She is Peter’s younger sister and Ye Myint’s older sister.
She graduated with B.Com and completed her CPA.
In an early assignment to Upper Burma, she found her love life Ko Tin Tun — younger brother of my former SPHS classmate Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (GBNF). They have two daughters : Thin Thiri Tun (Honey, electronics engineer in Singapore) and Khin Sandy Tun (Pu Tu, medical doctor).
Since Peter and Ye Myint were working in UK, Aye Aye and Pu Tu looked after U Tin U and Ma Cherry. About a year and a half ago, Ko Tin Tun developed a problem that required medical treatment in Singapore and Yangon.
Peter monitored the health of his parents and Ko Tin Tun (via calls with Aye Aye and Pu Tu).
Peter told Aye Aye not to worry about Pu Tu’s future. He would sponsor Pu Tu to study MRCP in UK.
Before Peter was hospitalized, Aye Aye and Pu Tu had a daily conversation with Peter, who continued to advise on Ko Tin Tun’s failing health. Peter appeared to be in high spirits.
It was an unpleasant surprise to learn about Peter’s demise — the second loss in the family within a few months.
Due to the pandemic, Pu Tu could not go to Bangkok to take her PLAP examination. As a blessing in disguise, Pu Tu could take care of her father.
Aye Aye and Pu Tu do not have time and energy to share their memories of Peter. They miss Peter badly.
Peter loved Pu Tu very much because she took care of Ma Cherry and wanted to help Pu Tu with her career.
Aye Aye thanks Honey for reminding them that sorrow is a form of DOSA and to overcome sorrow with vipassana meditation.
Daw Ohnmar Khin
Dear Peter
It’s now a month since you left us. It just doesn’t seem real you are gone. Please know you have touched the lives of every one who have known you with your kindness and generosity of spirit . I consider myself so very lucky to have had time with you, to listen to all your good health advices, your teaching me about vipassana meditation, how we shared funny & memorable stories about our grandparents & ancestors – as passed down by our Mums. You were a pillar of strength to your family & now your legacy lives on in your two wonderful sons, who have become the pillars of strength for their Mum. You were a big part in our close knit circle of first cousins from The U Tin Gyi Family Clan from your Mum’s side. We shall always remember you in our hearts & minds. I will always remember what a wonderful & devoted son you were to your beloved parents – how your Mum would not let anyone cut her hair except you. How you would take every opportunity to make her happy from thousands of miles away. Thardu Thardu Thardu. RIP Peter, I know you have gone to a better and higher abode. Missing you so much-
Love – Ma Ma Ohnmar
Photo Card by U Tin Htoon
Tribute to PKT
Daw Toni Than
She is the daughter of U Sett Khaing and Daw Sarah Tin Gyi. She is the Oldest among the 20+ Tin Gyi cousins. She would call her two youngest maternal aunts as Ma Ma Tin and Ma Ma Tu.
She studied English Honors and taught at RIT. She was a leading member of the RIT Scrabble Club which produced Champions like Saya Des (now in Canada) and Saya U Khin (now in Taiwan).
She joined her spouse H.E. U Nyi Than (GBNF) during his diplomatic missions abroad. They have a son and a daughter.
Upon her return to Myanmar, she taught at International / Private Schools. She stays mentally active by playing Scrabble and Bridge.
I met her at the RIT SPZPs and recently when her beloved Ma Ma Tu passed away late last year. She was accompanied by two cousins : Diana and Tessa.
The following is a note she sent to to her cousin Ye Myint in UK.
Tomorrow is one month of my cousin Peter’s passing. I want to share with you all, an incident that will forever be embedded in my heart and mind. My son Ye Min had dysentery and within hours, in front of our very eyes started to look gaunt with sunken eyes due to loss of fluid etc. I was frantic and then Peter came to the rescue. He stayed with him, administering drip till he was stable. He saved my son’s life, calming me down at the same time. He was that kind of person. I still can’t get over his loss. Peter, Rest in Peace.
Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
U Tin U (Peter’s father) is the eldest of 9 siblings.
Ma Cho is the youngest. Her mother told her many stories.
I heard a few from her last night.
There was a “Taya Pwe တရားပွဲ” by Mohnin Sayadaw မိုးညှင်းဆရာတော် at the “Maida Kwinn မိုင်ဒါကွင်း”. There was a large crowd. Mo Cho’s mother and aunt are devotees of sayadaw. Ma Cherry’s mother also was also a devotee. Young Ma Cherry and Ma Olga dressed as yogis would accompany her mother. Ma Cherry could not find her mother among the crowd. She ran into Ma Cho’s aunt and then cried. Little did both realize that with “Yay Set ရေစက်” both would be related by marriage later.
U Tin Gyi (Ma Cherry’s father) was highly respected as Commissioner of Cooperatives and received awards. He was building a new house in Windermere Road for his large family. He went to UK to attend a meeting but passed away unexpectedly. His son U Sway Tin collected his ashes to be brought back home. Ma Cherry’s mother did not want to leave her old house. So the new house was sold to Dr. Chan Taik.
Ma Cho studied Chemistry and worked at Central Research Organization.
She organized donation drives to selected monasteries. For several years, she hosted a weekly meditation sitting.
She wrote an article for “Neikbeinda Taung နိဗ္ဗိန္ဒတောင်” in Prome / Pyay ပြည် where several relatives took refuge during the war.
She also wrote an article named “Windermere Hma Kyee See Than ဝင်ဒါမီယာမှကြေးစည်သံ” for “Wi Thudha Yone Kyaung ဝိသုဒ္ဓာရုံကျောင်း”. It described the “Ah Yone Soon Kyee Laung အာရုဏ်ဆွမ်းကြီးလောင်း” initiated by U Kyaw Thaung and team.
Jessica Myint
She is still trying to recover the loss of her uncle Peter (who was like a second father). She had high hopes even after Peter was admitted to ICU, but they dashed as Peter’s health deteriorated the following days.
She sent me several photos.
Photo taken in Northampton, UK
Memories from New Zealand
Updates
U Tin U lost his spouse Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt in November 2019, his elder son Dr. Peter Tun in April 2020, and his son-in-law U Tin Tun in May 2020.
U Tin U 1U Tin U 2
U Tin U now has two great grand daughters. Peter did not live long enough to see his grand daughters.
U Ba Than
U Ba Than (U Tin U’s younger brother) passed away shortly after his 94th birthday.
Daw Myint Thwe
Daw Myint Thwe (U Tin U’s younger sister) passed away in May, 2025 (a few months short of her 91st birthday).
Dr. Myo Tint
Dr. Myo Tint (younger brother of U Tin U & U Ba Than) succumbed to Covid. He was in his mid 80s.
Peter, Win Mar & Min Ko
In memory of Peter, Win Mar has performed meritorious deeds (e.g donation to earthquake & flood victims). She and her sons Min Ko & Ye Lay also performed Kuso ကုသိုလ် for the birthdays (in the extended family).
Matriculated from Yegyaw Methodist. U Thit 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, Khin Mg Win (Sid), 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.
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, Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me would meet monthly to have Coffee / Tea & Dosa တိုရှည် and chat.
Sometimes, Dr. San Lin would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw. Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which 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) requested him to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
Passed away before his final retirement.
Health
Survived two Strokes.
Succumbed to the Stroke at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He accompanied his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
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) 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).
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).
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, U Ngwe Zoe.
Spouse of Dr. Peter Tun (Khin Tun, my cousin nephew)
During our visit to UK in September 2017, they hosted us
Peter & Win Mar
Peter was working at the NHS hospital and at a private clinic. He would show us around late in the evening (e.g. River Thames).
Tribute to Peter
Trip to Wales
On the week end Peter drove us to Ogmore-by-the-sea in Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi & Khin May Than.
Trip to Ogmore-by-the-sea
Guide
She would be our guide during the week days.
We took bus and train to see Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace & tourist attractions. Since she had been to those places many times, she would patiently wait for us near the entrance / exit gate. As seniors, we received discount on the bus and train fares.
She keeps fit by massaging her feet in a bucket full of salt. She also climbs up and down the stairs to do her chores (cooking, washing, drying clothes in the backyard).
Chefs
Both are outstanding Chefs.
She is selective in eating food. She prefers Burmese specialties over Chinese, Indian & British food (with the exception of “Fish and Chips” sold at the shop owned by Peter’s assistant).
Love Story
With young Min Ko
She would tell stories (esp. to my spouse).
When she was working as a teacher in Hlegu, Peter would come over with a food container. Guess what. Peter brought mashed potatoes not knowing that she did not have appetite for non-Burmese food.
Later, they regained contact by chance at the Chauk Htutt Yone (6-storey Govt. office).
Peter asked her for a date.
He handed over a 7-page “Yee Zar Sar”. Win Mar appreciated the Open Book approach. Peter listed his puppy love, current & potential suitors.
Peter agreed to settle in Mezaligone. They spent a long time there.
Peter’s sayas & friends finally suggested him to study for MRCP.
2020
Covid
In late March, Peter told me that COVID-19 had hit UK, but Reading did not have many cases.
Nevertheless, he showered every day (before & after work) as a precaution.
He treasured Win Mar’s health.
Then, we heard bad news. Five of Peter’s patients tested positive for COVID-19. Peter was asked to “self isolate” at his home.
Per his brother, sister & nieces, Peter felt confident that he would be victorious.
After a week, Peter’s health declined and was admitted to ICU.
A few days later, Win Mar had fever and cough. Min Ko & Ye Lay (who could not visit the house due to the “self-isolation”) called ambulance. The medics checked Win Mar and suggested to wait a few days.
Hospitalization
Peter passed away on April 13.
Win Mar was taken to the hospital for observation & treatment.
Her health and appetite returned. She requested “Fish and Chips”. It was a sign that she still have a good memory. Her friends (esp. Ma Theingi) cooked Burmese meals.
She was discharged on April 29.
She was able to attend the service for Peter on April 30.
She spoke with Cho Cho Hlaing (Peter’s youngest aunt) in the video conference, “Peter was born on a Monday and passed away on a Monday. He must have run out of his life span. KAN KONE LOH SONE THWAR DA. ကံကုန်လို့ ဆုံးသွားဒါ”
Win Mar now has close company of of her sons Ye Lay and Min Ko (who still had lease for a flat 5 minutes away).
They offered One Month Soon Kyway to Birmingham Sayadaw U Ottara Nyana.
They also celebrated Ye Lay’s birthday a few days later.
Peter & Win Mar at Min Ko’s Wedding Reception
Updates
After attending Min Ko’s wedding reception, Peter’s relatives — aunt, uncle, brother, cousins — had a gathering in Sydney.
Peter chose to fly back to UK to take care of his patients. Sadly, he might have been infected by a patient.
Peter was looking forward to his retirement and the day when he would be a proud grandpa.
Win Mar has a consolation prize. She could spend quality time with her two granddaughters.
We use GBNF for those who are Gone But Not Forgotten.
Some use RIP (Rest in Peace), BFHA (Bound For Heavenly Abode) and similar terms.
GBNF Posts
GBNF by Calendar Year
GBNF of RIT Sayas
GBNF of RIT Alumni
GBNF of Organizers
GBNF of Sponsors & Donors
GBNF for SPHS
GBNF for UCC
GBNF (General — Sayadaws, Doctors, Family members, Friends)
Some Groups (e.g 69ers, 1st BE Intake of 64) maintain GBNF lists.
Class of 58
Saya U Htin Paw (EE), Saya U Ba Nyunt (EE), Saya Allen Htay (C), Saya Dr. Win Thein (C) & U Khin Maung Win (Sid, C) are some GBNF from the Class
Class of Civil 1958
Saya Allen Htay (C)
Saya Allen Htay
Founding member & President of RIT Alumni International which hosted SPZP-2000.
Passed away in California, USA.
See Posts
Dr. Win Thein (C)
Dr. Win Thein
Retired as Professor & Head of Civil Engineering.
His sister donated Saya’s Garawa money to various charities.
See Posts
Class of 59
U Bo Gyi (C), Saya U Tin Hlaing (M) are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
U Bo Gyi
Class of 60
U Kin Maung Yin (A), Saya Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE), U Than Tin (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
Dr. Maung Maung WinKin Maung Yin
Class of 61
Dr. San Tint (EE), Daw Tin Tin Ohn (T), Dr. Julie Han (T) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
Dr. San Tint
Class of 62
Saya S. Arya (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
S Arya
Class of 63
U Myint Lwin (Henry, C), Saya U Soe Lwin (M), U Shwe Kyaw (M), U Soe Min (EE), U Nyi Nyi (EE), U Chin Way (EE) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
EE Sayas
Class of 64
U Than Tun (A), Saya U Win Maung (C) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
Class of 65
Saya U Kyaw Sein (M), Saya U Myo Win (M) … are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
U Kyaw Sein
Class of 66
U Ne Win Myint (ChE) …
U Saw Lwin has a list of GBNF for C66
See Posts
Ne Win Myint (Center)
Class of 67
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A), U Win Thein (M), U Kyaw Oo (M), U Aung Myint (M), Saya Dr. Chan Nyein (M), Saya U Tin Maung Oo (M), Daw Nancy (EC), U Myint Kyaw (EC) are some GBNF from the Class
See Posts
U Win Thein (M)
Win Thein
Founded Set Hmu Thadin Zin.
Organizer for Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn and several RIT events.
Class of 68
Saya Sai Yee Leik (A), Saya U Myint Soe (C), Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE), U Tun Aung (Jeffrey, EC), U Thein Zaw (Joe, EC), U Soe Myint Lwin (EP), U Saw Win (EE), Daw Mya Mya Than (EP) are some GBNF from the Class
See posts
U Tun Aung (Jefferey, EC)
U Tun Aung (GBNF)
Founding member and past President of BASES.
Passed away on October 5, 2021.
See Posts
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP)
Memorial Service for U Soe Myint LwinSoon Kwyay Invitation for U Soe Myint Lwin
Played Soccer for Burma, RU & RIT.
Was EC of the Burma Women’s Soccer Federation.
Passed away in 2017.
See Posts
69ers
U Aung Min
In November 1964, three Intakes were admitted to RIT.
Most from the 2nd BE Intake graduated in 1969.
They and former classmates — some who left earlier & some who Sabbatical — are called 69ers (or RIT Class of 69++).
69er GBNF
U Aung Min (M69) & team maintain the GBNF list for 69ers.
Over 40% of the 69ers are GBNF.
About 20 members succumbed to Covid.
See posts
U Han Sein (C)
Han Sein
Represented RIT in Swimming, Water Polo, Diving & Basketball.
Prisoner of Conscience for 17 years.
U Aye Lwin (M)
Aye Lwin
Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine Committee & RIT Mechanical Engineering Association.
Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Class of 70
(Intake of 64)
U Ohn Khine
U Ohn Khine (M70) and team maintain the GBNF list the Group.
About 140 members are GBNF.
Four top students from the Intake — Tommy Shwe, Cho Aye, Peter Pe & Steeve Kay — are GBNF
See posts
Class of 71
Did not receive official GBNF list
U Myint Thin (M71), Daw Than Than Yi (T71) are some GBNF from the Class
See posts
Class of 72
M72
Mg Mar Ga occasionally posted the GBNF list.
Kham Shan
Khin Maung Myint (John Tint)
Khin Maung Oo
Khin Maung Tin
Khin Maung Toe
Kyaw Kyaw Aung
Kyaw Kyaw Maw
Kyaw Moe
Kyaw Myint Than
Kyaw San Tun
John Tint
Soe Myint (Phone Gyi)
Soe Myint (Shwe Thwar)
Soe Myint Aung
Soe Than
Tha Tun
See Posts
ChE72
Myo Myint Pe
Aye Aye Kyaw
See posts
EE72
Nyunt Nyunt Yee
Khin Soe
See Posts
Class of 73 – 76
U Khin Maung Aye (M) … from the Class of 73
Sai Aung Thurein (EC), Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP), U Sann Aung (M)… from the Class of 74
U Win Khaing (M), U Than Po (M), U Myat Swe (Benedict) … from the Class of 75
U Aung Myint Thein (C), U Wynn Myint Aung (EC) … from the Class of 76
Sayagyis
Several passed away in their 90s
Some former Head of Departments — U Tha Tun (A), U Min Win (C), Dr. Win Thein (C), Khin Aung Kyi (ChE, Rector), Dr. Maung Maung Win (ChE), U Sein Hlaing (EE), U Sein Win (EP), Dr. San Tint (EC), U Ba Than (M), Dr. Chan Nyein (M), U Thit (Met), Dr. Saw Pru (M), U Soe Khaw (Min), U Soon Sein (Min), U Maung Maung Than (T) — are GBNF
See posts for each Department
Mr. H Num Kok (C)
H Num Kok 1H Num Kok 2
Saya of our Sayas.
Taught Drawing to Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun & U Khin Aung Kyi.
Attended SPZP-2000 and selected PZPs & Reunions
Passed away in his late 90s in Portland, Oregon, USA
See posts
U Ba Toke
U Ba Toke 1U Ba Toke 2
Saya of our Sayas.
Taught Maths to U Ba Than, Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun & U Khin Aung Kyi
Rector of MASU
Voluntarily asked for Transfer to RIT Maths Dept
Associate Dean, Assumption University
Passed away on December 2, 2020 — the day after RU Centennial, but a few days short of his Centennial Birthday on December 26.
See posts
U Ba Than
Saya U Ba Than
Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Early supporter of HMEE project
Annual Birthday Soon Kyway at Yaw Sayadaw’ Kyaung on October 2. Before the pandemic, invited colleagues & former students to the Soon Kyway.
69ers (mostly Mech) paid homage to him annually around his birthday.
Donated Garawa money to charities & associations
Passed away shortly after his 94th birthday
See Posts
U Min Wun
Saya U Min Wun
Retired Professor of Civil Engineering
Member of Myanmar Pyet Ka Dein Ah Kyan Pay Ah Phwe.
Advisor for the Regional College Project & Pagan Restoration Project.
Attended Annual Lunch Gathering of sayas and senior alumni (mostly from Southern California).
Passed away a few days after the “farewell” Lunch Gathering
See Posts
HMEE
HMEE
Team published HMEE book in 2012
Saya U Aung Hla Tun, Ko Aung Moung (M73) and Ko Thant Zin (M82) are now GBNF
See posts
U Aung Hla Tun (Met)
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (GBNF)
Retired Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering
Passed away in February 2022.
Chief Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
Led the History of Myanmar Engineering Education Project.
Won the National Literary Award.
See Posts
Sponsors
There were five Golden Sponsors for SPZP-2000
David Ko (Tin Myint, M67) and Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70) are now GBNF
David Ko (M67)
David
Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000
$3000 for SPZP-2012
Sponsor & Donor for NorCal RITAA
Steeve Kay (EC70)
Steeve Kay
Had successful careers as IC Designer, Founder & CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZP
Chair, Kay Family Foundation
Donated more than $200000 to RIT related activities.
See Posts
Family Members
Ma Ma Pat (GBNF)
Ma Ma Pat
Spouse of Saya U Myo Myint Sein
Passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2022.
The day before, Saya Myo celebrated his 91st birthday.
See Posts
U Tin U’s Family
Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt, Dr. Peter Khin Tun
Three family members passed away within a few months.
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (spouse) — November, 2019
Dr. Peter Khin Tun (elder son) — April 13, 2020
U Tin Tun (son-in-law) — May 2020
See Posts
Sports
U Soe Myint Lwin (EP68), U Kyaw Sint (T69er), John Tint (M72), U Thein Lwin (M72) are some Soccer Selected who are GBNF
U Han Sein (C69) and U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er) are some Multiple Sports Athletes who are GBNF
U Aung Gyi Shwe (EE69er)
Aung Gyi Shwe
Secretary of RIT Track and Field Association.
Played soccer and enjoyed weightlifting.
U Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72)
John Tint
Soccer selected for Burma, RU & RIT passed away in 2020
Saya is the eldest of five siblings. Youngest brother & youngest sister predeceased him. Younger brother is in Yangon. Younger sister in the US East Coast.
Thingyan
Thingyan
C58
Graduated with Civil Engineering in 1958
Classmates : Dr. San Hla Aung, Dr. Win Thein (GBNF), Khin Mg Win (Sid, GBNF), Oscar Sharazee
C58
RIT Saya
Joined Civil Engg Dept as Assistant Lecturer
Masters from Harvard; Also took courses at MIT (e.g. “SCHEME” / Lexically scoped Lisp)
Programmed his calculator using Reverse Polish Notation
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
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.
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.
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 would come down from Santa Rosa to see Saya U Soe Khaw (GBNF). Saya Allen & I would join them for lunch gathering, which extended until dinner.
With Dr. San Lin
Saya is interested in Comparative Religion & Culture. Saya U Aung’s anecdote mentioned Saya’s visit to a mosque & Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore.
Saya 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) requested him to work as Consultant for CalTrans.
Passed away before his final retirement.
Health
Survived two Strokes.
Succumbed to the Stroke at the MEHS Reunion in Las Vegas. He accompanied his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin (MEHS57) to the Reunion.
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
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
Class photo was sent by Saya Allen
Dr San Hla Aung helped to identify classmates
U Khin Maung Win (Sidney Chen, GBNF) supplied the photograph.
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, GBNF)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Ottawa, Canada)
U Min Wun (Los Angeles, California, GBNF)
Allen Htay (Mountain View, California, GBNF)
Dr. San Hla Aung (New Orleans, Louisiana)
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, GBNF).
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 (GBNF) succeeded Saya U Min Wun as Professor & Head of the Department. Except for a warning sign from an early Medical check up, he was healthy. He 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 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) & 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) & Alice U
Editor’s Notes: Dennis & Alice moved to Canada.
From Saya U Soe Paing & 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).
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
Ko Maurice Chee (M75) coordinated the donation of books.
NorCal RITAA and some volunteer alumni from Yangon coordinated the selection of scholarship recipients.
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
HlaMin 