Ko Yin Kyu (M69, 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
Steeve Kay (U Thaung Sein, EC70) did not forget his roots.
He is a Multiple Golden Sponsor for SPZPs starting with SPZP-2000.
He donated US$50,0000 and established the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas” to provide services for Sayas such as Funeral expenses, Hospital expenses and Medical check up.
The implementation was supported by a committee of sayas (e.g U Tun Shwe) and selected alumni (e.g U Win Khaing).
The balance of the fund was transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
He set up Charitable Alliance of Burmese Americans (CABA). CABA helped rebuild the houses ravaged by Cyclone Nargis.
He also established the Kay Family Foundation (KFF). KFF hosted a Myanmar Education Delegation to visit prestigious Universities and Research Institutions in California. KFF provided a Matching Fund of $30000 for the RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles in 2015. The Main event was held at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel.
U Khin Maung Tun Health Care Fund
U Khin Maung Tun (Right)
U Khin Maung Tun (T78) & family established a Health Care Fund to provide Vision Care for eligible sayas.
The balance of the fund was transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Pon Tu of Saya U Moe Aung
The idea of SDYF was discussed before, during and after SPZP-2012. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) proposed the idea. He is a Patron of SDYF.
U Khin Maung Tun donated K1500 Lakhs (or more) to SDYF and related causes. He served as President and hosted monthly lunch meetings.
SDYF has several objectives. They include helping engineering sayas and students — past, present and future, establishing “Saya Geha”, provide financial assistance for SPZPs, Shwe YaDu Celebrations and sellected Projects (e.g. YTU Library Modernization Project).
SDYF has provided financial support for eligible sayas. It had enhanced the programs that were implemented by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund” and “U Khin Maung Tun’s family Health Care Fund”.
Eligibility rules and financial support
The rules may change over time (based on resources).
Eligible sayas who are hospitalized are provided K4 lakhs.
Eligible sayas who need to visit medical clinics frequently are considered on a case-by-case basis for financial assistance.
Eligible sayas are provided Annual Medical Checkup. The facilitators (e.g May Nge and group) provide transportation and lunch.
Eligible sayas are provided Vision Checkup and followup treatment (e.g. cataract operation).
Sayas who require medical treatment and long term care are considered on a case-by-case basis for financial assistance. Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, GBNF) and Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68, GBNF) were voted at the SDYF meetings for annual financial assistance.
Sample Recipient
Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68) required medical treatment and long term care.
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF) decided in a meeting to provide annual financial assistance of K4 Lakhs to Saya.
The facilitators include U Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Saya U Soe Myint (Min83) and U Khin Maung Htwe (who also donated K20,000).
The total K420,000 was given to Sayagadaw Daw Wai Mon Ohn Maung on 16th October, 2018.
U Ohn Maung 1U Ohn Maung 2U Ohn Maung 3
Other Health Care Funds
U Aung Min, Daw Myint Myint …
69er HCF (Maintained by U Aung Min and team) Donors : Daw Myint Myint, Ivan Lee, U Sein Myint …
EE69er HCF (Maintained by U Shwe and team) Donors : U Sein Myint …
Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 HCF Donors : Steeve Kay …
U Shwe Kyaw (BIT Volleyball Selected)Daw Khin Toe Myint
Graduated in 1963 with Mechanical Engineering
He and U Aye (M62) played together in Ramanya Hall volleyball team during 1959-60 season.
Represented BIT and RU in Volleyball (along with U Aye M62)
Joined the Air Force and became a Pilot.
He was Air Force Captain (Officiating Major) when he perished in a plane crash.
Survived by Sayama Daw Khin Toe Myint (Zoology) and two children. Sayama is a dhamma friend. Her son U Thet Win Kyaw played the Drums at SPZP-2000.
U Shwe Zan Aung (SPHS63)
Std VIII B in SPHS
Matriculated from SPHS in 1963
Joined the Army and went to the front several times
His grandfather was afraid of losing another grandson prematurely. He requested SZA to leave the army and promised to provide financial support in exchange for peace of mind. His grandfather supported SZA’s family for a long time.
Finally joined a ship as a radio operator
Perished at sea when the ship sunk
Dr. Shwe Tun Kyaw
He and his spouse took early retirement from their medical practice in UK.
They volunteered as Assistant Teachers in several bi-lingual (Burmese and English) Goenka Center retreats.
He is a classmate of my younger sister. I met him at the house of Audrey Wong (C84), a volunteer for the Northern California Goenka Center.
Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
In November 1964, he was admitted as a top Student to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology) along with Zaw Min, Tommy Shwe (GBNF), Peter Pe (GBNF) and Cho Aye (GBNF).
Graduated in 1970 with BE (Bachelor of Engineering) with specialization in EC (Electrical Communications).
Moved to California, USA.
MSEE (Master of Science in Electrical Engineering) from Stanford University
MBA (Master in Business Administration) from Pepperdine University
Steeve 2
Experience
Worked in the Electronics Industry as IC (Integrated Circuit) Designer.
Per request from his younger sister Dr. Kay, he co-founded QTC and served as CEO (Chief Executive Officer). See Souvenir book for the Silver Jubilee of QTC.
QTC was acquired for a sizable sum. Became a Serial Entrepreneur & Philanthropist. Founded Eleok, Teehub & Kay Family Foundation.
Traveled to the Holy Places of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism & Islam to study Comparative Religion.
Visited prominent historic sites. Tried to trace his roots dating back ten or more generations.
Philanthropist
Founded CABA (Charitable Alliance of Burmese Associations). A notable CABA donation was to Disaster Relief Fund help the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. Details can be found in the reports prepared by Benny Tan (M70) who served as a CABA administrator.
Established KFF (Kay Family Foundation) to support a wide range of support. KFF donated to Universities (Stanford, Harvard, UC Irvine …), Research Institutes and Libraries. KFF sponsored the visit of Myanmar Education Delegation to California. KFF provided a Matching Donation of $30000 for the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
He never forgot his roots. He wanted to show his appreciation for his schools, mentors, classmates and schoolmates.
KFF sponsored the publication of the “Centennial of Hwa Kyone School” and its Sequel.
He has donated $200000+ (via CABA and KFF) to RIT-related activities.
In October 2000, he donated $3000 to the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and became the first Golden Sponsor. He also sponsored the subsequent SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwes) at Singapore in December 2002, April 2007 and December 2010; at Yangon in December 2004, December 2012 and 2016.
In 2004, he set up the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas” with a pledge of $50000.
Final Years
In 2018, he was diagnosed with a medical problem. His doctors recommended to work from home and avoid long travels.
He requested Benny and me to organize a special Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on his behalf. For details, see my post about that event.
Started writing books to share his expertise and memories.
Ivan Lee (M69) invited several 69ers to get together at his house in New Jersey around June of 2015. U Aung Myint and U Sein Tin could not make it to the 2015 mini-reunion.
Fred Thetgyi (M69)
Lives in Philadelphia
Joined the 2015 mini-reunion
Drove most of the 1800+ mile trip in Ivan’s Mercedes
Except when his batteries went out, he took pictures at the mini-reunion and the trip.
He would appear only in a fraction of the photos, when someone else (Ivan, a waiter, or a stranger) took the photo.
Phil 1Phil 2Phil 3Phil 4Phil 5Phil 6Phil 7Phil 8Phil 9
New Jersey
Main Host : Ivan
Other hosts : Saya U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ivan took us on a short trip to New York
Ivan showed us around New Jersey
For several years, Ivan had hosted the RIT-UCC Gathering with Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing as Guests of Honor.
Photo shows two Sayas and six 69ers — Fred, TAG, HM, Alice, Toung / Tom and Ivan
New Jersey
Niagara Falls
On the way to Canada
Took photos from the US side & the Canada side
Niagara Fall
Windsor, Canada
Host : Sayagyi U Aung Khin
Saya patiently waited for our arrival.
Saya let me and my spouse spend the night in his Guest room. Ivan and Fred stayed at a motel.
Saya prepared Mohinga and Ah Kyaw for breakfast.
He gave us mementos.
U Aung KhinSaya U Aung Khin Memento
Toronto
Brief sight seeing
Saya Des Rodgers had earlier invited to drop by his house, but our schedule did not have slack time.
Napean, Canada
Host: Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma
Saya drove us around Toronto
We spent two nights at Saya’s house.
Dr. Aung Gyi
Took a quick trip to Thousand Islands. Ma Ma Emma bought a gift for my Myee
Thousand Islands
Shrewberry, Massachussetts
Hosts : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) & Daw Khin Maw Maw
Since they were renovating their home, U TAG hosted us at a hotel.
Visit MIT & Harvard University
U TAGDinner
Trumbull, Connecticut
Hosts : U Toung (Tom, EC69) and Daw Khin Myint
Visit Yale University
Visit Pizza place frequented by the young Bill Clinton
Ko ToungPlace frequented by young Bill Clinton
Philadelphia
Hosts : Fred Thetgyi (M69) & Eunice
Dropped by to see Fred’s elder sister
Visit Pake Forge and Liberty Bell;
Visit my last remaining uncle U Thein Han in Maryland
U Ohn Khine (M70) took me to the meeting of the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65.
Relayed Steeve’s request for a special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Asked help to prepare material for the Gift package to be given at the PZP.
SPZP-2000 was recorded on a 3-hour tape. I had it converted to a set of two DVDs. U Win Htay & team copied the DVDs to be given to the sayas.
I was Chief Editor for the Commemorative Issue of RIT Alumni International Newsletter for SPZP-2000. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) & Henry Lim (Alumnus, Editor of BAPS Newsletter) were Associate Editors. Maurice Chee (M75) was Publisher. U Win Htay & team printed copies of the Newsletter to be given to the sayas.
Female members of the Combined Intake (e.g. Mai Khin Nyunt) agreed to take care of preparing monetary gifts. Every saya and sayama will receive One Lakh Kyats. Selected sayagyis will receive Two Lakh Kyats.
Event
Speakers
U Hla Min & Benny spoke at the Special Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe hosted by Steeve
I was the key note speaker.
Benny spoke on behalf of the alumni.
U Win Mra spoke on behalf of the sayas and sayamas.
Attendees
Reserve tables had to be used to accommodate the large number of attendees
In addition to those from the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65, those who had volunteered for the “Steeve and Helen Kay Health Care Fund for RIT Sayas and Sayamas” were also invited
Key Note Address
Welcome to this gathering!
Today is a special gathering organized by the 64/65 intakes and sponsored by the “Steeve and Helen Kay Saya Health Fund”.
Today’s event complements last month’s 64/65 intake held an Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe and tomorrow’s seventh RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.
In addition to paying our respect to the sayas and sayamas, today we would also like to present to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70) an appreciation award for his continued support.
Although Steeve migrated to the US in 1971 to pursue his dreams, he never forgot his roots, his alma mater and his friends.
Over the past 17 years, Steeve has made various contributions totaling $200,000.
Highlights of those contributions are as follows:
SPZP-2000
As you recall, the first ever RIT Grad Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in the year 2000.
It was started by a group of RIT students in San Francisco, among them Ko Benny Tan and me.
I remember when I sent out the invitation flyers, we received a $1,000 check from Ko Thaung Sein.
Later, he donated $3,000 as seed money to assist with fundraising efforts.
Throughout the years, Steeve has supported multiple world-wide reunions and SPZP as a Golden Sponsor.
Health Care Fund
In June 2005, Steeve set-up a $50,000 Saya Health Care Fund administered by U Win Khaing of MES and his administrative committee.
Many saya/sayamas attending today have benefited from that fund.
Steeve also helped to set-up a second fund, administered by the 64/65 intakes, as a supplemental retirement fund for the sayas and sayamas.
MoST Delegation to the US
In May 2013, Kay Family Foundation, a philanthropic foundation set-up by Steeve Kay, sponsored the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) delegation to visit Centers of Excellence in California.
The delegation was headed by the late Dr. Ko Ko Oo and Professor Nyi Hla Nge.
Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles in 2015
Last year, in October 2015, Steeve Kay donated $30,000 in matched funds to hold the RIT in Southern California, Los Angeles.
During the gathering, he sang a Burmese folk song ‘Shwe Me’ to express his feeling towards Myanmar, the land where he spent his youth growing up.
Health Concerns
This year, Steeve Kay’s own health fell ill.
We wish him good health. Instead of attending the RIT Grad Reunion himself, he asked Ko Benny to hold a gathering and Pu Zwe Pwe this year.
Ko Benny consulted with his classmates and decided that December 28, 2016 – the day preceding the Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe – seemed to be the right time.
The classmates, in turn, would like to honor their life-long friend and sponsor of numerous RIT-related activities.
The history of Steeve and his philanthropic work should be recorded and preserved for posterity.
Every saya and sayama will be presented with a gift package from Steeve.
Gift Package
Short biography of Steeve
Commemorative issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Two-set DVD of SPZP-2000
CD of photos and articles from SPZP and RIT-related activities
Monetary gift for each saya and sayama
Event in Three Parts
Today’s event covers three parts:
Paying respect to the sayas and sayamas who taught the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
Mini-gathering of the Combined Intake of 64 and 65 students
Appreciation award to be presented to Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve)
Ko Khin Maung Lay will be the emcee.
Selected sayas and alumni will recall Steeve’s work and their importance and impact to the RIT community.
2015 Reunion in Los AngelesHla Min and Benny
Updates
Steeve had remission for some time.
He finally passed away.
He did not complete writing his experiences and thoughts.
Worked for Joint Venture Corporation (JVC) formed by relatives
Found an advertisement in a newspaper to apply for a Government Scholarship.
Selected to study Agricultural Engineering in USA
Received Masters from Virginia Tech
Came back to Burma on an Ocean Liner with Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) & U Than Pe. They became close friends on the two-month long journey.
M/Agri Saya at RIT
Upon his return, he was assigned to Agricultural Institute in Yezin. Before reporting for duty, he visited RIT.
Sayagyi U Ba Than asked if he would like to join Agri Sub-Department of Mechanical Engineering. Sayagyi said that some students were not at ease following lectures given by visiting Soviet lecturers via interpreters.
President, RIT Thaing
Played Defender on RIT Saya Soccer team
Life after RIT
Worked in Thailand & USA
USA
Attended RIT Alumni Gatherings
U Tin Maung Nyunt 1
Donated $500 for the Training Component of YTU Library Modernization project.
U Tin Maung Nyunt’s Donation
He is a day older than Saya Allen. Their birthdays are December 30 & 31.
Monthly Breakfast Gathering with Saya Allen, U Ko Ko Aye, Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me. Saya Allen & U Ko Ko Aye are now GBNF.
U Tin Maung Nyunt & Saya Allen
Saya U Soe Paing visited him in Milpitas, California. We had a lunch gathering at a restaurant.
U Tin Maung Nyunt 2
He enjoyed Hiking & Tennis, but had to suspend due to Jara and Byadi
Volunteer for establishing Taungpulu Kaba Aye Monastery in Northern California.
He had operations (one quite early and another a few years back).
Worked briefly at Namtu mines before joining Electrical Engineeering Department at Rangoon University
Reunion
Saya of our sayas. His students include Saya U Sein Hlaing and Saya U Tin Swe
Requested C Ping Lee (father of Dr. Win Aung M62) to join EE department. HE U Than Aung asked Saya C Ping Lee (his former student at SPHS) to head Technical & Vocational Training Directorate and to improve curriculum (e.g GTI).
President of RIT Electrical Engineering Association
RIT EE Association
Patron of Hlyat Sit Sar Saung Committee
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung
Taught “Principles of Electrical Engineering” to non-engineering students. Sayas who later taught the course include Sayas U Myo Kyi & U Moe Aung.
Told a class that suitors of his lovely daughters must be doctors (medical or Ph.D). Anecdote was recounted by “Doctor” Tin Aung Win (spouse of Dorothy Kyaw Tun) for SPZP-2000. Saya’s elder daughter Elizabeth (Dr. Daw Tin Nu) has a Doctorate in English.
After retirement, Saya visited Australia
Passed away peacefully in Yangon
Spouse passed away during our RIT days. We attended her memorial service at Saya’s home.
Updates
Several EE sayas are GBNF.
For SPZP-2010, I wrote “A Sad & Short Clip : EE Sayas”.
From the 7th standard to Matriculation I remember the following:
Saya Ba Myaing (Physics), Saya Tun Shwe and Saya Sein (Burmese), Bro Hubert (Chemistry), Bro Felix, Bro Charles, and Bro Gerald (English). Mr Machado and Saya Dawson (Math), Mr Barker and Mr Illife (Physics).
Editor’s Notes:
The Paing siblings — Dr. Myo Paing (SPHS54), U Soe Paing (SPHS56), U Win Paing (Sayadaw U Wara, SPHS64) and U Kyaw Paing (SPHS67) — attended SPHS.
U Aung Win (Owen) wrote :
I read many articles about the old staff of SPHS but I never came across anyone mentioning Bro. Charles. During our KG days in SP, we had one Bro. Charles, if you all remember him. He was a very kind-hearted Bro. and he loved the school kids and treated us well. Whatever happened to him, I wonder, after we left SPHS.
Owen Khoo (Aung Win, M71, SPHS 1953 – 1957)
Editor’s notes :
Three siblings — U Than Win (Alan Khoo, SPHS54), U Kyi Win (Eddie Khoo, SPHS57) and U Aung Win (Owen Khoo) — attended SPHS. Owen also attended Darjeeling.
I joined SPHS in Std. IV. I do not know the sayas and sayamas who taught KG and Stds I – III. Boarders can add the names of the Brothers and sayas that I have missed.
Brother Benedict (who taught a younger class) was a good soccer player.
Brother Gerald was the SPHS Band Master. He often rode a horse.
There was a Brother in charge of the SPHS Book Shop, and several Brothers in charge of the Boarders.
Some Brothers went on “rotation duty” to St. Peter’s (Mandalay), St. Albert’s (Maymyo), St. Patrick’s (Moulmein), …
Brother Clementian
He retired as Brother Director, but kept on teaching Mathematics until he passed away. The funeral cortege spanned from SPHS to Tamwe Christian Cemetery. Some cars had not left SPHS when the service began at the Cemetery.
Brother Austin
In addition to having a class library, Brother Austin (our Class teacher for Std. X A, “the carrot”) would take us to the SPHS library (with books donated by Ford Foundation, Asia Foundation …). Everyone has to borrow a book and write a critique. In addition to teaching English, he also taught the “Morals and Manners” class. Anyone who can recite the selected poems is free to “skip the remainder of the class”. The top reciters were rewarded: an 8 mm movie of a soccer match from UK, or a ticket to “1960 Rome Olympics” (special show at Thamada Cinema). He abhors plagiarism and unprofessional work. “Don’t waste my time and your time”. After nationalization, he moved to Malaysia to continue teaching at a De La Salle School.
Brother Xavier
Brother Xavier (our Class Teacher for Std IX A, and English teacher for Std VIII and IX, “the stick”) would penalize students for making grammatical mistakes. For the dictation test, he would start with 100 marks and then subtract 10 marks for each mistake. A classmate ended with -230 (minus 230) marks shown “in red” in his report card. According to Ko Zaw Min, Brother Xavier would not continue his “brash style” at St. Albert’s. After nationalization, he moved to UK and supposedly “left the order”.
Brother Felix
Brother Felix moved back to Germany. He had e-mail communications with some Old Paulians (notably Richard G. Boudville, Australia, son of Sayama V. Boudville).
Two Sibling Brothers
After nationalization, the native Brothers remained in Burma.
Brother Joseph decided to become Father Joseph.
His younger brother remained Brother Anthony and was one of the “senior sayas” at SPHS Saya Pu Zaw Pwes along with Saya U San Thein and Saya Beatson.
Authors
Saya George Chapman published notes for English.
Saya U Htay Myint (Patheda) published notes for History.
Distinguished Paulians
Sayagyi U Ba Khin stood first in his Matriculation class. He is known as an outstanding Vissapana teacher. His dhamma lineage starts with Ledi Sayadaw and Saya Thet. His dhamma students include Saya S. N. Goenka.
ICS U Tin Tut, Dr. Ba Han, Dr, Ba Maw, and U Chan Tun are Old Paulians.
According to Dr. Win Aung (M62), his father Saya C. Ping Lee (EE, GBNF) was a Paulian and a student of Saya U Than Aung (father of Saya Alphonso [Mg Nge, Mg Aung] and Charlie [Ko Cho]). When U Than Aung became Minister of Education in the AFPFL Government, he recruited his former student Saya C. Ping Lee to head the Technical & Vocational Department.
Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
After nationalization, SPHS became No. (6) SHS Botathaung.
There are two SPZPs: one for the “Paulians” and another for SHS(6).
Some (e.g. Eddie Ba Oo / Tin Aung Moe) who were in the lower classes when SPHS was nationalized would attend both gatherings.
HlaMin 