After graduation, worked briefly in industry before joining Mech Engg Dept.
Taught us “Strength of Materials” (sequel to Sayagyi U Ba Than’s course)
Received Doctorate from Melbourne University
Moved to USA.
Worked for several companies (including Brown & Root in Texas)
Past President & Advisor of BASES
Interviewed by Myanmar Gazette (Southern California)
Ran LA Marathon to raise fund for SPZP-2007
Organized the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Lily was Founding Member & Secretary of BEA (Burmese/Bay-Area Engineering Association)
Saya & Lily were core organizers of 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles (along with Saya U Tin Htut, U Thura Thant Zin and U Khin Maung Lay)
They donated $2500 for the YTU Library Modernization Project
Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
U Tin Htut
Visiting lecturers from the Faculty of Social Science (later Institute of Economics) taught “Industrial Management”.
First Engineering Saya to teach “Industrial Management”
Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
Founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and David Tun Tin (GBNF)
Donated twice — K100 Lakhs first & again K1000 — for YTU Library
Donation
David Tun Tin (GBNF)
Was States Scholar in the USA
Went back to Burma & worked for some time before migrating to the USA
Founded BASES with Saya U Tin Htut and U Tin Htway
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
James Shwe (M76) & Annette Shwe (A75)
James & Annette
Earlier donated towards the expenses of HVAC Design and Implementation.
Donated again $500 for YTU Library.
Helped several alumni by offering internship/job at their company.
Provided scholarship for eligible university students in Myanmar.
Donation
U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68)
Secretary of RIT Track & Field
Represented RIT in Track & Field, Soccer and Rowing.
Past President & Advisor, BASES
Master of Ceremonies for BASES & 2015 LA Reunion
Enjoys singing in Burmese, English & Chinese
Helped several alumni by offering internship/job at his company
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
Donation
U Tin Nwe (C68)
Past President of BASES
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
Donation
Daw Htay Htay Than (EC93) & U Saw Win Aung (C87)
Sarina forwarded my e-mail about SPZP-2000 to Steeve Kay, (EC70, her family friend). Steeve contacted his friend Benny Tan (M70) & offered to be the first Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000.
Sarina and U Saw Win Aung donated $300 to YTU Library.
U Min Lwin (M62)
Classmate of Saya Dr. Tin Win
Donated $1000 to YTU Library
Donation
U Kyaw Sein (Auto68)
Mechanical Engineering Department had two sub-departments: Automobile Engineering & Agricultural Engineering.
U Kyaw Sein donated $1000 to YTU Library.
Donation
Daw May Nwe Yee (Rosie)
Younger sister of Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62)
Faculty member of RIT Chemistry Department
Donated $100 to YTU Library
Donation
Daw Myo Myat Myint (Penny, M70)
Younger sister of Saya Dr. Tin Win and Sayama Rosie
Donated $100 to YTU Library
Donation
U Sonny Kyi (79 Intake)
LA Gathering in 2015
EC member of BASES
Volunteer for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Donation
U Myint Aung
Responded to Saya Dr. Tin Win’s request for helping YTU
Donated $150 to YTU Library
Donation
Other Donations
Via NorCal RITAA
U Thein Tun Aung (Dennis, EP76)
Donated $500 to YTU Library (via U Wynn Htain Oo).
Donated $500 to NorCal RITAA for the YTU Library Modernization Project.
HlaMin 