Blog

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)’s Sacrifice

Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) passed away on April 13, 2020.

He was laid to rest on April 30, 2020.

His immediate family and a few friends attended the service.

Life cut short by misguided Policies

Peter’s grand mother lived up to 94.

Peter’s father celebrated his 90th birthday in 2019. He used to sit in the garden every evening talking with someone and taking his daily dose of medicine. After learning about Peter’s untimely demise, he was devastated for three days. He no longer feel sitting out in the garden.

Peter’s mother passed away a few months short of her 89th birthday. She and Peter are both January born. Peter would fly back to Yangon almost every year (for the past decade) in time for his mother’s birthday. They would perform dana together mostly at Chan Myei Yeiktha.

Three uncles and two aunts are in their 80s.

Relatives and friends mourn the loss of Peter and miss his compassion, help and smiles.

Due to misguided Policies and Guidelines, Peter lost his life at the tender age of 62.

We cannot get Peter back, but we hope other medical staff in the front line fighting the invisible enemy would not have to suffer the same fate as Peter.

Archives

• Myo Kyawswar (Peter’s cousin) recorded and shared the Audio files.
• Thin Thiri Tun (Peter’s niece) recorded and shared the Video.

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Win Mar

During our visit to Reading, UK in September 2017, she and Peter hosted us.

Since 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). On the week end Peter patiently drove us to Ogmore-by-the-sea in Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi and Khin May Than.

Win Mar would be our guide during the week days. We would take bus and train to see Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and selected 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).

Like Peter, she is an outstanding Chef. Unlike Peter, she is selective in eating food. She prefers Burmese specialties over Chinese, Indian and British food (with the exception of “Fish and Chips” sold at the shop owned by Peter’s assistant / doctor).

She would tell stories to my spouse.

When she was working as a teacher in Hlegu, Peter would come over with a food container. Guess what. Peter had made mashed potatoes! Peter did not know then that Win Mar did not have appetite for non-Burmese (especially British) food.

Some time later, they regained contact by chance at the Chauk Htutt Yone (6-storey Government office). Peter would ask her for a “date” where he would hand over a 7-page “Yee Zar Sar”. Win Mar appreciated Peter’s “Open Book” approach (which listed his puppy love and current / potential suitors). Peter agreed to settle in Mezaligone.

In late March, Peter told me that COVID-19 had hit UK, but Reading did not have many cases. Nevertheless, he showered a day (before and after work) as a precaution. He treasured Win Mar’s health.

Then, we heard some bad news. Five of Peter’s patients have been tested positive for COVID-19. Peter was asked to “self isolate” at his home. Per his brother, sister and nieces, Peter felt confident that he would turn out 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 and Ye Lay (who could not visit the house due to the “self-isolation”) called the ambulance. The medics checked Win Mar and suggested to wait a few days.

When Peter passed away, Win Mar was taken to the hospital. Her health and appetite returned. Her request was for “Fish and Chips”. I was indeed a good sign that she still have a good memory. Her friends (e.g. Ma Theingi) cooked Burmese meals.

Win Mar was discharged on April 29, 2020 and was able to attend the service for Peter on April 30, 2020. She spoke with Cho Cho Hlaing over 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.”

Win Mar is now is close company of Ye Lay and Min Ko (who still have lease for a flat / apartment 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.

Memories

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Daw Aye Aye Khin

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

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” by Mohnin Sayadaw at the “Maida Kwinn”. 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” 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” (in Prome / Pyay), where several relatives took refuge during the war.

She also wrote an article named “Windermere Hma Kyee See Than” for “Wi Thudha Yone Kyaung”It described the “Ah Yone Soon Kyee Laung” 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

Memories

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Khin Sandy Tun

Younger daughter of Aye Aye Khin

Ba Ba Peter is a kind of person who was always willing to help other people’s needs. He had all the powers of kindness, wisdom, knowledge, calmness and mindfulness.

He practised dhamma at Chan Myay Yeik Thar at his young age before going to college. He encouraged us to do dhamma in everyday life. He said “Why would we only have to do mindfulness during our last time when there is so much sufferings? We should practise mindfulness in good things too, like when enjoying good foods, etc. in daily livings”.

He helped me with my studies saying “Learning is the life long process”. He also said “Put yourself in the shoes of others when treating patients”. He always appreciated me in taking care of Phwa Phwa and Phay Phay’s health. He gave me mental support by praising the good things I have done.

Even though we are thousand miles apart, he is the one who you can call online anytime in case of emergency. He is the best human and best role model. He will surely be missed in our hearts deeply.

Cho Cho Hlaing

I became Peter’s paternal aunt at the tender age of 10 yrs 1 month. The whole family was very happy. My father was elated to see his Clan being extended to the first son of his eldest son.

According to the Tradition, Peter received a family jewelry heirloom from his father U Tin U who received it as an infant as the first son of the eldest son of his paternal grandfather. Like his grandfather and father, Peter became the first son in the family.

His family resided at the house in the next compound with only the fence between our two houses. Since there was an adjoining gate, it was very easy for us to visit Peter very often. When he was young, Peter was fair had a very faint eyebrow. My mother noticed it and asked Peter’s mother to draw with the stem of the beetle leaf when she is breastfeeding him to darken Peter’s darker eyebrow. My mother did it for her nine children. Peter was brought to our house frequently and he loved to sleep in my mother’s arms full of flesh. Both my parents were thrilled whenever Peter visited as a toddler and in later years.

Once when my mother was having only plain boiled rice (ဆန်ပြုတ်) with Nga Yant Chauk Kyaw (ငါးရန့်ခြောက်ကျော်) pounded fried salted fish for breakfast she called Peter. He never refused and had his second breakfast with the grandmother. We gave him the nickname, Pote Pote Kyee (ပုပ်ပုပ်ကြီး) for two reasons. One was he was a chubby kid and the other for his voracious appetite and his passion for food (အ စား ပုပ် လို့).

When Aye Aye started to talk she called Peter instead of “Ko Ko”ရ ကို ကို). She was repeating the name called by others. Whenever Aye called him Peter he would come over to my mother and complained that Aye Aye didn’t call him Ko Ko.  My mother coaxed him and explained that Aye Aye was still young to know that she should say “Ko Ko”. Peter was pleased at my mother’s reply. Later he came to tell my mother that Aye Aye had finally called her Ko Ko. Peter was proud to be an elder brother. So innocent and cute.

Peter’s mother was fond of celebrating birthday parties for the children. Peter’s birthday parties were held annually in the garden as the weather was fine in January. She would prepare every single delicacy such as a variety of cookies, sandwiches, puffs , fudge, sweets, small eats suitable for the children and the lovely birthday cake with candles. I always helped her because I have a keen interest in baking and learnt a lot from her. Peter remembered the birthday parties.

When my third brother (Dr Myo Tint) was stationed at the General Hospital in Kyaukkyi, a district town near Toungoo, my parents visited him. My fourth brother (Tin Htoon), Peter and I went along. The villagers entertained us in the Durian farm. It was the durian season. My father loved white rice with durian flesh, fresh hot milk, sugar and a pinch of salt. Peter also ate a lot of durian at a sitting and even his sweat smelled of durian. Doesn’t our nickname suit him?

My mother would prepare Thingyan Htamin သင်္ကြန်ထမင်း during the Thingyan Water Festival annually. It was one of my father’s favorite. Peter joined his grandfather to feast with Thaingyan Htamin. It was a delicacy to be eaten in the hot weather. Plain cooked rice in fragrant water (beeswax) with jasmine flowers and rose petals and eaten with green mango salad and Nga Chauk Kyaw. Peter planned to visit Yangon during Thingyan this year. He told me in one of his phone conversation that he’ll prepare Thingyan Htamin in Yangon. Poor thing, he couldn’t make it.

Before I went for a long meditation retreat ( over a month ) at Chan Myae Yeiktha both Peter and Aye Aye reminded me to observe every individual small movements of the body (အသေး စိတ် အ မူ အ ရာ) from their previous experiences. It really helped and was beneficial in my meditation. I thanked them wholeheartedly while still at the Meditation Centre.

Peter drew ten drawings for my Abschluss Arbeit, like Thesis to be submitted before the Final Exam in my Final Year for Diploma in German Language. The title was “Der Kulturelle Hintergrund der Zubereitung and Darbietung der Birmanischer Speisen” — the cultural background of the preparation and serving of Burmese Food. I let him read the English version and told him how I would like to express with drawings. “A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words”. My Professor, Dr Sontag was impressed with the drawings and he wrote Excellent on the cover. I passed my final year for German Diploma with Credit. Thanks to Peter’s wonderful, descriptive drawings.

In 1993, I returned home after 6 months visit to USA and Singapore with my mother. Peter was in Yangon. I asked him to examine me for I had heavy menstruation every month. He told me that I was anemic. He asked me to lie down. He put his thumb on my navel (ချက်) and placed his palm on my tummy. He told me to see OG. He suspected a lump, the size of 4 months pregnancy. I made appointment with my high school friend OG Dr Cherry Than Than Tin. Uterus, myoma and ovaries were taken out in March 1993. Once again, thanks to Peter.

The turning point in his life took place when he decided to close his medical clinic in Win Mar’s hometown, Maezaligon where he was treating so many patients daily and donating water from his tube well from early morning till night time. He wanted to pursue his profession and give good education to his two sons. He prepared for his preliminary MRCP examination with 8 friends in the living room of my mother’s residence “45” Windermere Road for nearly a year. They sat on the bamboo mat with the round wooden table in the middle surrounded by stacks of books and files around them. They studied diligently and had discussions. All of them passed the preliminary exam at one shot. They were so thankful to my mother for allowing her premises for them to study peacefully. They paid respect, Ka daw DAE ကန်တော့ တယ် to my mother. My mother too was overjoyed for their successs.

Peter took care of my mother measuring blood pressure regularly and checking our health. My mother enjoyed Peter’s company and always  called him whenever we made special seasonal dishes like fresh spring rolls, Hta Ma Ne ထမနဲ , Thingyan Hta Min, Hin Paung ဟင်းပေါင်း to name a few. Peter and Mg Mg helped me in making Nyonya Cookies for Chinese New Year when they were kids for they enjoyed eating while doing instead of placing in bottles and tins. We missed him when he left for UK in 1994.

Peter and his family made frequent visits and celebrated his mother’s birthday in January. He stayed at his parent’s house and prepared breakfast for his mother and fed her patiently. We never knew that his visit for his father’s 90th Birthday in August 2019 would be his last visit. I remember very well on the day of his arrival he came up after he had his lunch at his parent’s house saying that he would like to rest after a long tiring flight and couldn’t sleep on the plane.I gave him a bamboo mat and a pillow. He slept like a log for nearly two hours at a stretch. When he woke up he stretched his arms saying that he had regained strength and fresh now. I was so happy. One morning he came up and prepared scrambled eggs for my breakfast.

Celebrations in May

• Wedding Anniversary of U Tin Htoon and Daw Khin Than Aye
• Ye Lay’s birthday

Memories