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.
Peter, Win Mar, Min Ko
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.
We had frequent flyer miles with United Air Lines.
Booked round trip flight from SJC (San Jose, California) to DFW (Dallas / Fort Worth in Texas) via DEN (Denver, Colorado) after consulting with Dr. Ba Han (SPHS66, IM1 73, who lives in Fort Worth) and U San Lin (Robert, MEHS67, EC73, UCC, who lives in Dallas).
There are several twin cities in the USA. They include
Dallas & Fort Worth (in Texas)
Minneapolis & St. Paul (in Minnesota)
Seattle & Tacoma (in Washington)
DFW is an International air port near Dallas and Fort Worth.
Dallas also has a local airport named “Love Field” (which is used mainly by Southwest Airlines).
Robert agreed to pick us up at the DFW air port and host for two nights.
Dr. Ba Han agreed to host the remainder of the trip, and also show us around selected cities in Texas.
Break from FB
I did not take my lap top.
I did not log in to FB for the duration of the trip.
May 8, 2019
We flew from SJC to DEN on the morning of May 8, 2019.
At the DEN airport, we learned that “due to thunderstorms, only a limited number of inbound flights to DFW were allowed.” The estimated time of departure from DEN was adjusted twice. After more than two hours delay, the plane took off and landed in DFW about two hours later.
Robert and his spouse Daw Hla Myint (Marina, EC73) picked us up at DFW. They treated us to a Texas BBQ (Barbecue). We learned that Robert had become a vegetarian, but would occasionally order BBQ for his grandson.
They hosted us for two nights.
May 9, 2019
They showed us around Dallas (including the infamous depository used by Oswald, the ranch used in the TV series “Dallas”, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Robert
Robert studied at RIT & UCC. He worked for TI (Texas Instruments) in Singapore. He was relocated to TI in Houston. He retired in 2018 and moved to Dallas to be near his son Dr. Vincent & two grandsons.
Vincent and his wife are medical doctors. They hosted a dinner near the swimming club of their elder son.
U Boon PinU Boon Pin and wife
Robert’s father U Boon Pin is a 1948 – 49 classmate of U Soe Aung (PWD) and U Gyn Kho (PWD, Dr. Ba Han’s uncle). He retired as Deputy Chief Engineer of Railways.
Robert’s mom passed away in Taiwan in 2020. She has two sisters. One married Albert Teoh (the eldest of 15 Teoh siblings). Another is the mother of Johnson Lim (C7x).
May 10, 2019
Dr. Ba Han joined us for lunch at the Dallas Chinese temple that offers excellent vegetarian dishes for a suggested donation of $7.
He then drove us to Temple to meet our common niece — daughter of his elder brother U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) and my elder sister Sayama Daw Tin Tin Win (RIT Chemistry).
My niece Dr. Khine Zin Oo & her spouse U Myo Tin treated us a dinner at a restaurant which offered dishes from Texas and Louisiana.
The weather reports indicated heavy rains and floods in parts of Texas (e.g. Houston) on May 11, 2019.
So we decided to visit Austin that day. My niece Dr. Khine Zin Oo and her husband U Myo Tin took us to Austin Sitagu and the Austin Capitol.
Austin Sitagu
Austin 1
We offered soon to the resident monks (including an American monk). Several meals were prepared by a former Sushi shop owner from California.
The visitors included
Dr. Doris Maung Oo : spouse of Thura Tin Maung Aye (BAF, GBNF)
her daughter (classmate of my elder son at TTC)
her son-in-law
niece (daughter of Dr. Alice Maung Oo).
State Capitol
Austin Capitol 1Austin Capitol 2
We joined the tour at the Austin Capitol (which at one time claimed to the tallest among the Capitols in the USA).
The tour guide explained the six flags of Texas and showed us the two chambers and the Dome.
May 12, 2019
Dr. Ba Han took us to Houston to see NASA and to visit our cousin U Oo Thwin (Michael, alumnus of Rutger’s University).
NASA
There were two tram rides at NASA.
One tram took us to the Mission Control room.
We were not aware that the Mission Control room had been emptied (as part of the renovation for the Golden Jubilee of the Apollo 11 flight in July, 1969). The docent highlighted the importance of Mission Control for the NASA missions in general and the Apollo missions in particular.
Another tram took us to the Training Facility of the astronauts. There were several interesting items on display.
Both tram rides stopped at the “Rockets site” with three vintage rockets.
U Oo Thwin (Michael)
We paid respect to our cousin Ko Michael (son of my maternal uncle) at his house. He has five children and some grand children. His eldest daughter Capy (who had moved back from Seattle after her mother passed away) and his younger son Nyi Nyi were there that day.
His friends include Sao Aung Myint (John Khun Kyi).
May 13, 2019
Dr. Ba Han took us to San Antonio and Fredericksburg.
The tourist attractions at San Antonio are the Alamo (which gained fame in the Davy Crockett movie) and the River Walk beside a man-made canal (with a depth of 3 to 5 feet). We took a book ride.
We visited National Museum of the Pacific War at Fredericksburg, Texas. One exhibit was dedicated to Admiral Nimitz. He and Dwight D. Eisenhower were the two five star generals during Second World War. One exhibit was funded by the George H W Bush foundation. A two-day pass for seniors cost $12.
We returned to Fort Worth.
Fort Worth
Daw Tin Tin Aye (Lillian, T72) is known as a “Ah Phwa” to several Myanmar (Mon, Chin, …) families in Fort Worth. She is happy providing social services especially to the new comers. Due to her busy schedule, she could not join Dr. Ba Han for the trip to Temple, Austin, Houston, …
During her visit to Yangon, “Good Morning” Kyaw Myint took her to the M72 Reunion.
Lillian keeps in touch with her close friends from T72, but she cannot recall the names of several sayas and others from the Class of 72.
Dr. Ba Han’s family
Dr. Ba Han (SPHS66, IM1 73) is the younger brother of U Win Htein (SPHS56, Purdue, PWD), U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) and U Myint Thein (B.Com, cox of our Novice crew) & the elder brother of Daw Myint Myint Thein (Susan, DAC).
He has a daughter Hester (who is a teacher) and two grand children. His younger son Harry is doing internship at a hospital in San Francisco.
He retired twice (once in New York and once in Texas).
He has come out of retirement and is now working (some weeks from home and some weeks on-site).
During our trip, he delegated most tasks to his assistant, but he still had to take phone calls and/or “Telepresence”.
He belongs to a big extended family. He is a cousin-uncle of U Aung Win (Owen, M71).
After taking long trips, it was time to slow down and take a rest.
Dr. Ba Han enjoys driving. He has driven from Texas to other states including California and New York.
Due to the possibility of bad weather (thunderstorms, heavy rains, floods), we decided to play safe.
Short trips
Good weather permitting, Dr. Ba Han took us to tourist attractions in his neighborhood.
May 14, 2019
Fort Worth Stock Yard
FW 1FW 2FW 3
On May 14, 2019, we visited the “Fort Worth Stock Yard”. In the early days, Texas Long Horns were traded at the Exchange. For tourists, two “cow herding” shows were performed daily. There are a few guys who make money by charging $5 to mount a “Long Horn” and take pictures.
May 15, 2019
Fort Worth Water Garden
FW WG
On May 15, 2019, we visited the “Fort Worth Water Garden”. It ha four sections. People would come to enjoy the cool environment especially on hot days. The architect incorporated soothing sound effects.
May 16, 2019
Oklahoma Border
OKB
Texas does not permit gambling. Some travel to the “Winstar Casino” located in Oklahoma just a few miles from the border of Texas. It has sections named London, Paris, Madrid, Beijing, …
In several states, Native Americans are allowed to operate casinos. Oklahoma is one of them.
Spare time
The trips were short. They allowed Dr. Ba Han to do some urgent work from his home.
He loves history. He gave me three books to read in my spare time.
His sisters in Yangon were interviewed for the book “Yangon Echoes”. They received an autographed copy from Virginia (co-author). Except for some inadvertent errors (possibly introduced in the translation of the interviews), the book covers good material.
“George Washington’s Secret Six” describes how the Culper Ring saved the American Revolution.
Another book was by a Taiwanese-American researcher who spent two years (2007 and 2008) in Myanmar to study Sino-Burmese culture and practice. The book was bought in Yangon for K5000.
Side bar : Book presents
Over the years, I received book presents.
Some were from authors (e.g. Tekkatho Moe War, Ashin Kesala, Saya Des Rodgers, Junior Win, Htain Lin, Maung Swan Yi, U Ye Sint, Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC), Sayadaw U Jotalankara, U Hla Myint).
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60) air mailed me the book (written and published by his former students and colleagues for his 70th birthday present) from Australia. The postage was comparable to the price of the book.
U Wint Khin Zaw (A79) air mailed me the book (autobiography of his father “K” @ BBS U Khin Zaw) from Australia.
Some were from “Sar Pay Chit Thu Myar”.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) posted me two books that he brought from Yangon. One covers “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin”. The other is a trans-composition of Zawgyi’s poems.
For some time, I have read and/or listened to book summaries provided by blinkist.com
Edwin David (SPHS, GBNF) served as Priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Bernard Taylor (SPHS) was a Missionary in Phillipines. Came back to Upper Burma.
Anthony Lourdes (SPHS) was the third classmate to become a Father (Catholic Priest).
Aung Chaw (Victor, SPHS63, C69) became Ashin Ukkamsa after retirement. First monastery was in Sagaing Hills. Moved to Thone Gwa, Delta region. He is now GBNF.,
Uzin Aung Chaw
Phillip Ba Maung (different section of SPHS63) passed away as a monk.
Myo Tun (Bobby, Errol Than Tun, Dio, A69) became Ashin Pannagavesaka after retirement. Was Dhamma Librarian, Editor & Interpreter at Mawlamyaing Pa Auk Monastery. Taught English to selected monks and youths in various cities
Uzin Bobby
Other Sayadaws
U Win Paing (SPHS64, ChE70) became U Wara after taking his final exam. Was တိုက်အုပ် for many years at the Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung. He succeeded U Vinaya as Chief Resident Monk. He is now GBNF.
U Wara
Sayadaw U Jotika (EP73) is a prolific writer.
U Jotika
U Bo Gyi (A59) became a monk after retiring from PWD. Cast aside by higher authorities for designing the Mausoleum for Daw Khin Kyi. He is now GBNF.
Uzin Bo Gyi
U Han Nyo (Met60) became monk in the USA. Resided in monasteries in New York, California & Mexico.
Saya Beatson (Physics, Boy Scout Master, SPHS) became a monk. Myo Nyunt (Harry Kyaw), Atom Hla and other Paulians offered Soon to Sayadaw during his trips to Yangon. He is the lone remaining Saya from our SPHS days.
Uzin Beatson
Younger brother of Dr. Saw Tin (Maths, GBNF) became a monk. He was in California for a Sima Consecration (သိမ်သမုတ်ပွဲ)
Per KMZ, a young alumnus became Seattle Sayadaw. Met the Sayadaw when he was showing his mentor (from Myanmar) in the SF Bay Area.
After retirement as Pro-Rector, Saya Dr. Lwin Aung (A59) spent several vasa as a monk. He returned to Lay Order due to medical concerns.
Rhyme (or Kar Yan ကာရန်) is an essential element of Poetry.
Outer Rhyme
In most English poems, the end of specific lines rhyme. Some Burmese will call them “Ah Pyin Kar Yan အပြင်ကာရန်”(Outer Rhyme).
Rhyming Patterns
A B A B (where the first and third lines rhyme & the second and fourth lines rhyme).
A B B A (where the first and fourth lines rhyme & the second and third lines rhyme).
Rhyming Dictionary
I received “The Rhyming Dictionary” for taking part in the Debate held by RIT English Association.
Sayas Des Rodgers, Sao Kan Gyi (GBNF) and U Khin were the judges.
I gave the book to my mentor Ashin Ananda (Laureate Poet).
Inner Rhyme
Most Burmese poems use the “Ah Twin Kar Yan အတွင်းကာရန်” (Inner Rhyme).
For example,
o o o x o o x o o x o o x o o y o o y o
…
The first rhyme (x) starts with the 4th position in the first line. It moves to the 3rd position in the second line, then to the 2nd position in the third line, and finally hits the 1st position in the fourth line.
A second rhyme (y) can be started in the line where the first rhyme ended.
Differences in Style
Mya Zin
Some poets have their opinions & preferences. They may not strictly follow the rhyming rules. A few tend to use rhymes sparsely or not at all claiming that rhythm and ideas are sufficient ingredients of a Kabyar (poem).
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, SPHS63) wrote that moderate use of Kar Yan ကာရန် is acceptable, but excessive use of Kar Yan can transform a verse or poem into Ah Kar Ah Yan အကာ အရံ (secondary).
Sayagyi hosted us for two days during our trip to Canada in July 2015.
He enjoys talking about the RIT days. His account “Coconut Episode” was published in the Swel Daw Yeik Sar saung for SPZP-2002.
Due to schedule conflicts, he could not make it to the soon kyway on August 20, 2016, but he asked Maurice to order Tohu Thoke. He sent a message to Maurice to be read at the gathering.
Ko Hla Min & family, & Friends,
First of all I would like to mention that I am sorry I was not able to be there for Happy Birthday celebration for Ko Hla Min with all of you. I miss the opportunity of sharing the good time, laughter and the good food with my friends. Although I am not there in person for this joyful occasion, I want you to know that my heart and thoughts are with all of you.
Having said all of the above, I would like to express my deep appreciation and thanks to Ko Hla Min for his years of dedicated and selfless service to keep us informed and connected; and at the same time for keeping the “RIT SPIRIT” alive. I am quite sure all of the RIT Alumni also appreciate and are grateful for this excellent service like me. In recognition of this outstanding community service, I understand that Northern California RIT Alumni is giving Ko Hla Min some kind of an award for which he deserves. I hope that Ko Hla Min will be able to continue this service for years to come, as I feel that no other person may be able to carry out this task better than he does.
I really do not know how old Ko Hla Min is now. The number is irrelevant; what’s important is that he is still healthy and active and he still looks young. With this happy thought my wife and I wish Ko Hla Min “Happy Birthday”.
May you all be happy, healthy, prosperous and free from all harm. Please enjoy your joyful get-together.
With abundant Metta Aung Gyi
From Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Here’s wishing you all the happiness and the best of everything on your Birthday and praying for many many more returns of the Day.
Thanks also for your tireless effort and devotion towards keeping the website alive and flourishing, and letting all of us alumni stay connected. Kudos for a great job so well done!
With boundless metta, San Hla Aung
From Saya U San Tun (Sain Fone Wong, M59)
Dear U Hla Min,
We regret that we will not be able to join the celebration of your birthday at the Theravada Buddhist Society of America on August 20, 2016.
There is no doubt that the attendance will be large and all the Burmese foods will be mouth-watering and delicious. We are sure all the attendees will have a good time and leave the celebration venue with a fond memory.
We admire you for all the good deeds and sacrifices you have been doing over the past decade for the benefits to oversea Burmese immigrants not only in the bay area, Southern California, the United States and over various parts of the world. Keep up the good work!
We expect to meet you at the annual Nor Cal RITAA dinner on September 17,2016. We wish you a happy birthday and our best regards to your beloved Daw Sein Yee.
Sain Fone & Sylvia
From Saya Dr. Chris Lee (L Tin Htun, EE59)
Dear Ko Hla Min:
From reading the recent emails in your “Update”, tomorrow will be a great “Happy Birthday Bonanza Party” for you. It will surely be a fun, exciting and memorable event for all attendees.
We wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more returns.
Best regards, Chris and Pam Lee
From Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
Founder & Past President of BASES
Organizer for SPZP-2000
Saya will attend the soon kyway on August 20, 2016 and the Annual Dinner of Northern California RIT Alumni Association on September 17, 2016. Thanks.
Yes, I will be glad to join you all in the celebration. Tin Htut
From Saya U Soe Paing (my mentor at RIT and UCC)
Happy 70th Birthday and best wishes for many more birthdays to come.
SP
From Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62) and Daw Lily Win (T72)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
We wish you a very happy Birthday and many more years with good health, prosperity and contentment.
Best regards, Tin Win and Lily
From Saya KC Chiu (Dr. Tin Aung, ChE63)
Ko Hla Min,
Happy birthday to you. Your voluntary service in keeping RIT alumni connected is unprecedented and commendable. You deserve the honorable commendation party to be held on 8/20/2016 at Half Moon Bay. If I didn’t move to Southern California last year, I would not miss it for the world. Happy birthday again and many more to come.
Regards, KC Chiu
From Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)
Past President of BAPS
Founding member of RIT Alumni International
Founding member & BOD for NorCal RIT AA
Saya Allen Htay’s article, “Brother, can you afford US $500?” refers to “U Nyo Win Act” for SPZP-2000. The Act did not need to be implemented thanks to the Golden Sponsors : U Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70), U Yu Beng (Benny Tan, M70), U Khin Maung oo (Ivan Lee, M69), U Tin Myint (David Ko, M67) and U Maung Maung Than (M79) and the numerous sponsors.
Hello Ko Hla Min,
We all are expecting and waiting for the up coming celebration of your birthday at Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday [August 20, 2016]. It’s going to be one of its kind in our RIT alumni community, and surely on the day of the celebration you will be overwhelmed by all the alums, sayas, sayamas, friends and well wishers. I’d like to wish you beforehand a very happy birthday and looking forward to seeing you at the celebration party.
Warmest regards, [Saya Dr.] Nyo Win (ME 65)
From Saya Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65)
Dear U Hla Min,
Best wishes for your Birthday and many happy returns of the day from this day onwards and far beyond.May good health, happiness, prosperity and success be always with your whole family.
With warm and sincere regards Kyaw Sein. Prof. Dr. University of Malaysia Mechatronics
From Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66) & spouse
Dear Ko Hla Min,
See you at the Half Moon Bay Monastery this Saturday.
Thanks for your dedication and untiring effort in keeping us all in touch with alumni all around the world.
Also wishing you the very best on your Birthday and many more to come.
Best regards. George & Eng Eng Chan
From King Wong (Victor, C66)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
All good and kind words are spoken by others.
My tongue is tied and twisted. All I can say ” Happy Birthday to You “
BTW, also Happy Birthday to adorable Grace.
Best Regards King Wong (Victor)
From Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A67)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
Thank you so much for keeping RIT spirit well and healthy all the time.
Appreciate all your hard work and time well spent. I regret that I can’t come to your BD celebration since I will be out of town that day.
Wishing you many many more returns. Enjoy yourself and be healthy every day.
Best regards Ann K K Kyu
Editor’s Note: Daw KKK sent a birthday gift with Maurice.
From U Saim Mayet (M67)
Dear U Hla Min,
Wish you a very happy birthday. I admire you for all the hard work you have been doing for more than a decade to keep us informed about RIT sayagyis, sayamas and other members. Thank you.
Salim Mayet (M 67)
From Saya U Myat Htoo (C 68)
Dear U Hla Min,
I would like to thank you for your dedication towards our alma mater by sacrificing your precious time and your tireless work over a decade and a half to connect all alumni around the world. Your work is unbelievably amazing and you are the inspiration for all of us.
I am very happy that I will be joining you to celebrate your birthday at Half Moon Bay Monastery where you and I among other Board of Directors helped Sayadaw U Silananda successfully develop TBSA Meditation Center to propagate Theravada Buddhism in the western world and beyond.
With ananda metta, [Saya U] Myat Htoo
Editor’s notes: Saya served for a decade or so as President of TBSA. He supervised the Last Journey for Sayadaw U Silananda. He scattered Sayadaw’s ashes into the San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge. He plays the ukelele well. He enjoys golf & tennis. He is a Past President of BADA.
Sayadaw U Okkantha (C69)
Happy happy birthday.
Ashin Oakkantha (Victor Aung Chaw).
Editor’s notes: Sayadaw was my classmate at SPHS and RIT.
From Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70) and Angelina
Dear Ko Hla Min,
You’ve spent years sharing your amazing memories and wonderful writing ability with all of us from RIT, YIT, etc.
I like to thank you for sharing your wonderful RIT spirit and making a positive difference for so many people. Time is the most precious thing and you have generously shared your time and talents with all of us year after amazing year.
Congratulations and all the best to you on your milestone birthday. May you live long, happy and healthy and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
All the best, Benny and Angelina Tan
From Daw Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Dear Ko Hla Min,
(a) May I wish to your beloved grand daughter “Grace”. HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME
No doubt that she will become a smart little adorable girl. My grandson will be two years in coming Sept. He gives us hope and happiness. Each and every movement is interesting and adorable for us. I’m sure you and Ma Sein feel the same.
(b) Many Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you could spend your life per your wish with Dhamma, family and friends.
Have a nice and memorable gathering.
With Metta, Rosie
From U San Lin (Robert, EC73, Texas)
Grace is brilliant.
I can imagine how proud and happy you are.
Wishing you a happy birthday too.
Robert [San Lin]
FromMaurice Chee (M75)
Past President of BAPS
Founding member & Treasurer of RIT Alumni International
Chaired Working Committee (with Benny) for SPZP-2000
Financial Controller & Publisher of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000
Great organizer.
The following is an update [as of August 12, 2016] on alumni members attending and bringing yummy authentic Burmese cuisines:
Ko Hla Min and family of 5
Dhamma friends of Ko Hla Min 10 to 15
Dr Aung Gyi – Tohu Toke (Sayegyi cannot make it but he will send me his speech to be read on his behalf).
Saya U Tin Htut & Mrs
U Myo Min & Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung
U Tin Maung Nyunt
Saya Myat Htoo & spouse – Ohn-no Kyauk Chau
Benny & Angelina Tan – Monhinga
Saya Nyo Win & spouse – Si Tha min
Saya Maung Maung & Eng Eng- samosa
Sayalay U Thein Aung & 3 – mango pickle to compliment the Dan Pauk plus curry dishes
Maurice & Mary Chee – Dan Pauk
Gordon & Lillian Kaung – Dessert
Ko Myint Swe & Daw San San Swe – Chin Baung Gyaw to compliment the Dan Pauk
Walter Tan & Angela – Naan-Gyi-Toke
Charlie & Diana Tseng – Birthday Cake
Edward Saw – Chinese egg custard
Alex Khoo – Sa-nwin-ma-kin and “Mont-Kywe-thee
Ko Kyaw Myint & 1 – falooda
Daw Khin Mya Yee – Pe Pyoke (Salad or Fry TBD and maybe Thee Song Hin)
Ko Hla Kyi & 3 – Nga Pyaw Baung (Banana dessert) ;
Ko Hla Kyi & company is kind enough to sponsor forks, spoons, napkins, plates and bowls as well as volunteering for erecting the tents, tables, chairs and cleanup.
Ko Thaung Nyunt
Daw Mu Mu Kin Htay – Let Phet Toke
Patrick Naing & Mimi
Ko Mya Thwin & spouse – fried small dried shrimp sesame noodle
Ma Thandar Aye & spouse
Dr Myint Thein aka Maung Ba Thein, nickname: Insein Zay Kaung
Daw Khin Khin Win & spouse
Ko Myint Soe
U Yu Ket (Edward Saw)
Stan & Lu Lu Liou
Ko Soe Thu & spouse
Ko San Lin & family
Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (T75)
Her nickname is “Baw Lone”. She represented RIT in volleyball. She will bring Si Kyet (may be Kyee Oh Si Kyet). Thanks.
From U Myint Soe (M79)
Three photos
From Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian Kaung (EC83)
Hello Saya Hla Min:
We wish you the happiest of B-days, and many many more to come!
We will bring a bottle of premium iNapaWine for you and ama to enjoy at your B-day (we know ama will definitely enjoy our premium wine to stay healthy, and take good care of you).
With lots of metta, Gordon and Lillian Kaung Wine Maker
From Saya U Khin (Lucien Chen, RIT English, Taipei)
Dear Hla Min,
I have been an ardent “fan” of your RIT Newsletter updates ever since you included me in your mailing list at the suggestion of Des Rodgers many many years ago.
You have made a great contribution to the RIT community by bringing the RIT alumni, sayas and sayamas together through your reports, messages, photos, etc. in the RIT Newsletter and also through your persistent efforts in carrying on the good work against all odds. Who is going to fill your shoes after you retire?
I spent the best years of my life (1964 ~ 1968) at the RIT and I cherish the good old days I had at the RIT with my former colleagues at the English Department such as Saya Desmond Rodgers, Saya U Win Mra, Saya U Joe Ba Maung, Saya Sao Kangyi (deceased), Saya U Kyaw Lwin Hla, Sayama Daw Yin Yin Mya (Terry), Sayama Daw Charity Sein U, Sayama Daw Khin May Lwin (Muriel), Sayama Daw Tin Tin Oo (Toni), Sayama Daw Khin Saw Tint (Anne), among others; my former colleagues at other engineering departments and non-engineering departments such as Saya U Tin Maung (Civil), Saya U Christopher Maung (Civil), Saya Allen Htay (civil), Saya Dr K.C. Khoo (Chemical), among others; and my former students Tin Tin Myint (Emma), Khin Phyu Latt (Christine), Tin Tin Hla (Su Tin), Sai Kham Sang, Pamela Myo Min, George Lim, among others.
I hope you will have a great time at the birthday party that will be hosted in your honor on August 20th at Half Moon Bay, California, by your former classmates, colleagues, sayas and sayamas.
I shall also be wishing you a happy birthday in absentia from this part of the world, and hope you will have many happy and healthy returns of the day in the years to come.
At Ko Benny’s houseSoon Kyway on August 20, 2016Award & Birthday GreetingsSaya U Myat Htoo presented the AwardBirthday card (from sayas & alumni) & two cakes (by Charlie & Diana Tseng)Birthday CardWelcoming Saya U Soe Paing to SF Bay AreaAt Half Moon Bay monasterySF Bay Area RetireesRetireesWelcoming Sayas Dr. San Hla Aung and U Tin HtutWith Ko Tun Shwe & Ko Myint Thein (Soon Hoe)Saya Dr. Aung Gyi received Pon Tu (by Bagyee Myat Myo Myat) carried by Saya Ko Nyunt HtaySF Bay Area alumniGathering hosted by Steeve Kay 40th anniversary of arrival in USAWith Steeve Kay (Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs)With Class of 71 at Indian restaurantSPZP-2012 at Gyogone CampusAt SPZP-2012 with Sayas George & U Myat HtooAt Feel restaurant hosted by Ko Saw Lin (GBNF)
Children : Saya Dr. Tin Maung and Sayama Daw Thein.
U Aung Hla
(18/Apr/1896 to 13/Dec/1983)
Passed away at the age of 88.
Professor of Maths, RU
Dean of Arts, RU
Accomplished musician
Annotated 25 Burmese songs.
Spouse : Daw May Than was a nationally known singer.
Son : U Mya Than played the lead guitar & piano.
U Po Thon
(27/Jul/1899 to 23/Nov/1982)
Passed away at the age of 84.
Pyinnya Mingyi ပညာမင်းကြီး
Supervised & published Maths texts for use in schools.
U Net
(15/Jan/1918 to 26/Feb/2003)
Passed away at the age of 86.
Professor of Maths, MASU
Feather of Daw Khin Mar Mar (Physics & UCC) & grandfather of Wunna Ko Ko, webmaster of second RIT web site.
U Ba Toke
(26/Dec/1920 to 2/Dec/2020)
Book
Phwa Bet Taw ဖွားဘက်တော် of “Rangoon University” and “First RU Student Boycott” (which is celebrated as “Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay” အမျိုးသားအောင်ပွဲနေ့ )
Professor of Maths, RASU
Rector, MASU
Professor of Maths, RIT
Vice Chair of Maths, Assumption University
Mandalay University Soccer Selected
Chinlon expert
Vice chair, RU Sports Council
Led the Burmese Olympic team to Tokyo in 1964.
Gave interviews (three C-90 tapes) and documents (4 files) to Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char). The book was published in April 2010 & was distributed on Sayagyi’s 90th birthday.
Updates
Many sayas — including those mentioned in the post are GBNF.
Other GBNF sayas include Dr. Chit Swe, Dr. Tin Maung, Dr. Saw Tin, Dr. Khin Maung Win, U Tin Hlaing, U Sein Min, U Ko Lay & U Aung Sein
