Classmates in Standards VIII A, IX A and X A at St. Paul’s HS
Myo San (3rd row, 5th from left)
Stood third in Burma in the Matric of 1963 and won Collegiate Scholarship.
Myo San (Seated right)
Mastered phonetics and read lots of English books.
One would not be surprised that he scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
A little bit older than me and that might have given him an advantage.
Gave me a quiz. “How do you pronounce GHOTI?” I gave an answer which he corrected as “FISH”. He had read George Bernard Shaw, who posed the quiz as a lesson on the eccentricity of English.
GH is phonetically equivalent to F as in ROUGH. O is phonetically equivalent to I as in WOMAN. TI is phonetically equivalent to SH as in ATTENTION. Thus, GHOTI is phonetically equivalent to FISH.
Became a surgeon
Stress caused him to take early retirement.
He had mini-reunion with SPHS63 classmates. In the photo, the three (seated) — Freddie, Alan and Tin Tun — are now GBNF.
The following are some of our sayas, colleagues, classmates and schoolmates who are Gone But Not Forgotten.
Additional information can be found in Related Posts.
RIT Sayas
Sayagyi U Ba Than (M)
U Ba ThanBa Than
Saya retired as Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering Department at RIT. He passed away soon after his 94th birthday.
Sayagyi H Num Kok (C)
Saya H Num Kok
He was a saya of our sayas. He passed away at the tender age of 98 in Oregon, USA.
He was President of RIT Track & Field. He was Line Judge at RUBC Regattas.
Saya U Tin Swe (EE53)
U Tin Swe
He played soccer for the Prome Hall team which won the Inter-Hall Trophy for two consecutive years.
He was a Power User at UCC. He and his former students Dr. San Oo (EP67) and Ko Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69) developed programs for Electrical Power Systems.
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
Donation 1
He a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International, which hosted SPZP-2000. Saya’s books were donated to YTU Library by Daw Mu Mu Kin. In saya’s memory, several YTU students have been provided scholarships (with the coordination of NorCal RITAA and volunteers from RITAA).
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58)
Win Thein
Saya retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering.
In Saya’s memory, his sister has donated to selected Charities and Organizations.
Saya Dr. San Tint (EE61)
Dr. San Tint visiting Seattle
He taught at BIT, RIT and YTU. He retired as Professor of Electronic Engineering. He attended SPZP-2000 and took trips to Seattle and New York to have mini-reunion with former students.
Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66)
U Tin Shwe
He taught at RIT and Assumption University in Bangkok. After retirement, he became a monk. He passed away in Yangon. He is remembered in “To the Shwe Duo” poem.
Dr. Chan Nyein (M67)
Dr. Chan Nyein
He is retired Minsister of Education.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68)
U Myat Htoo
Saya U Myint Soe (C68)
Need photo
Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68)
U Ohn Maung
Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69)
Ko Kyant
He drew “Kyant Ba Hone”. He was President of RIT Cartoonists. He also published educational books.
Saya U Hla Shwe (T69)
Hla Shwe
He retired as Associate Professor. He passed away in Yangon. He is remembered in “To the Shwe Duo” poem.
Saya U Aye Win Kyaw (C70)
U Aye Win Kyaw & Madan Chand
He passed away in Pyin Oo Lwin. He earlier lost his son due to a faulty water heater system at the medical clinic (where U Aye Win Kyaw was being treated). It was a double tragedy for the family. He taught astronomy and astrology at MARB.
Saya Madan Chand (C70)
He was 2nd in his class. He joined the Faculty. He moved to USA. He passed away in Illinois.
Saya Dr. Saw Tin (RIT Maths)
Dr. Saw Tin
RIT Alumni
Aung Moung (M73)
At Winner Inn Last Journey of U Aung Moung
Sayagyi U Ba Than lost his “right arm man” U Aung Moung (M73) in early January, 2018.
Whenever Sayagyi asked for U Aung Moung’s help, he will be at Winner Inn as fast as time and schedule permit.
I met him last year at Winner Inn. He was visiting Sayagyi U Ba Than as well as Daw Win Mar, younger sister of his childhood friend.
U Aung Moung was active in RIT-related activities and in his neighborhood monasteries. The monks voluntarily offered to take part at his final journey at Yae Wae. Actions speak louder than words.
Saya U Tun Shwe, Saya U Lin, Saya U Nyunt Htay, U Han Sein, U Tin Tun Aung, U Than Po, U Kyaw Kyaw and several alumni attended the last journey at Ye Way Crematorium/Cemetery.
U Myint Lwin / Henry Chee (C63)
U Myint Lwin
He was from the Class of 61. He took sabbatical to get married. He is a good vocalist. He passed away in California, USA.
Saw Lin (C71)
U Saw Lin
He had several medical problems, but he was active as a core organizer of SPZP-2012.
Win Khaing (M75)
Win Khaing
Old Paulians
SPHSSPHS
Aung Khin, Aung Kyi, Aung Thu Yein, Aye Ngwe, Edwin David, Khin Maung Bo, Maung Maung Kyi, Richard Lim and several others are GBNF.
Aung Thwin, Dr. (SPHS63)
Dr. Aung Thwin
He was a member of SPHS Hiking and Mountaineering team. He was Timing Stroke of IM(2) crew at RUBC.
He was a successful OG. He passed away in Southern California. He is the brother of Dr. Khin Khin Thwin (Carmen) and Daw Yee Yee Thwin (Jasmine).
SPHS63 Section A
Of the former classmates who attended Kyaw Wynn’s birthday gathering at Aung Thu Kha အောင်သုခစားသောက်ဆိုင်, five have passed away.
Aye Ngwe, Khin Mg Bo, Uzin Aung Chaw, Aung Kyi & Tin Tun
Aye Ngwe (Edwin Ngwe, SPHS63)
He wore nice Soccer Shoes even for Friendly Match against Section B. He passed away in Yangon.
Aung Kyi (Arthur Kyi, SPHS63)
He ride a Motorcycle to school. He passed away in Yangon.
Khin Mg Bo (Allan Saw Mg, SPHS63, EP69)
He was a Seafarer. He passed away in Yangon.
Tin Tun (Phone Gyi, SPHS63, M69)
He was Joint Secretary of RIT Thaing Association. He taught Naval Architecture. He passed away in Yangon.
Uzin Aung Chaw (Victor, SPHS63, C69)
He became a monk after retirement. He resided first at Sagaing Hills စစ်ကိုင်းand later at Thone Gwa သုံးခွ in the Irrawaddy Delta.
SPHS64
CO Hla Min (L T Gwan, Pauk Si, SPHS64)
CO Hla Min
He was Chief Operator at UCC. He passed away at an early age (in his mid 30s).
Myint Sein (Bobby, SPHS64)
U Myint Sein
He is an alumnus of Private Primary Boundary Road School (PPBRS), St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) and the Institute of Economics. He is Past Principal of BARB (Burma Astro Research Bureau), Visiting Lecturer at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (in Mandalay) and Founder of Idea Astrology.
Aung Myint (Sonny, SPHS64)
He joined RIT EE as Lab Technician. He transferred to UCC as Maintainence Technician. He was promoted to Maintenance Engineer. He lost his job after filling in the 1988-related questionnaire. He gave private tuition on PLA. He passed away at his breakfast table.
Three SPHS & UCC alumni — CO U Hla Min (Pauk Si), U Maung Maung Gyi (Henry Than Htay) and U Aung Myint (Sonny) — are GBNF.
Mg Mg Gyi / Henry Than Htay (SPHS64)
He joined UCC as Operator. He succeeded Ko Pauk Si as Chief Operator.
Sayadaw U Wara / Win Paing (SPHS64, ChE70)
Sayadaw U Wara
He became a monk after taking his final exam. He served as Taik Oke Sayadaw at Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung. He succeeded Sayadaw U Vinaya.
RIT 69ers
Myint Thein (Kabar, M69)
U Myint Thein (Kabar)
He was a core organizer of the 69ers. He had medical checkup in Singapore and India, but he passed away in Yangon due to his deteriorating health. He is fondly known as Maung Kabar (a famous cartoon character of our younger days).
Chit Tin (Bo Chit, EC69)
Kabar and Chit Tin
U Chit Tin graduated in 1969 with EC (Electrical Communications). He is the third member of the group to pass away. The other two are U Kyaw Soe (EC69) and U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69).
Oo Kyaw Hla (EC69)
He passed away in Canada. He is the fourth EC69er to pass away.
Sai Aik Yee (EC69+)
He took Sabbatical. He is the fifth EC69er to pass away.
Mehm Ye Win (EC69)
He was Secretary of RIT EE Association. He is the sixth EC69er to pass away.
Khin Mg Myint / Shatstri (69er)
Shastri and mostly 69ers
He received the nickname due to resemblance to the Indian Prime Minister.
Win Naing (Dicky Tan, M69)
Win Naing (Dicky)
He passed away in Singapore. He represented RIT in Rowing.
Tin Myint (John Lee, M69)
Tin Myint (John)
He passed away in Union City, California, USA. He represented RIT in Table Tennis. He was selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE.
My Friend Khin Tun (Peter), My friend since college day one, he is a dedicated kind hearted neuro rehab consultant in the UK. He is a brilliant analytical thinker of renown and beloved husband and father of two also brilliant young men. Memories of our friendship flood my mind.
We were in second MB when the workers riots rocked the city of Rangoon, we two were about the only ones left in the anatomy dissection room. Most students had not come that day and those who did had left. We two were doggedly dissecting into a cadaveric skull from the roof of the middle ear cavity to expose the three ossicles inside the middle ear. Khin Tun was lead dissection and he wasn’t going to stop till done. Our tutor had told us to leave and we were carrying on, we were about 19 then. We finally finished and I could finally convince him it was time. We left from Leik Khone dissection halls via the back on to a gravel road in the back leading to Inya Road. It was the short cut from Prome road to Inya road. Near the Inya road entrance my dad’s batman U Htar Pei was waiting with the family car. He had surmised that I would take the back road to Inya Road and stay off the main roads. He sighed a relief and took us home, we dropped Khin Tun at his family home in Windermere on the way. Throughout this Khin Tun was reciting the merits of the ossicles of the ear. I wondered if this was his way of dealing with stressful situations. He is an exceptionally bright individual, interested in knowledge only for the propagation of more knowledge for practical solutions, never for academic accolades or distinctions, one that I truly believe that was never interested in prizes or glory or renown, just a purist thirst for knowledge to solve problems.
Thus, we would finish medical school with only those close friends knowing how brilliant and knowledgeable he really is. After our House surgeon period we took up an assignment to collect data on Maternal and Childhealth in Upper Burma Townships, We spent the month of summer driving all over the dry midlands of ah nyar and collecting data in Magwe, Taung Dwin Gyee and Kyaut Ba Daung per project of our mentor Saya Johnny, interviewing auxiliary midwives, Community Health Workers and collecting answered questionnaires. We borrowed a land rover from the Agricultural department and he navigated and planned while I drove, talking all the time of friends, college and future hopes and plans.
I was to join the army after the trip and he would continue in Maternal and Childcare research projects while opening a private clinic. We ended the trip at Kyaut Ba Daung where Nwe and her Final Part One PSM group were staying for their community health project. We would spend a joyous night and half day there exploring Mt Popa and singing in front of the barracks well into the deep starry night in front of a bonfire. Afterwards we would leave, I would immediately join my unit in the army and Khin Htun would finish writing up the report. We spent many a night on makeshift cots or on the floor in closed high schools talking of anything under the sky eating at roadside restaurants along the road. Young restless and full of plans for the future that was roaring towards us at a fast pace. We had plans to go abroad for further training but never did we guess we would be leaving Burma to settle in foreign lands.
About a year later I would be attending Young Officers Course in Mhawbi and Khin Tun together with Pe Thet Khin was in a research project in Hlegu, Maternal and Childcare under our mentor Saya Johnny. I was on weekend free days and had taken a commercial line car to Hlegu where they were. Basically hung on to the back of a pickup with the spare till I got to the car gate. I had bought some roast duck and roast pork for them from a Chinese restaurant in Mhawbi. Also, brought a bottle of army rum for drinks. Khin Tun does not drink but loves roast duck and pork. Before dinner the three of us walked over to their private clinic in Hlegu, a little rented room and foyer with an examining table and desk with waterbath etc. A medium size closet for drug and medical paraphernalia. A few patients later two young ladies came walking into the clinic for a consultation and treatment. One was the friend cum chaperone as was traditional in a gossip prone rural setting and the other was a pretty young teacher with a rash on her hand. My friend Peter Khin Tun was immediately attentive as her youth and beauty captivated him. He proceeded to examine the rash, most likely an allergic eczema from some chemical, like it would earn him a Nobel prize in medicine if he were to cure it. The interest seemed pretty mutual to me and PTK who looked on with slight smiles. He asked for a second opinion and we agreed with him and I left a tube of steroid cream from my night bag for her. PTK the schemer made sure Peter would get all credit by telling the fair young teacher that it was a present from Bo Gyi Aung Gyi since his wife didn’t need it anymore. It was his way of ensuring Peter was a lone contender though Nwe and I had not married yet. There was really no need as it was love at first sight for both of them. The rest is history with two brilliant young men for sons.
Winmar would tell the encounter in her own sweet way. There were three young doctors at the clinic, One tall fair handsome one , of course Peter, one slim one with a mischievous knowing twinkle, you have to remember this was PTK two hundred pounds ago, and presumed single heavily tanned short haired officer, ruggedly handsome, I added the last bit, laugh if you want. We would joke about it anytime we met with Winmar looking on with her sweet gentle smile.
I remember a wonderful time when we met again in UK. My family and I were visiting UK and Peter and his had settled down in UK after taking the MRCP exams. The exams were a breeze and he finished in record time. Myself, Aung Hpyoe, Ernie and Min Zaw aung and Peter were taking a hike into Epping forest. Taking pictures with our new found hobby in cameras. We persuaded peter to come along with us before lunch promising him a Bariyani lunch and a cold drink at the pub. I also promised I would carry extra cold water and all the cold pop fizz he could drink under the English summer sun. It was a most happy time taking pictures together ribbing each other with old escapades of youth, old girlfriends failed courtships etc. Talking ill of all those not present with renewed gusto and guffaws. We had some drinks at a pub and went home to Aye Aye Yee’s home for a sumptuous lunch hosted by her and Ko Min Zaw Aung. Khin Tun ever thoughtful had brought some fresh coconut which we prepared and have young coconut with sweet juice. Photos from that gathering are the some of the most treasured memories we have.
A few years back we met again in Rangoon when we both were there to see our parents. Our parents homes are about a mile from each other, my mother’s home in Golden Valley and his parents home in Windermere road. One morning we made plans and I walked over to his house at 0530. By the time I got there found Peter making fried rice on a wok, in the kitchen. He’s a first class cook. We had a plate each fast and walked over to Shwedagon pagoda hill about two miles walk , it was still dark when we got to the base of the hill , the flower stall owners were still sorting lotus blooms at the base of the hill before carrying the bunches up for vending to the early worshipers. We walked up the Zaung Dan and did the rounds of family members birth day corners, and Peter showed me the various parts his family had donated. I said a prayer in my mothers corner and my father’s favorite Bayan tree sate. After watching the beautiful Rangoon sunrise from the hillside we walked down the East Zaung Dan to YeTarShay road street market. At the base of the hill we found our friend Ko Aung Khin waiting for us beside his brand new Nissan crossover. He does not like rising too early but was willing to wait for us at the base. We had built up an appetite for a second breakfast by that time. We walked to MyaungMya Daw Cho for MontHingar, there we three had breakfast and paid for the two monks and thelashin eating there as a good deed for the day. Afterwards Ko Aung Khin aka Zaw Zaw The Phyu would drive us home, we stopped first at my house and my two friends graciously said hello to my mom and sat down for a chat.
Going back many decades of friendship there was much to say and reminiscence while laughing heartily all the time. Time flies and we vowed to do do it again. He and Winmar also found the time and effort to attend my daughters wedding Swun Kywe at Mahasi in Rangoon from their busy schedule. He would also visit my mom even when I’m not there in Rangoon.
True friends always there for you. I pray very hard Peter, you had so much more to contribute to the world, your daily meditation must have given you much mental strength you are surly now in a higher realm, please the world was a better place with you in it.
We miss you my friend, my regards to Uncle Tin U, Winmar, Min Ko and Ye Lay, stay in touch we are all family.
Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu (“ATBT”, BMRI) succeeded Dr. Mya Tu as DG
U Aung Thein (John Yeo, M72, US) passed away in California
Daw Aye Aye Cho (LA)
U Ba Toke (Saya of our sayas, 100 years) passed away in Yangon
* Daw Brenda Gyi (Maths, UN, US) passed away in New York Fell ill while visiting ailing spouse in hospital Siblings : Daw Jacqueline Gyi (Maths), U Myint Htwe
Dr. Dhammapiya (Sayadaw, US, Myanmar) passed away in California Chief Resident Sayadaw, Mettananda Vihara, Castro Valley (formerly in Fremont), California Patron of several religious and educational organizations
U Han Sein (C69) passed away in Yangon Known as “Tone Kyaw Ah Pho Gyi” RIT Selected for Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Basketball Prisoner of Conscience (served 17 years out of the 20 year sentence by Adhamma authorities)
Han Sein
Daw Hla Hla (Cousin) passed away in Yangon Daughter of maternal aunt Brothers : Dr. Kyaw Nyunt Koe, U Sein Tin, U Kyaw Kyaw Win
Daw Hla May (Anne, English) passed away in Yangon 100 year (or so) young Spouse : Saya U Ohn Khin (English) Son : H.E Dr. Pe Thet Khin (6-time Luyechun)
U Khin Aung Bo (BARB, MARB) passed away in Yangon Retired Saya Taught at BARB President, MARB
U Khin Aung Kyi (former RIT Rector) passed away in Yangon 7th in Burma in the Matriculation examination of 1949 BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from MIT Professor and Head, ChE at RIT Succeeded Dr. Aung Gyi as Rector Taught at Rengsit University, Bangkok
Daw Khin Aye Taw Tun (Marina Taw) passed away in Phillipines Daughter of U Hla Taw and Daw Marie Hla Taw Siblings : Daw Chicky Taw, Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63)
U Khin Maung Thein (ex-Minister of MOEE) passed away in Yangon
U Khin Maung Win (EP69) passed away in Yangon Fondly known as Sargalay, La Da and Galon Township Selection for Badminton (using experience as Training Partner for Sai Kham Pan, then Burma No 1 in Doubles and No 2 in Singles)
* Dr. Khin Tun (Peter, MRCP, UK) passed away in Reading, UK Son of U Tin U (most senior Past Captain of RUBC) and Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt (ex-BMRI, GBNF) Early casualty to COVID (sadly caused by controversial “Guideline” for the use of PPE) Former Associate Dean, Oxford University Will be the first to be awarded FRCP posthumously I chronicled events from Mid-April to May 2020
* Dr. Ko Ko Thant passed away in Yangon EENT Professor
U Kyaw Hlaing (PBRS) passed away in Yangon Brother : U Mya Hlaing (Moderator, FB Group)
U Kyaw Myint (Bedin) passed away in Maryland
U Kyaw Sein (M65, Saya) passed away in Singapore Expert : Mechanical Drawing, AutoCAD
* Dr. Kyaw Thein (Maths) passed away in Yangon was our Tutor in I.Sc.(A) Ph.D from Southampton University Taught Political Science in Regional College Former Principal, Sittwe College Retired Rector, ICST
U Kyi Soe (IC) passed away in Yangon Movie Actor Real Estate
U Myat Hla Sein (PBRS) passed away in an accident in Yangon Former Head of Yoke Shin / Movie Technology, RC2 Father : U Chin Sein (Shwe Nyar Maung)
* Dr. Myat Thu Ya (Surgeon) passed away in Yangon
U Myint Myat Oo (40+ years young) passed away in Myanmar Brother : U Htet Myet Oo
* Daw Myint Myint Yee passed away in Myanmar Spouse : U Myint Lwin (Vice President, MARB, GBNF)
U Myint Swe (69er) passed away in Myanmar Nickname: Bu Thee
U Myint Thin (M71, Luyechun, RUBC) passed away in Singapore
Dr. Myint Win (UK) passed away in UK (Probably) Old Paulian Parents own food shop in SPHS
* U Ngwe Tun (Civil, Saya) passed away in Myanmar Had a bookshop Spouse passed away 4 (or so) years ago Was staying with daughter
Daw Ni Ni Than (M74, Sayalay) passed away in Myanmar
U Nyunt Soe (SPHS, Swimming National Coach) Siblings : U Tin Soe (Johnny So Mg, RUBC), U Myint Soe (Willie, SPHS63, RUBC, BDS, GBNF), U Chit Soe and the Soe Sisters (Swimming Champions)
U Nyunt Win (Chemistry, Saya) Brothers : Dr. Ohn Kyaw (Chemistry), Dr. Myo Nyunt (Economics) Spouse : Dr. Khin Mar Tun (Chemistry)
U Ohn Maung passed away in Myanmar Son : U Nyunt Than (M86, UCC, BADA, NorCal RITAA)
Maung Pan Hmway (U Hla Myint) passed away in Myanmar Known for Postcard Kabyar
Daw San Yee passed away in Myanmar Mother of Ei Thet (Mrs. Htet Myet Oo)
Tekkatho Sein Tin (National Literary Award Winner) passed away in Myanmar
*Daw Shu Ti passed away in Yangon Spouse of Yi Pinn (M69, Dawei)
Dr. Soe Aung (SPHS66?, UK) passed away in UK
U Soe Nyunt (SPHS, Taw Win Hnin Si) passed away in Yangon “Recovered” the SPHS Honor Roll (which disappeared after nationalization) 69er Monthly Gatherings were mostly held at “Royal Rose”
Daw Swe Swe Win
Daw Than Than Nwe (Dolly Sein, EP72) passed away in Yangon Spouse : U Thein Swe (EP69) Brother : U Ohn Maung (Anthony Sein, ChE68)
Dr. Thin Thin (82 years young) passed away in Myanmar Brother : Saya U Moe Aung (EE)
U Tin Myint (M, Singapore) Sponsor of YTU student
U Tin Nyunt (retired Saya, Zoology)
U Tin Tun passed away in Yangon in May 2020 Spouse : Daw Aye Aye Khin Brother : Dr. Mg Mg Gyi (SPHS63, GBNF)
U Tommy (69er, EP) passed away in Myanmar Moulmein, Basketball
U Win Myint Maung (N Jar Thaing, E71 Intake) passed away in Yangon
U Win Tin (Chein Hoe, PBRS) passed away in Yangon Uncle : U Kyaw Zaw
U Yan Paing Soe passed away in Yangon Ah Nu Pyinnya Shin
Victor Win (Nay Win Myint, ChE66) : Former President and Former Board Vice Chairman (2004 to 2006) of Burma American Democratic Alliance (BADA); Spouse : Daw Jean Gale (Former President of BAWA)
September 2018
Daw Khin Than Win (T70) : 3rd Sep 2018
U Kyaw Min Than — younger brother of Saya Dr. U Win (Geography, USA)
October 2018
U Aye Kyaw (nickname : U Thant) 12th Oct 2018
November 2018
U Hla Moe (U Kyin Sein, Phy) : 4th Nov 2018
December 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
Mother of Ms. Yasmin Vanya, Secretary of Burmese American Women’s Alliance (BAWA)
Spouse of U Maung Maung Latt, President of Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA)
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list for 1st BE intake in 1964.
151 members are GBNF.
Peter Pe, Steeve Kay, Tommy Shwe and Cho Aye, who were among the Top Matriculates, have passed away.
Peter Pe
Peter represented RIT in Swimming and Water Polo. He passed away unexpectedly in 5th BE.
Steeve Kay
Steeve Kay
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70) is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP. He is Chair of Kay Family Foundation.
Tommy Shwe
Tommy Shwe
Tommy played Badminton for RIT. Before graduation, he left for Taiwan. He later moved to USA. He was a successful Entrepreneur (with three Masters). Sadly, he was killed by his handyman.
Cho Aye
He and Win Lwin (M69) represented RIT in the All Universities Expedition to Mount Victoria. He also volunteered for the activities of Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Cho Aye
Sayas & Family Members
Saya U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than is Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
He was an early supporter of HMEE project.
He donated his Garawa money to various charitable associations.
Saya U Min Wun
Saya U Min Wun
Saya U Min Wun retired as Professor of Civil Engineering.
He was a member of the Myanmar Pyet Ka Dein Ah Phwe.
He was advisor for the Regional College Project and Pagan Restoration Project.
He passed away in California, USA.
Ma Ma Pat
Ma Ma Pat
Ma Ma Pat (spouse of Saya U Myo Myint Sein) passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2022.
Saya Myo celebrated his 91st birthday on October 1, 2022.
Saya U Tin U’s Family
Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt, Dr. Peter Khin Tun
Three family members of U Tin U passed away within a few months.
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (spouse) — November, 2019
Dr. Peter Khin Tun (elder son) — April 2020
U Tin Tun (son-in-law) — May 2020
Saya U Aung Hla Tun
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)
Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Retired Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering passed away in February 2022.
He was Chief Editor of RIT Annual Magazine. He led the History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project.
He won the National Literary Award.
Electrical Engineering
U Tun Aung
U Tun Aung
U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC68) is a founding member and past President of BASES.
He passed away in October 2021.
U Soe Myint Lwin
Memorial Service for U Soe Myint Lwin
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68) played Soccer for Burma, RU & RIT.
He was EC of the Burma Women’s Soccer Federation.
He passed away in 2017.
Soon Kwyay Invitation for U Soe Myint Lwin
Other EE68
Sayama Daw Mya Mya Than
Zaw Win / Cyril
Thein Zaw / Joe Chow / Ah Yoke
Civil Engineering
Saya H Num Kok
Saya H Num Kok Saya H Num Kok
Saya H Num Kok is a Saya of our Sayas.
He was President of RIT Track & Field Association.
He passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA in his late 90s.
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
Saya Allen Htay
Saya Allen Htay (C58) was the leader of the SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Advisory Group.
He is a founding member and President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000.
He is known for his article, “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?”
He passed away in California, USA.
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58)
Dr. Win Thein
Saya Dr. Win Thein (C58) retired as Professor and Head of Civil Engineering.
In his memory, his sister offered dana to Alumni Association, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation, Health care for Sayas and Sayamas.
U Khin Maung Win (C58)
Class of Civil 1958
U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C58) helped annotate the Class Photo with Saya Allen Htay and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung.
He passed away in USA
U Han Sein (C69)
Han Sein
U Han Sein (C69) represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Basketball.
He was a Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.
Uzin Aung Chaw (C69)
Uzin Aung Chaw
Mechanical Engineering
U Win Thein (M67)
Win Thein
Founder, Set Hmu Sar Saung
Co-founder, RIT Mechanical Engineering Magazine
Organizer, RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin
I Zeyar Lin (M69)
I Zeyar Lin
He passed away in 2018
U Aye Lwin (M69)
Aye Lwin
U Aye Lwin (M69) was Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
U Khin Maung Myint (M72)
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72) was Burma, RU & RIT Selected in Soccer.
He passed away in 2020
John Tint
U Thein Lwin (M72)
U Thein Lwin (M72) Captain, RIT Soccer passed away in 2022
When 69ers compiled the Contact List in 1999, he was inadvertently listed as GBNF. The compilers were unaware that he had been sentenced by a Kangaroo Court to 20 years.
He was released after 17 years, but he lost his family.
Did not lose heart စိတ်ဓာတ်မကျ
Active in 69er Gatherings as a photographer
Happy testing Special Effects on his camera
Photographer
Leader in Latha Township
Latha Ah Pho Gyi
Byadi & Marana ဗျာဓိ မရဏ
Covid partly caused his demise.
Condolences
Tin Aung Win wrote
We miss you, Mr. Photographer.
David Myint Thein wrote
Gone But Not Forgotten, may his soul rest in peace !
Matriculated from Yegyaw Methodist. Saya U Thit (Met) was a year senior to him.
Some friends call him “Bo Htay” or “Htay Bo Htay”.
His mother told him not to apply for State Scholarship before graduation.
Civil 1958
C58
Graduated in 1958 with Civil Engineering
Classmates : Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein (GBNF), Khin Mg Win / Sid (GBNF), Oscar Sharazee
Saya
Joined Civil Engg Dept as Assistant Lecturer
States Scholar
Received State Scholarship to study in the USA
Masters from Harvard. Also attended some courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp). Programmed his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
Returned to Burma on an ocean liner with U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Soe Paing and U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF).
RIT
Promoted to Lecturer
President, RIT Photography Association
Supervised C73 Final Year project, where his students — Dennis Mackey & George Peters — used UCC computer.
UN Project
Advisor in Bengladesh
USA
SF Bay Area
SF Bay Area Alumni Group
Leader of SF Bay Area Group, which formed “RIT Alumni International”
SF Bay Area Alumni
Founding member & President of RIT Alumni International
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. His article “Brother, can you afford $500 and more?” saved the organizers from U Nyo Win’s Act.
BAPS
Took me to BAPS picnic. Demonstrated “Burmese Goodbye” by taking an hour to greet alumni on the way back to his car.
To avoid monotony, he took a different route going out and coming back. He did not mind missing an exit; he would simply make a turn at the next one.
Mini-gatherings
He, Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing / Patrick and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
Sometimes, Dr. San Lin (C62) would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw (Min). Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which sometimes extended until dinner.
With Dr. San Lin
Interest
He has interest in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya’s visit to a mosque & Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
Retire & Un-retire
He retired twice.
Was coaxed by his former students to un-retire twice. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) requested him to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab at UC Berkeley. Later, Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, GBNF) requested him to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
Passed away before his final retirement.
He likes the Quote, “Generals do not retire. They simply fade away”.
Health
Survived two Strokes.
He had a Second Stroke at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He accompanied his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion. He was flown back to California. He recovered briefly. He finally succumbed.
Did not live long enough to see his four grandsons. Two have “Allen” in their names.
May he rest in peace.
Donations
In Saya’s memory, Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Sayas’ books to YTU Library. She also offered scholarship to eligible YTU students via NorCal RITAA.
Two Sayas
Brief Bio
Initial version provided at SPZP-2000
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
Born in Mandalay, attended St. Joseph English Convent and St. Peter’s Boys’ School in Mandalay and the Methodist High School in Rangoon.
Graduated B Sc (Engg) in Civil Engineering in 1958 from Rangoon University and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer in the same year at the invitation of Prof T Ba Hli, then Dean of Engineering.
Awarded the Burmese Government State Scholarship for study in the United States from 1960 to 1963, and the US Government Fulbright Travel Grant.
Received the degree of Master of Engineering from Harvard University in 1963, specializing in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
Returned to Burma and joined the newly formed Rangoon Institute of Technology in Gyogon.
Served as Lecturer in Civil Engineering from 1964 to 1975, except from 1966 to 1968 which was spent on advanced study in Hydraulics Engineering in the Netherlands at Delft Technical University under UNESCO assistance program for Burma.
Immigrated to USA in 1975. Currently working at the California Department of Transportation as Project Engineer.
Married to Mu Mu Kin in 1971 and have two surviving children, Myo Lynn and Thuzar Kin. Mu Mu works at TIBCO Software Inc in Palo Alto to supplement the family income.
Work Experience
Soils Engineer: Mueser Rutledge Wentworth and Johnston, New York, NY, 1975-1978.
Washington DC Metro Subway Project. Civil Engineer: International Engineering Company, Inc, San Francisco, CA, 1978-1983.
USAID Bangladesh Fertilizer Warehouses Construction Project.
Senior Staff Engineer: Morrison Knudsen Corporation, San Francisco, CA, 1984-1996.
DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project.
Principal Research Associate: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 1997.
DOE Yucca Mountain High Level Radioactive Materials Repository Project.
Transportation Engineer: California Department of Transportation, Oakland, CA, 1999-.
My dear parents gave me birth and brought me up to be a good son. My teachers taught me everything else I know. My land of birth, Myanmar, through the sweat and hard work of its citizens supported and paid for my engineering education and my studies abroad. To each and everyone I am obligated and I give my thanks. For it is narrated in Al-Hadith that one who does not thank one another in this life even for little favors is unworthy to thank the Lord for the big favor.
Civil 1958 Photo
Submitted by Saya Allen Htay
Dr. San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photo
Class of Civil 58
Sitting: (1) U Pu (2) Dr. Aung Gyi (3) U Min Wun (4) U Ba Hli (5) Mr. Redpath (6) U Ngwe Thein (7) Mr. Eswara (8) Mr. Num Kock
1st Row: (1) Khin Maung (2) Than Aung (3) Htay Aung (4) Khin Maung Lwin (5) Kyaw Tin (6) Win Thein (7) Chit Pe (8) Shwe Tun Maung (9) Win Maung (10) Thein Lwin (11) Tun Yi (12) Than Pe
2nd Row: (1) V. Kumar (2) Kyaw Hoe (3) Allen Htay (4) Ba Hnin Chit (5) Kyaw Mya (6) Kyaw Din (7) Irwin Myaing (8) Chit Aye (9) Maung Maung (10) Nolan Wu (11) Morgan Singar
3rd Row: (1) Patrick George (2) Oscar Shirazee (3) Hla Shwe (4) Aung Par Thein (5) Saw Lwin (6) San Hla Aung (7) Shwe Win (8) Douglas Hoe (9) Sidney Chen
Notes
There was a mini-gathering at SPZP-2000. The attendees include
Mr. Num Kok (Portland, Oregon)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California)
U Allen Htay (Mountain View, California)
Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Mr. Oscar Shirazee (Middle East)
When Sidney Chen’s health was failing, his daughter requested us to let his classmates and friends know that he was eager to regain contact with them. Sadly, he passed away.
Mr. Oscar and U Aye Win Hlaing used to work in Iran many years ago. Mr. Oscar’s spouse is the sister of U Ngwe Zoe (Peter, SPHS57). She was an English teacher at Rangoon University.
Due to schedule conflicts, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung could not attend some SPZPs. He retired at the age of 80. He is now free to attend many SPZPs.
Saya Dr. Win Thein succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor and Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, Saya was healthy. He finally passed away in Yangon. His sister has donated Saya’s Garawa money to selected Charities.
Brother, can you afford Five Hundred Dollars?
And many weekends spent away from your family as well? If you can then you probably are a member of the RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe organizing committee.
It all began one day several months ago when we met over lunch at Benny Tan’s home in Hillsborough. Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw among the lunch party had started the RIT Alumni website and were receiving enthusiastic responses. Hearing that the duo were carrying on the project all by themselves we decided to throw in our moral and financial support to assure its survival, realizing that it was providing a needed service for the RIT alumni to locate and communicate with each other. Every one present, ten of us at that time, took out our checkbooks and wrote out one hundred dollars each, with promises of more as needed. We informally called ourselves the RIT Alumni Bay Area Group. I was asked to be the group leader.
After that fateful event we continue to have regular meetings, hosted in turn at the homes of some among group members: Ko Hla Min, Maurice Chee, Ko Myat Htoo, Ko Thein Aung, and most recently Dr Nyo Win. Did I leave out any one? Ah yes! Ko Myint Swe and San San Swe. All the while the membership continues to grow and our objective keeps on changing from support of the website to some vague dream of a future RIT alumni organization on a global scale and finally settled on a plan for RIT Alumni Grand Reunion at the beginning of the 21st Century. Ko Hla Min broached the idea to include Saya Pu Zaw Pwe as part of the Grand Reunion in keeping with the Myanmar custom of honoring one’s teachers. As our plan jelled we got carried away by our own excitement and started talking about holding the reunion before the end of the Year 2000. After all, ending one millennium successfully augers well for success in the next millennium.
Before we fully realized what we were up to we have found an ideal site, the Embassy Suites Hotel conference hall near the San Francisco International Airport, and found ourselves making a commitment for a definite date, 28 October 2000 and a attendance fee of fifty dollars, a modest amount to encourage maximum number of Alumni to participate. The minimum capacity of the conference hall is 200 seats and we were required to make down payment and sign a rental and service agreement based on 200 seats. Our most optimistic estimate at the time was 100 attendees. If the attendance is low that means the Bay Area Group, as the Organizing Committee was not in force at the time, will have to make up the short fall. Which could amount to as much as five thousand dollars, or five hundred dollar from each group member. We hesitated a moment to reflect on what that means to us individually in terms of diminished spending power. But, in the end our attachment to RIT and the engineering profession, our sincere desire to meet the Sayas and class mates from whom we were separated for long over came us. We will accept the risks.
Thus was born the preparations in full swing for the Grand RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Others must tell the rest of the story – of struggles, compromises, and elations along the way and from participants themselves what it means to be present at the defining moment in the history of RIT Alumni.
Allen Htay, RIT Alumni International – Bay Area Group RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Organizing Committee
Appreciation of SPZP-2000
Hello All:
Thanks and Congratulations for a well organized and well executed event. I believe we all went to bed early Sunday night irrespective of the change back to Standard Time (from Daylight Savings Time according to the rule “Spring forward, Fall back”) , and no doubt slept soundly and very happy, knowing full well what happened during the past three days is more than what we dared to dream. I for one took the Monday off and forgot lunch because I woke up so late. But what is one missed lunch!
Allen Htay
____
Dear Ko Maung Maung Than (M79):
Thanks for your note of appreciation for the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Everybody chipped in: the sayas, organizers, committee members, helpers, supporters like you which we were very fortunate to have, the alumni and general guests and well-wishers. We won’t be able to host an event of this magnitude and importance if any of the components were missing.
Success belongs to everyone.
Thanks again for your generous support
Allen Htay
Remembering Saya Allen Htay
From Saya U Thit
Dear Colleagues and students
I am very sad to hear that Allen Htay passed away.
I have known Allen Htay since the early 1950s when we were both students at Methodist High School, Yegyaw, East Yangon. He was one year junior to me.
We were together again in the late 1950s when we were both Assistant Lecturers at B.O.C. Engineering College. During that time he and I together with Saya Num Kock and Saya U Aung Khin went for an excursion to visit Lawpita Hydroelectric Plant construction site near Loikaw, in Kayah State.
While I was living on the R.I.T. campus in the early 1960s he moved to a house just across the street from us.
I will always remember him coming to our house many times in the evenings for a chat with my family.
The last time I saw him was at the 2004 Saya Puzawpwe in Yangon.
He will be sadly missed by many of his friends and students.
May his soul rest in Peace.
Maung Thit (Metallurgy) Melbourne, Australia
From the alumni in Australia
By Ko “Henry” Thet Tun
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Saya U Allen Htay & family for the demise of Saya.
From the RIT Alumni Australia & Myanmar Engineering Association of Australia Inc.
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We are very much saddened by the departure of Saya Allen Htay. Please convey our heartfelt condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. His good nature and kind demeanor will always live in our memory and that of those who loved him.
While we will all miss Saya Allen very much, I hope all his loved ones can find some slight comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended.
Very Sincerely, Tin Win and Lily.
From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Without the RIT Alumnu Updates, I would not have known about the passing of our (me and George Peters) final year thesis supervisor Saya U Allen Htay.
Thank you for your regular as well as supplement updates.
Please convey our deepest condolences to Daw Mu Mu and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of great loss and sadness.
Best regards, Dennis (Kyaw Thu) (C73) and Alice U
Editor’s Notes: Dennis and Alice have relocated to Canada.
From Saya U Soe Paing and Daw Saw Yu Tint
My friend Allen Htay (GBNF)
Some years ago I wrote an article for the ex-RIT.org about my saya friends at RIT which included Allen Htay.
I met Allen Htay when I joined the 1st Year BSc (Engg) class at the Faculty of Engineering at Leikkhone in 1958 .Ko San Hla Aung was our drawing instructor for the main majors (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), and Allen Htay was the instructor for the rest.
In December1958, I went on State Scholarship to Stanford University. When I returned home after completing my studies, I found myself on the same ship S S Warickshire from Liverpool to Yangon with Allen Htay, Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri Eng) and Ko Ko Lay (UCC). There was also another Myanmar Ko Than Pe, a Chartered Accountant, on the ship. Those days it was customary for the Government to send the returning scholars by ship.
We normally had our meals together seated at the Chief engineer’s table. After dinner we would play bridge to spend the time. Ko Ko Lay partnered with Ko Tin Maung Nyunt and Allen Htay and Ko Than Pe took turns as my partner against them. We played almost every night after dinner and all of us became very good friends.
We got back to Yangon in October 1963. Allen Htay rejoined RIT. I was posted to RIT in January 1964 and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt in March 1964 and so we were together again. When I got married and moved into the RIT staff quarters I was at 16F, Allen Htay at 16E and Ko Tin Maung at 16D. We visited each others house very often. We also became friendly with Allen Htay’s brothers and sisters.
I have attached a photo taken during Thingyan 1966 with Allen Htay (2nd from left) and his youngest brother (extreme right).
Thingyan in 1966
I left RIT for UCC and the UN, and Allen Htay and Ko Tin Maung Nyunt went to the United States. All of us met gain in the Bay Area in 1985, 2001 and 2010. I saw Allen Htay at the RIT reunions in 2004 (Yangon), 2007 and 2010 (Singapore).
He could not make it to the 2012 reunion in Yangon because of his health. He was a mild mannered soft spoken gentleman and we will all miss him. May he rest in peace.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s Spouse)
“Let me count the ways [to love]” by Elizabeth Browning is a poem present by Ma Ma Mu to Saya Allen.
Donations in Saya Allen’s Memory
In memory of Saya, Daw Mu Mu Kin
donated Saya’s books to YTU Library
provided cabinets for Saya’s books
sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students
Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.
NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.
Daw Mu Mu Kin (Saya’s spouse)MeetingDonation 1Donation 2Donation 3Donation 4Donation 5
Updates
Several sayas and alumni mentioned in the post are GBNF. They include Saya H Num Kok, Saya U Min Wun, Saya Allen Htay, Saya Dr. Win Thein, Saya U Thit, U Khin Maung Win / Sid, U Ngwe Zoe / Peter and U Myat Htoo.
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
ဌေးလွင်ညို
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 ဆရာတော်ဦးသီလာနန္ဒ
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
Ko Tin Hla (EP 69) passed away on 10th January 2012 of cancer, which has spread over most of his organs, originally started on his lungs. He was suffering from cancer and was operated four months ago.
His funeral will be on the 12th January 2012 at Yae Wai (13.00 hr).
He is the No. 59 on GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list.
Ko Shwe, Myint Maung. Win Maung, Aung Gyi Shwe, Myint Thein Kabar, and I went and met his family yesterday.
May I remind you to take care of your health.
With Metta and best regards. Aung Min (M 69)
From Ivan Lee (M69)
It is sad news. I was very close with him at the RIT second and third years. I named him Tommy, resident from Myoung-Mya. I met him at the Bassein college first year. He had a younger brother. When his father passed away in Rangoon, I remembered he and I seated together at the front, next to the driver of the funeral car at Rangoon Chinatown. At my RIT 69er welcome party in Yangon in Nov. 2006, that was the last time I saw him.
I am sending my deepest condolence to his family, and wish him be merry whatever he is going to be.
Again, it is an universal rule, we can keep going to lose one after another, will never ever to add any single one more into our network, regardless what, we must regard [and help] one another. And take care of our health, not others assistance, but ourselves desirability.
God bless all of our beloved classmates , alumni, respectful Sayas.
Best regards Ivan Lee USA
From U Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Dear all,
Very sad to hear the demise of him.
Aung K P
From U Sein Myint (EP69)
Dear All,
Very sad to hear from Aung Min regarding Ko Tin Hla from Myoung-Mya.
He is very near to Myint Mg (Bu Gyi). We were very near when doing this and that. Kristian Lal also together with him.
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
From U Thein Swe (EP69)
Dear Ko A Min and all,
Well done! Thanks for your annual and, occasional reports [about the ’69er Health Care Fund]. Once a friend is forever the friend. The older we become the more we should recognize our classmates no matter whether alive or deceased, in high or low profile. Please extend my words of thanks to Ko Shwe, Moe Hein, Myo Nyunt, Myint Sein, Kyaw Zin, Myint Thein, etc for their activities regardless of old age.
There are some outstanding classmates of the year 2011 viz: Ivan Lee @ Khin Maung Oo (USA, Kyaukme, M), unnamed classmate from USA,. Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Tx, Germany).
With metta Thein Swe
From U Sein Tin (M69)
Dear Ko Aung Min and the rest,
Thank you for your annual report of Health Care Fund and activities. You are right. We are at the sun set time. We need both physical and mental support to each other.
You have done well. I support you.
With regards, Sein Tin [Omega]
Updates
At one time, the Class of 69 had median age of 69 and the GBNF list was 69.
At present the Class of 69 has a median age of 78 / 79 and the GBNF list is 138.
Note that several people in the post — Aung Gyi Shwe, “Kabar” Myint Thein and Thein Swe — are now GBNF.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) donated $300 to the 69er Health Care Fund. Per her request, she was listed as a “classmate in the US”. She is the lone female EE graduate in 1969. She migrated to the US. She earlier told the 69ers of her volunteer work for immigrants and/or seniors. She attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2019 and donated $1000.
