I was requested by his daughter to share memories at the Service.
Service for Tin Myint
Highlights
Born in Taunggyi
Passed away in Union City, California, USA
Names : Lee Tan Choy, John T Lee, Tin Myint
Selected RIT Luyechun for 4th BE
Played Table Tennis for RIT
Hosted Daniel Tint Lwin (M69) during his visit to the SF Bay Area
Tin Myint & Tint Lwin
Spouse : Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T69)
John & Mabel
Condolences
From Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice)
It was in 2015 at Fremont phonegyi kyaung, I was leaving when he called out “Alice pyan pyee lar?” I nodded and waved him goodbye without realizing that would be my last for him!! Dear Ko Tin Myint may you rest in peace. And Lyo I am so very sorry. Please accept our deepest condolences.
From U Thein Swe (GBNF in 2021)
I remembered, when we stayed in C hostel-hall during RIT days, the tiger-skin (belonging to KoTin Myint) was stolen. Ko Tin Myint did not get angry and continued to boil tea- water.
From U Myo Min
Ko Tan Choy (Ko Tin Myint) is my intimate friend. Rest in peace, my dear.
From U Kyaw Thein
Rest in Peace.
From David Myint Thein
Rest In Peace, Ko Tin Myint. Lyo Kyin Sein was my classmate when we were attending I.Sc (A) at Myitkyina Intermediate College and reached RIT together in 1964. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family
From Robert Win-Boh
John T Lee @ Ko Tin Myint (M69) came to Benny Tan (M70)’s house to pick me. He took me to halfmoon bay monastery & along the southern coast of S.F on my second last visit to USA in 2009. He was a close friend during RIT days. Rest in peace my friend John TM & deepest condolences to Mable LKS + family from Rob W-B Australia.
From U Han Sein (GBNF in 2020)
RIP.
From Duwa Zau Lai
I am really sorry to hear the news of Ko Tin Myint. I remember that he was a good player of table tennis. His better half Lyo K S is one of our Myitkyina crowd. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
From Sai Kyaw Myint
Rest in Peace, Tan Choy. He was my classmate when we were in Taunggyi. Lyo Kyin Sein was my room mate in first (wrong) list in R I T 63-64. Both of they are very close friends of us. I’m so sad to hear it.
From U Aung Min (Chair, 69er HCF)
Sadness, Astonishment, Condolences and Remembrances MIXED UP in my heart. REST IN PEACE Ko Tin Myint (GBNF 80)
Hi friends
It is ALARMING ALARMING ALARMING We have made a record. RIT69ers lost 4 classmates within 66 days.
Take Care
From U Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Rest in Peace.
From U Kyaw Nyunt
Surprise …… RIP. KTM.
From Naw Mu Mu Aye
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to my friend Lyo and family. May Ko Tin Myint’s soul rest in peace.
B.S., Mining Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. 1950
Honors: Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society.
M.S., Mining Engineering, Missouri School of Mines, University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri 1952.
Experience
1953 – 1964 Service with the Ministry of Mines, Govt of Burma. Entry as Asst. Inspector of Mines, then promoted to Inspector, Chief Inspector, Director of Mines, and Deputy Dir. General PMDC
1954 – 1955 As Visiting Lecturer taught Mining Courses at the BOC Engineering College, Rangoon University
1971 – 1984 Service with United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok as Economic Affairs Officer (P-4) and rising to Chief of Mineral Resources Section (p-5).
Notes
In 1954, BOC Engineering College campus was located south of the Rangoon University estate between Prome Hall and the Teachers Training College on Prome Road. It consisted of modest single storied buildings. In addition to degree courses in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering, Mining courses were offered for the first time during that year.
At Dean Sayagyi Tan Ba Hli’s request, Ministry of Mines assigned U Soe Khaw as part time Lecturer to teach Mining Engineering courses.
U Soon Sein was later transferred from the Mines Department to the University and taught Mining courses full time.
[Special in 1924] Eligible B.Sc. graduates are admitted to the “accelerated” program (3 year course)
[Common in the old system] Students who passed the I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science) with Science Option and scored 50+ points in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are admitted to the four year course.
Short-lived in the Old system
Eligible students who passed the Matriculation are admitted to the “special” six year course.
Due to resources (logistics …), the students were transferred” before they graduated to the “default” program.
November 1964
Three batches of students were admitted to RIT (Rangoon Institute of Technology) under the then new Education System.
200 (or so) students joined the first ever 3rd BE Class. Most of them completed their I.Sc.(B) with the Science Option
320 (or so) students joined the first ever 2nd BE Class. Most of them completed their I.Sc.(A) with the Science Option
450 (or so) students joined the first ever 1st BE Class. Intelligence Level Aggregate (ILA) system was used for admission. There were students with (a) all Science (b) all Arts (c) Hybrid
Regional College Era
After finishing two years at a Regional College, eligible students were admitted to 3rd BE classes.
His friends call him “Duwa”. They also appreciate his mastery of the Myanmar Language as illustrated in his blogs.
He shares his time in Yangon and Myitkyina. He hosted a mini-gathering (Aung Thu Yein (GBNF), Thein Swe (GBNF), …, me and my spouse) at his house in Yangon. He took some 69ers (e.g. Win Maung) to visit his house in Myitkyina.
He tries to attend the 69er gatherings even he has to drive a long way from Myitkyina.
He is from the elite company of Proud Great Grandparents. Bo Lwin Swe (EE61) is another member of the elite Group. Saya U Ba Toke (GBNF) and Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (GBNF) were also from the elite Group.
He is also a proud grandfather. Zau Ding Aung ( Danny Zau Mun), one of his twin grand sons won gold in the Myanmar Taekwando Federation President Cup Championship (Tournament ) held on 30 Nov. 2018.
In our days, EE (Electrical Engineering) Department offered two options : EC (Electrical Communications) and EP (Electrical Power).
Saya U Sein Hlaing (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electrical Engineering.
It took several decades before EC (also known as EcE and Electronics Engineering) and EP became departments. Saya U Sein Win (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electrical Power. Saya Dr. San Tint (GBNF) served as inaugural Professor of Electronics Engineering.
Ko Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF, 3rd BE Luyechun) annotated the Group Photo taken in 1969. I have updated the comments to reflect the change of status of the sayas and classmates.
EE69ers used to have gatherings in addition to the 69er Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Gatherings.
In addition to the 69er HCF (Health Care Fund), there is EE69er HCF. Ko Sein Myint (EP69, RIT Rowing, Swimming & Water Polo) is a major donor to 69er HCF along with Ma Myint Myint (C69) and Ko Ivan Lee (M69). Ko Sein Myint is also a major donor to EE69er HCF.
Great Photo taken in August 1969
by Ko Thein Swe (EP69, GBNF)
EE69er
They were the humble, hard working classmates of EE69ers who usually shared knowledge with each other when someone could not catch up lectures/text-books. The great photo was taken in August 1969.
4th Row, L to R:-
Myint Swe (EP, Mogoke, ex-Steel mill, GBNF)
Thein Swe (EP, Meiktila, RIT Luyechun for 3rd BE, lost spouse, GBNF)
Aye Thein (EP, Mawlamyaing, ex-glass mill, Volleyball for RIT EE, lost spouse)
Sai Kham Pan (EP, Burma Selected for Badminton, Taunggyi, ex-Distiller)
Tun Oo Khaing (EP, Rakhine, ex-Paper mill, Hlyat Sit Sar Saung, GBNF)
Hla Paik (EP, Chaung Oo, ex-EPC)
Chit Tin (EC, Nyaung Oo, ex-MOGE, GBNF)
Sa Maung Maung (EP, Thaton, ex-Paper mill, Volley for RIT EE, EE69er HCF, lost spouse)
Mg Shwe (EP, ex-EPC, Treasurer of 69er HCF, EE69er HCF)
Oo Kyaw Hla (EC, ex-MOGE, Canada, GBNF)
Sai Hwet @ Myat Soe Lwin (EP, now in Ygn)
Aung Kyaw Pe (EP, ex-EPC, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia)
Khin Mg @ Hasan (EP, Saudi Arabia)
Front Row : Mostly Sayas
U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War, Author, Editor, Publisher)
U (Saw) Khaing Oo
U Ba Myint (Retired Pro-Rector)
U Soe Paing (ex-UCC, retired from UN)
U Kyaw Tun (Saya of our sayas, President of RIT EE, GBNF)
U Sein Hlaing (EE Professor, GBNF)
U Tint Swe (Former Footballer for Prome Hall, Tennis, GBNF)
U Ba Lwin
U Sein Win (President of RIT Swimming, President of RIT Rowing, later EP Professor, GBNF)
U Thein Lwin (President of RIT Badminton, Singapore, GBNF)
U Tin Shwe (ex-ABAC, Uzin, GBNF)
U Sein Maung (ex-ABAC, attended SPZP-2000)
Ma Tin Tin @ Anne (EC, US)
Happy to send precious memory re-caller.
Absentees: Kyaw Sein (EP69, Myingyan, ex-cement mill, Singapore), Kyaw Soe (EC, ex-DCA, GBNF) Ko Toung @ Tom (EC, USA)
There are other Electrical classmates (63/64 intakes or 69/70/71 grads) such as
Minn Aung @ Hla Thoung (EP, ex-cement mill, Singapore
Surinder Singh (EP, Taung-gyi, Australia)
Aung Than (EP ? or quit. Pyinmana, playing cards and chess)
Than Htay (EP, Dawei, RIT Tennis, ex-EPC)
Ko Thoung? (EP?, ex-PWC)
Win Mg (RIT Swimming & Rowing, left for Bristol Tech College before graduation, ex-UBA, ex-private air line)
Tin Shwe (EP, Taungthar, ex-EPC)
Aye Thaw (EP, Kyaukpadaung, ex-EPC)
Ba Oak (EP, Shwe Bo, ex-EPC)
Khin Mg Tint (EP, Windwin-Meiktila, ex-EPC)
Myo Hein (EP, Meiktila, ex-Jute dept)
Thein Htun @ Michael (ex-sailor, jolly)
Kyi Shwin (ex-astrologer)
as far as I remember.
Regards and with Metta Thein Swe
Comments
After retirement, several Sayas and alumni moved back (e.g. from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand) to Myanmar.
Some spend part of the year visiting their children and grandchildren in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, UK, USA, etc.
Ko Aung Thu Yein (EC69, GBNF) wrote :
Ko Thein Swe,
A Brilliant Effort. In fact it is a time frame. We’ll keep it as long as we live. And we want our offspring and relatives to keep it and pass it on. First our Metta to our Parents/Guardians. Then to our mentors whoever they are. Without them we’ll never be Smart Engineers.We were blessed to be in that group. And our Buddhist Philosophy. Some of us have left and we’ll follow them suit later or sooner. While we are breathing let us be together near or far. Carry on. Well done! Chan Thar Ko Sake Myare Bar Zay,
Cheers, Aung Thu Yein
Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69) wrote :
George (Lake) Win Maung left for Bristol Tech College as State Scholar to become Aeronautical Engr Radar & Radio License> He served with UBA (Union of Burma Airways) later known as BAC (Burma Airways Corporation ). He did not join DCA (Department of Civil Aviation. Saya U Soe Min (GBNF) & Robert Win-Boh joined DCA in 1970. Ko Kyaw Soe EC 68/69 (GBNF) & Ko Wunna Sithu EC 71 joined in 1972. Many others like Ko Kyaw Myo @ Uno EC 72 joined DCA in 1976/77 to become Aeronautical Airworthiness Officer (Instruments) & lately Dy Minister of T & C.
အထက်ပါခေါင်းစဉ်အောက်တွင် … ချန်လှပ်ထား၍ မဖြစ်သော ကဏ္ဍတခုမှာ ကျေးဇူးရှင်ဆရာ(ကြီး) တို့နှင့်ပတ်သက်၍ ကျွန်တော် ထိတွေ့မှတ်သားရသည့်အမှတ်ထင်ထင် အကြောင်းရာအချို့ဟု ကျွန်တော် သုံးသပ်ပါသည်။— with Mg Mar Ga and U Hla Min.
Thanks for your birthday wishes. I really appreciate it. I am lucky to have good friends and good former students like you in my life. Hope I will be able to see you in person some time in future.
I was nominated to lecturer-position by Sayagyi U Yone Mo within a month of my return from overseas. However, due to some hiccups, the promotion was delayed by 7 month. U Kyin Soe and I became lecturers with the pay scale 800-50-1200. Those who got promoted later as lecturers got only 800-40-1000 according to the revised pay scale. U Kyin Soe became Rector of RIT (after I left for Australia in 1980). I find that he is very honest and straight forward but a bit short-tempered because he is a man who always stands up for principle.
I was given added responsibility as Workshop Superintendent of RIT workshop when U Phone Myint and U Tin Maung Oo went to Japan on study leave for a couple of years. I did something regarding the workmen’s benefit for which they were really thankful to me. Our workshop consisted of machine shop (Saw Jimmy), carpentry (U Hla Maung), fitting, black smith (U Hla Maung and U Chit), welding. Every student had to do practical training in these shops for a couple months in rotation in their first and second year.
I also served as a member of all universities magazine committee. We had to read and pass all the articles, poems and cartoons; without our signatures nothing would/could be published.
I remember that we had in every department translation groups to translate technical terms aiming to publish a technical dictionary to which we all have to sit once a week in our respective department, arguing a lot to approve each and every word of technical term for suitable meaning in Burmese when the new system was introduced. I would not have a clue what happened to that effort and work whether it had been successfully compiled or discarded totally when I left for Australia in Oct 80.
I was also given another job with a very splendid name Dy. Director of UNDP project, constructing a new building near the Metallurgy Department, RIT. It was still being built unfinished when I left for Australia.
Overseas Employment Opened For Students
Many of our graduates especially Mechanical and Electrical find hard to find jobs within Burma. They were encouraged to form Shaysaung Cooperatives (ရှေ့ဆောင်သမဝါယမ) for Mechanical and Moe Gyo Cooperatives (မိုးကြိုးသမဝါယမ) for Electrical on the campus with a couple of sayars, who took control and oversee of necessary disciplines. I took charge of Shaysaung as president for a number of years. Later U Win, Dr Tin Hlaing and U Thein Tun Aung continued in that capacity.
Since 1970 many engineering graduates started leaving for overseas job because engineering jobs were scarce within the country. Many embarked to grab whatever job they could have their hands on especially in Singapore, Malaysia and USA etc. Thanks to the CETANA စေတနာ and genuine input of well trained qualified sayars and teachers that most of the graduates found suitable and well-paid jobs in many private and public sectors overseas. I met personally those Ex-RIT graduates in many of my travel to many countries and to my surprise many came and wished me all the best whenever they heard about any sayars visiting their place. Also they never stayed away but always show their sincerity and generosity, treating the visiting sayars with lunch or dinner in their honour. Personally I am really delighted and enjoyed their company and their love and respect even though we have been separated for more than 30-40 years since we left the Institute. That is to keep the ever beaconing of RIT torch and I would like to urge everyone connected to RIT to keep the RIT tradition undistinguished and undiminished so long as we live.
I had another yearning desire to become warden of the hostels. Later I was fortunate enough because the Rector Sayagyi Dr U Aung Gyi, who thought heads of departments were busy with office-work, stopped appointing heads of departments but appointed able and capable lecturers. Thereby I got the job with added financial remuneration, free accommodation and free telephone. I was appointed twice for the same position for two successive terms. I remember many worked under me as hall tutors like U Nyi Hla Nge, U Khin Maung Tint, U Maung Oo, U Khin Maung Win etc. All of them are very polite, cooperative and respectful. U Nyi Hla Nge later became Rector of the Institute but he still showed his respect when I met him in April 07 Ex-RIT Sayar Pu Zaw Pwe. U Shwe Yi, Dr San Tint, Dr Tin Hlaing and U Thein Tan also became wardens and I had the opportunity to work alongside with them.
We had a program introduced by the Revolutionary Government to promote and educate labourers and peasants with engineering knowledge. Many RIT staff took part to deliver through the Burmese Broadcasting Service, Kamayut. I took turns several times together with U Thit, Dr Tin Haling, U Aung Hla Tun etc.
When Sayagyi U Aung Khin left the department for Canada in ’78, U Ba Than became the head of department and as he lives outside the RIT campus I was given the responsibility to assume and officiate the duty of the head of department during his absence. Many Mechanical students who were looking for overseas jobs with many shipping companies came to me to sign and recommend their papers. I helped them immediately on the spot. Later they even came to my house when they needed help. That is the reason I made many students very happy and they never forget my assistance. They always show their love and respect because I made the door of the department always open for them.
I remember the time we went practical training during our summer holidays for two months in our second and third years to enhance and widen our theoretical knowledge. If we missed any one of them it had to be repeated as a prerequisite for degree. I got my practical training first time in the Moulmein Dockyard and second time in Alone Dockyard (Sin Ma Leik), Kyimyin Daing Rangoon. Many times the faculty members were sent to supervise the training. I remember the time we went Upper Burma, Thayetmyo and Syriam with Sayagyi U Aung Khin, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint, Dr Tin Win etc. I found it was really enjoyable because we had a good social interaction with staff and students which really cemented our friendship until this day even though we left the Institute years and years ago by choice. Also I remember second year Civil engineering students went to Maymyo for their survey training under the supervision of enthusiastic and energetic teachers and leaders. Everyone knows that we are very fortunate to enjoy students-teachers relationship which is admirable and worthwhile to everyone because even though I left the Institute more than 30 years ago, I am surprised when I met many Ex-RIT students not only from Mechanical department but from other disciplines as well came and wished me with love and respect to which I felt greatly satisfied and honoured. I met many more than 30 with their spouses in LA on 3 Oct ’10 and also in San Francisco on Oct ’10 and also many students again in Feb. ’11 to Washington DC.
I must admit that my service with the Institute for more than 20 years, teaching and working in many walks of life I come to know many teachers, students, workmen and their families etc. the friendship with them gives me delight and pleasure until today. It seems to me that my mind is always there enjoying their true friendship and the glimpse of those familiar faces with me always wherever I go.
Most of the workmates, comrades and colleagues are very friendly showing their love and respect not only while we were back then in RIT but until today whenever and wherever we meet occasionally and accidentally at the time of gathering like the Sayar Pu Zaw Pwe sponsored by the Ex-RIT students all over the world and many times on our own private visit to different countries like New Zealand, America, Singapore, Thailand and also back in Burma etc. We all love our Institute and we honour it because not only we acquired sufficient knowledge very useful to find employment for our livelihood but also we learn to respect and love one another; many find life very nice and easy because many overseas companies in advanced countries recognised and employed most of the RIT graduates for their benefit as well as for our own who left home for better lives and new future for our off-springs. I attended more than three times the Ex-RIT Reunion where I met many old comrades and colleagues and old students who showed the same love and respect while we were back then in RIT. It is so wonderful and worth remembering for their warm responses. Every time I attended I was asked to deliver a speech as a sign of respect to which I appreciated very much.
SPORT AND OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVITY
While we were in RIT we played soccer in many friendly matches between Mechanical and Civil, Electrical and other minor departments and most of us enjoyed playing. Most of the time Sayagyi Dr U Aung Gyi, U Tin Hlaing, U Soe Paing, U Kyin Soe, Dr U Tin Hlaing, Saw Christopher Maung, Dr U San Tint, U Saw Pru, U Maung Maung Win were a few names as keen enthusiasts. (Note: As I cannot remember all the names I’d like to ask U Soe Paing to add a few more.)
Some also played tennis among who were Dr U Aung Gyi, Dr Khin Maung Win, Dr Tin Hlaing, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint U Tin Htut etc as regulars. I remember Dr Tin Hlaing, U Myo Win and I played badminton regularly in the badminton court on the campus.
Many Russian staff came together with the gift of the building and they taught in some specialised fields and also acted as interpreters. They also taught Russian language to interested students in the evening where many attended to learn new language, is commendable.
Occasionally we had debates sponsored by the Burmese language association which invited some notable and well-known authors and sometimes I acted as chairman on the occasion in the hall fully filled to the capacity attended by most of the students who really enjoyed.
Musical entertainments with many famous entertainers and celebrities were invited for students’ enjoyment and entertainment by the same association and also the administration arranged movies shown in the hall during weekend in the evening for the students and employee dependents for their recreation. Most of the hall tutors and wardens, security officers kept vigil with their eyes opened to maintain law and order.
Sometimes in 1963 during summer holidays U Tin Hlaing (M-deceased) and two of his mates followed me to my home town Moulmein to see different places namely Amherst, Thambyuzayat, where the Military Cemetery for thousands of soldiers who died fighting the Japanese during WWII and also to one big island Belugyun just opposite Moulmein across the River Salween where my family spent many years during WWII.
When we were students the hostel and food cost us only K50 per month and the education was free for everybody. And the scholarship and stipend was also K50 and also we had stipend board in RIT comprising of heads of departments and other senior teachers including myself to listen to applicants’ life story so that our judgement and assessment would be fair and lenient in awarding and rewarding stipend to most deserving students.
The department encouraged students with excellent idea of invention and innovation of something new and I remember that our head of department took keen interest in those students and teachers who guided and supervised a certain group of students to experiment on hovercraft and I think the project was successful. Thanks to the valuable input of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint.
HlaMin 