The biography was read in commemoration of his 100th birthday (held in Kemmendine).
Sayagyi U Tha Tun was born on 4 October 1899.
He received
B.Sc. degree from Yangon University in 1921
A.A. dip. from London in 1926
F.R.I.B.A. (Fellowship of Institute of British Architects) and A.M.T.P.I. (Associate Member of Town Planning Institute) in 1936
He is the only person who got F.R.I.B.A. as a Myanmar citizen up to date (in 1999). So his degree in full is : B.Sc., A.A.Dip.(London), F.R.I.B.A., A.M.T.P.I.
Back in Myanmar he worked as Executive Engineer (Planning) in National Housing Board and Town & City Development Trust.
From 1941-1945, he worked as City Architect and Government Architect in Public Works Department.
From 1954-58, he taught “History Of Architecture” at the Rangoon University Engineering department.
From 1960-1963, he was Head of Department of Architecture in BIT/RIT.
His works in Yangon include
Medical College 1 in Yangon.
Inya Hall, Thiri Hall,
Many other private houses
[Contributed his labor in] many religious buildings all over Myanmar.
He also won first prize in design competition for the renovation of Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda (Pegu) which was destroyed by an earthquake.
He lived for 75 years and passed away on 13th Sept. 1974 in Yangon.
Whenever he was invited to a meeting or a gathering of Architects, he always tried to attend and used to say his favorite words: “A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER”
Before he died, he sent a message to a meeting of S.S.A. and the following are the excerpts from his message.
” THE ART AND CULTURE REST ON THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY OF STUDENTS ARCHITECTS. I EXHORT TO THE SPIRIT OF S.S.A. TO CREATE A HISTORY AND I RENDER A HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS FOR PROMOTION OF ARCHITECTS IN BURMA”
Sad to inform that Than Myint (’64 first year intake Roll No. 168) had passed away on 23rd January 2013 at Asia Royal Clinic. The funeral was at Ye Way cemetery on 25th January. I knew about his demise from the newspaper. He was a musician and vocalist, and a Burmese Guitar virtuoso.
U San Htay (B. E. Metallurgy)
1973 Batch. Retired Brigadier General passed away on 24 March 2013 in Victoria hospital. His remains were cremated at Yay Way cemetery on 26 March 2013, 2 p.m.
Bohmu Myint Swe (Retd)
BE Civil (78 Batch) passed away on March 22, 2013.
Maung Htay wrote:
I am very upset. I know him. His nick name GiGi. He performed half man and half woman show on RIT concert. We lived in Thamine Hostel together when we are in RIT.
Saya Allen Htay (C58)
Says Allen Htay
From Ben Aye Maung (Htin Myaing, A66)
Dear Muriel,
It is with great sadness to learn that your beloved husband Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19 March 2013. I just found out from the RIT Alumni newsletter.
Please accept my deep & sincere condolences to you & your daughters.
Saya Allen was a gentle kind hearted person as well as a good compassionate teacher. He will be sadly missed by all his friends, colleagues and students.
Please be consoled by the Buddhist philosophy of the Law of impermanence and that we will all have to part with our loved ones one day.
With deep sorrow, Ben Aye Maung
PS The last time we all met together was in happy times at the Bangkok MEHS Reunion in 2008. I still have the group photo which included us & some other friends, that you sent me, which will serve as a fond memory.
From Saya U Min Wun (C)
Today I found out that Saya Allen Htay has recently passed away. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Ma Mu and her family.
In 1957 when I taught the Final Year CE class I noticed a group of highly intelligent students and Allen Htay was one of them. When he graduated the next year he was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer together with Ko San Hla Aung and Ko Win Thein.
Allen Htay was later sent abroad to Harvard University to study Soil Mechanics. He then left R.I.T. to work abroad. Later on he joined CalTrans [California Department of Transportation] until he retired due to his illness. The other day one of my RIT colleagues reminded me of the longevity of most of the senior CE staff, beginning from Saya Nam Kock, Dr. Aung Gyi, Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein, Allen Htay, and me. All of us are approaching and/or surpassing 80.
Now one of us is already gone and he’ll be missed.
From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A 67)
My deepest & sincere condolences to Ma Ma Mu & Family. You will be deeply missed by all of us.
Saya RIP.
Khin Khin Kyu (A 67)
From Saya U Myo Win (Melvyn, M/Ag 65)
Dear Muriel & family,
Please accept our heartfelt deepest condolences and sorrow. Allen is one of our nicest sayas and he is always smiling and a happy person.
He will be greatly missed by all Myanmar engineers.
Myo & Nu Win ( Melvyn Ba Tin & Noreen Aungyaw)
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L. Tin Htun, EE 59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
We are greatly saddened to learn about the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Mr. Allen Htay. Please convey our deep condolence and sympathy to all members of his family.
Sincerely, Chris and Pam Lee
From Saya U Nyo Win(M65)
Maurice and All,
Please convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to Allen’s family. Please include me in any and all arrangements for the funeral.
With great sadness, [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (M 65)
From Saya KCChiu(ChE63)
Hi Maurice,
I am saddened by the bad news. Please convey my condolences to Daw Mu Mu and her family and let me know the funeral arrangement once it is confirmed. Also count me in your arrangement of expressing our grieve. Thank you.
Regards, [Saya] KC Chiu (ChE 63)
From U Saw Linn (C71)
Sad News.
Saya Allen Htay passed away on 19-03-2013.
From U Win Khaing (M75)
Dear U Saw Lin
Pls convey my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family of Saya Allen Htay.
With regards U Win Khaing President MES
From Saya U Moe Aung (EE63)
Saya was a very gentle and soft-spoken person.
Please convey my deepest condolences to his wife Daw Mu Mu Khin and family.
From Sai Tun Aye (Min70)
Very sad to hear this news.
Please convey my condolences to saya’s family.
From U Myint Pe (M72)
Very sad to hear about SAYAR’s news.
From U Aung Kyaw Myat
Deep Condolences to Saya’s Family.
From U Kyaw San Win
He is genius and good teacher for us. We miss him forever. This is life. Please convey our condolences to his bereaved family.
From Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65)
I can still remember Saya’s soft-spoken manner of conducting lectures. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
From Saya U Tin Lin (ChE72)
May you rest in PEACE Saya Allen Htay! My deepest condolence to saya’s family. This is the final journey of our life to pass through one day.
From U Hla Thaung
Very sorry to know that. Saya, may you rest in peace! My deep condolence to Saya’s family.
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 BADAl)
September 2018
Daw Khin Than Win (T70) : 3rd Sep 2018
U Kyaw Min Than : younger brother of Saya Dr. U Win (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 BAWA (Burmese American Women’s Alliance)
Spouse of U Maung Maung Latt, President of BADA (Burmese American Democratic Alliance)
Date (?)
Darren Lee (M62) : Attended NorCal RIT AA Picnic; need date of demise
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
Ko Yin Kyu (age 67), Mech/Agri RIT 69er passed away today (26th April, 2011) at 8/45 am.
His funeral will be on 28 April, 2011 at Yae Wai.
He worked for Public Works (Construction Corporation) as superintending engineer and retired in 2006.
He died of kidney failure, based on diabetes.
He had been hospitalized since 3rd April at the Shwegonedine Hospital.
With Metta. Aung Min (M69)
Comments
Danny (Tint Lwin, M69) wrote :
Dear Ko Aung Min, So sorry to hear that Ko Yin Kyu has passed away. Did anybody visit him when was hospitalised?
Ivan (Khin Maung Oo, M69) wrote :
Hi dear classmates: It is sad, sad sad, we need contribute our Nar Ye fund for his funeral and for supporting his family. It is the best we can do now. Another suggestion to our dear classmate to evaluate our balancing life. * The longer we stay, the more this kind of sad news will hear, the less of our classmate counting, so value our relationship and childhood friends. * Life is short, don’t stretch your exhaustion brain and still-healthy body working. Enough is enough, take the retirement at or before 65 years old. * You must know exactly to Love YOURSELF, it sounds selfish, but be practical. Don’t lie to yourself , be honest yourself.
Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, ChE69) wrote :
My condolences for the family of Ko Yin Kyu’s family. Yes I agree totally with Ivan, to cherish our friends and families in our sunset years. At the same time doing good deeds while we can.
69ers who passed away in 2011
Aung Naing (Bahadhur, Min)
Chit Htun (Min)
Yin Kyu (M)
Updates
As of July 2025, there are 138 members in the 69er GBNF list.
Most members graduated in 1970. Some left RIT before graduation. A few took Sabbatical & graduated later.
U Ohn Khine (M70) reports the Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF) list periodically.
An entry contains
Name (Alias or nickname)
Roll Number in 1st BE
Major/Discipline
Date of demise (if known)
Status
As ofJune 20, 2025, there were 143 entries in the GBNF list.
Tommy Shwe 2 : RIT Selection for Badminton; Moved to Taiwan & USA; Kidnapped & murdered by his Handyman
Tommy Shwe
Cho Aye 3 Mech 7/8/18 : RIT Hiking & Mountaineering; Organizer for the Group
Cho Aye (Standing rightmost)
Peter Pe 4 Mech : RIT Swimming & Water Polo; Fell off from a horse
Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) 8 Elec : Entrepreneur; Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP; Philanthropist; Steeve & Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas; CABA; Kay Family Foundation
Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay) at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Victor Jones 41 Civil
Ne Win 45 Tex
Tin Ohn 49 Mech
Naing Win 54 Mech : Spouse Polly Ba San was Burma Selected in Swimming
Mya Daung 58 Mech/Agri
Lay Myint 60 Civil
Khin Maung Pun 66 Petro ?/10/16 : Named after his birthplace Papun
Myo Thaw 68 5/15
Aung Kyan 71 Mech/Auto
Thet Win 75 Mech
Hla Min (Pauk Si) 82 Elec : Chief Operator at UCC; Passed away in his 30s
Mg Mg Myint (Japu Sein) 93 Mech : RIT Selection for Soccer
Soe Tint (Nevil Kyi Mg) 94 Civil
Mg Mg Than 97 Mech 8/7/18
Le Le Win (Lilian Tha Mya) 100 Mech
Nan Lwin 102 Elec
Myat Khine (Tha Aye) 104 Mech
Han Kyu Pe 110 Arch : Paulian
Than Tun (Ivan Win) 114 Mech/Agri
Aung Win 120 Chem
Aye Thin 122 Chem
Chit Khin 124 Arch 23/6/15
Than Sein 130 Mech
Aung Kyi 135 Mech
Khin Mg Saan 139 Civil
Ko Ko Tin (Winston Hla Mg) 141 Mech
Saw Pae Pae 143 Met
Win Maw (George Hock) 146
Ma Yin Shwe Tun 150 Tex
Myat Myat Moe 154 Arch
Ma Htay Htay Win (Marlene Mg Mg) 158 Chem
Than Myint 168 23/1/13
Myint Thein 172 Mech
Phone Thwin 177 Min
Than Nyunt Win 181 Civil
Khin Mg Kyu 183 Mech
Win Thein 185 Elec
Ma Khin Mya Oo 188 Met
Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan) 191 Elec : RIT EE Saya
Mg Mg Yu 194 Mech/Agri
Tin Aye 195 Mech/Agri
Htike Nyan 198 Elec 26/10/15
Aung Khin 203 Mech
Kyi May Nwae 206 Met
Tin Win 209 Chem
Myat Swe (Myint Swe) 215 Elec 22/3/15
Kyaw Win Mhan 234 Arch
Ma Yaw Ze 243 Chem
Hla Shwe 247 Mech Lar Gyi
Min Thant (Maurice Bo Ni) 254 Elec
Tin Win (Arthur) 256 Mech
Aung Htay 277 Civil
Michael Shein Myint 280 Chem
Mar Mar 292 Civil
Thein Htun 304 Mech 29/8/18
Mg Mg Oo 312 PP
Myo Tint (Stanley Hla) 313 PP
Mg Mg Swe 314 Mech ?/1/18
Min Swe 318 Mech
Ye Myint Aung 323 Mech
Toe Nyunt 326 Elec
Tin Ko 330 Met
Aung Law Ha 342 Mn 30/1/16
Ma Tin Tin 348 Mech/Agri
Kyaw Swe Thet 354 Mech 2017
Kan Myint 371 Mech
Aye Than 385 Elec 25/4/16
Khin Soe 388
Khin Than Win 389 Tex 3/9/18 : Silver Pearl Diary co-owner
HlaMin 