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.
She is Peter’s younger sister and Ye Myint’s older sister.
She graduated with B.Com and completed her CPA.
In an early assignment to Upper Burma, she found her love life Ko Tin Tun — younger brother of my former SPHS classmate Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (GBNF). They have two daughters : Thin Thiri Tun (Honey, electronics engineer in Singapore) and Khin Sandy Tun (Pu Tu, medical doctor).
Since Peter and Ye Myint were working in UK, Aye Aye and Pu Tu looked after U Tin U and Ma Cherry. About a year and a half ago, Ko Tin Tun developed a problem that required medical treatment in Singapore and Yangon.
Peter monitored the health of his parents and Ko Tin Tun (via calls with Aye Aye and Pu Tu).
Peter told Aye Aye not to worry about Pu Tu’s future. He would sponsor Pu Tu to study MRCP in UK.
Before Peter was hospitalized, Aye Aye and Pu Tu had a daily conversation with Peter, who continued to advise on Ko Tin Tun’s failing health. Peter appeared to be in high spirits.
It was an unpleasant surprise to learn about Peter’s demise — the second loss in the family within a few months.
Due to the pandemic, Pu Tu could not go to Bangkok to take her PLAP examination. As a blessing in disguise, Pu Tu could take care of her father.
Aye Aye and Pu Tu do not have time and energy to share their memories of Peter. They miss Peter badly.
Peter loved Pu Tu very much because she took care of Ma Cherry and wanted to help Pu Tu with her career.
Aye Aye thanks Honey for reminding them that sorrow is a form of DOSA and to overcome sorrow with vipassana meditation.
Daw Ohnmar Khin
Dear Peter
It’s now a month since you left us. It just doesn’t seem real you are gone. Please know you have touched the lives of every one who have known you with your kindness and generosity of spirit . I consider myself so very lucky to have had time with you, to listen to all your good health advices, your teaching me about vipassana meditation, how we shared funny & memorable stories about our grandparents & ancestors – as passed down by our Mums. You were a pillar of strength to your family & now your legacy lives on in your two wonderful sons, who have become the pillars of strength for their Mum. You were a big part in our close knit circle of first cousins from The U Tin Gyi Family Clan from your Mum’s side. We shall always remember you in our hearts & minds. I will always remember what a wonderful & devoted son you were to your beloved parents – how your Mum would not let anyone cut her hair except you. How you would take every opportunity to make her happy from thousands of miles away. Thardu Thardu Thardu. RIP Peter, I know you have gone to a better and higher abode. Missing you so much-
Love – Ma Ma Ohnmar
Photo Card by U Tin Htoon
Tribute to PKT
Daw Toni Than
She is the daughter of U Sett Khaing and Daw Sarah Tin Gyi. She is the Oldest among the 20+ Tin Gyi cousins. She would call her two youngest maternal aunts as Ma Ma Tin and Ma Ma Tu.
She studied English Honors and taught at RIT. She was a leading member of the RIT Scrabble Club which produced Champions like Saya Des (now in Canada) and Saya U Khin (now in Taiwan).
She joined her spouse H.E. U Nyi Than (GBNF) during his diplomatic missions abroad. They have a son and a daughter.
Upon her return to Myanmar, she taught at International / Private Schools. She stays mentally active by playing Scrabble and Bridge.
I met her at the RIT SPZPs and recently when her beloved Ma Ma Tu passed away late last year. She was accompanied by two cousins : Diana and Tessa.
The following is a note she sent to to her cousin Ye Myint in UK.
Tomorrow is one month of my cousin Peter’s passing. I want to share with you all, an incident that will forever be embedded in my heart and mind. My son Ye Min had dysentery and within hours, in front of our very eyes started to look gaunt with sunken eyes due to loss of fluid etc. I was frantic and then Peter came to the rescue. He stayed with him, administering drip till he was stable. He saved my son’s life, calming me down at the same time. He was that kind of person. I still can’t get over his loss. Peter, Rest in Peace.
Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
U Tin U (Peter’s father) is the eldest of 9 siblings.
Ma Cho is the youngest. Her mother told her many stories.
I heard a few from her last night.
There was a “Taya Pwe” 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.
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
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 physically.
Many relatives and friends joined the telecast.
Oxford Sayadaw U Dhammasami
Dakagyi Dr Peter Khin Tun,
From now on, it will not be my priority to remember that you lived 62 years, but rather how many thousands of life you have touched and nurtured. People are remembered for what they did for others, not how long they live. Ultimately, it is your exemplary selfless service to the many that will be inscribed in many hearts. Since we came to know each other in London in 1996, you have watched proudly your two boys grow up and achieve some standing of their own. As you always wished, I will take care of them spiritually so they can serve many souls as you have. Have a good rebirth.
My children were very young on their first visit to the family and they came home full of praise for their Peter Ko who was their super hero. Just one more aspect of Peter’s talents in association with people of all walks of life.
I met Peter very much later as I was banned for 28 years to return to Burma. When I met him in London I told him how important it is to wear comfortable shoes and bought him his first pair of shoes from Clark’s,which he told me lasted 3 years.
In the following years we visited Peter and family often.
On many occasions we met at family gatherings in Yangon, the last to celebrate his father’s 90th birthday in August 2019. Not only on this his last visit but in all the previous years Peter’s devotion to his mother was unconditional. It impressed me enormously that he would prepare breakfast for his mother at 6 in the morning … and it was a cooked breakfast! He took great pleasure in watching his mother eat with appetite and gaining strength. That was Peter,who loved his mother beyond words.
Peter was good at organising too. We shared a memorable visit to the London Chelsea Flower show in 2018 at the invitation of Kim and Dave. At my request Peter organised and dealt with all the formalities which was required. He hit a jack pot as he managed to get free entrance for Kim and Dave as attendants to two wheelchair users, because I needed one and he decided also that he needed one too. He used actually to wheel around his backpack etc. So, we paid only for two for four!
On that trip, WinMar and Peter drove me to my friend In Nayland. I invited them to stay at an Inn,which Peter thoroughly enjoyed,breakfasting in the garden reading a newspaper, etc.
On bidding farewell to us, WinMar and Peter paid respects ..Kadaw de …not only to me but to my German friend Ursula,who remembers them fondly.They left a joyous impression.
The last chapter ends with our unforgettable trip to New Zealand to celebrate Prudence and Minko’s wedding on 15th. February 2020. Peter invited me to stay with them at the luxurious apartment at the Trinity Wharf Hotel, Tauranga, which Tin KyiWin had rented but could not make the trip. It was a home away from home as Peter thoroughly enjoyed the facilities. On the morning of our departure Peter prepared mushroom omelet as usual and ate my share, which I kindly refused, with relish. I think he just enjoyed food always.
Peter brought the thread and needles needed to make the garland for the bridal pair from Reading and I helped him to make the garland,which he patiently threaded. So that was his personal touch for the ceremony. I regret that Peter never found the time to visit us in Germany. There was so much I wanted to show him and share. He would have appreciated my collection of antique books on Burma. I even thought of giving him the books one day.
Peter gave me one of his water colour paintings.
Peter as we all know was a most devoted,self sacrificing son,a loving and caring husband and father and a man who practised what he believed … above all Metta, loving kindness.
Peter, a man of kaleidescopic characters who enriched the lives of all the people who were fortunate to meet him.
A gifted healer and a prophet. His prophetic words were not heard and heeded,which tragically costed him his life. A great great loss. His life was not in vain.
Obituary
The following Obituary appeared in the Guardian (UK Newspaper) on May 15, 2020.
Dr Peter Tun obituary
Will Tun (Ye Lay)
My father, Dr Peter Tun, who has died aged 62 of Covid-19, travelled in 1994 from his native Burma (now Myanmar) to Britain to work as a doctor in the NHS. His career took him into the training of doctors, and eventually earned him the role of associate postgraduate dean (2012-16) at Oxford Deanery training centre, which prepares medical graduates for their first NHS jobs.
Much loved by his colleagues, he had expertise in a wide range of areas, from diseases related to stroke, brain and spinal injuries to muscle spasticity management, the benefits of medicinal marijuana, nutritional rehabilitation and mindfulness therapy.
Peter was born in Yangon, in Burma (now Myanmar), the eldest son of U Tin U and Cheery Tin Gyi. He won a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Yangon and as a young freshman enjoyed participating in shot put and discus-throwing tournaments. After graduating in 1981, he started as a research medical officer for a WHO-sponsored project on maternal and child healthcare. From 1985 to 1994 he worked as a GP across the villages of the Ayeyarwady Delta.
He had fond memories of riding around in a jeep through many villages, helping to heal the sick and asking his patients only to pay what they could afford. He was an advocate for providing education as a tool to transform the lives of the communities he served.
During this time he met his future wife, Daw Win Mar. They would go on to have two sons, Minko (my brother Michael) and Ye Aung (me). As a testament to his tenacity, Peter decided to build a new home from the ground up for his family. That house still stands with a back garden full of banana trees beneath a hot tropical sun.
Peter brought his family to the UK in 1994. We lived in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, before moving to London, where in 1997 Peter became a member of the Royal College of Physicians and the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Our family finally settled in Reading, in a home filled with joy. Peter loved gardening, cooking, barbecues, sharing recipes, the Beatles and painting watercolours of pagodas and scenes from Burma.
A devout Buddhist who enjoyed meditation, he had practised intensive Vipassana meditation under the Venerable Ashin Janakabhivamsa when he was a second-year medical student in Burma. He recalled those moments of spiritual practice as one of the most precious times of his life.
He is survived by Daw Win Mar and his children.
Thin Thiri Tun
Uncle Peter was our role model — someone who we always admired and looked up to. He was knowledgeable, kind, passionate and helpful to everyone around him near and far.
My mother always valued uncle Peter’s advices, memories and shared with us. Some of them are during his younger days in Vipassana meditation practice under the guidance of Chan Myay Sayadaw, Venerable U Janakabhivamsa. He went to meditation retreat to follow his friend but eventually he became deeply interested. He would go and find his teacher Sayadaw even at midnight when he had questions. Sayadaw praised later that he was one of the Yogi students who progressed very quickly. He also volunteered to carry very heavy items for building construction in the retreat compound. He managed to carry them easily with mindfulness.
He also had a very good memory. After listening once to a dhamma talk, he can explain it to others from beginning to end.
He told me that we don’t have to wait for our free time to practice mindfulness. He mentioned that he was always practicing even in a few minutes while waiting for the lift to arrive. He said he also spent time to radiate loving kindness to living beings every day.
Uncle Peter was giving not only medical advices but also dhamma advices to us since my father fell ill. I have the deepest gratitude to uncle Peter for all the things.
Sayadaw U Ottara Nyana mentioned during one month remembrance offerings that Uncle Peter is definitely in a better life now. It is like leaving behind the clay pot and getting a golden pot. May he attain Nibbana.
In the US, the second Saturday of May is celebrated as Mother’s Day. In 2020, Mother’s Day fell on May 9, 2020.
Due to “Shelter in place” ordinance still in effect, we had a simple family gathering. My Myees helped peel the quail eggs for the “Yaw / Mixed Kyee O” prepared by their mother. Chit Sa Noe sang “Mother’s Day” song for her grandma and mother.
In the beginning, Pho Lone would only give us an “Air Hug”. It was a precaution.
My Life Savers
When we were young, we listened to the song called M-O-T-H-E-R.
M-O-T-H-E-R (Song)
M is for the Million things she gave me O means Only that she’s growing Old T is for her Tender sweet caresses H is for her Heart of purest Gold E means Everything she’s done to save me R means Right and Right she’ll always be
Put them altogether, they spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
M is for the Mercy she possesses O means that I Owe her all I Own T is for the Tears she shed to save me H is for her Hands that made a home E is for her Eyes with sunlight shining R means Real and Regular you see
Put them altogether, they spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
Min Ko
Win Mar, Min Ko & Peter
Like his father, grand father and great grand father, he is the eldest son in the family.
He was born in Mezaligone. He grew up to see his parents go in a jeep to nearby villages to treat patients. He remembered Peter dig a tube well and provided drinking water for the neighbors. His memories became clear as he listened to an old phone message from Peter to tell him and Pru about his life as a “village doctor”.
Min Ko stayed for some time with Peter’s parents when Peter moved to UK. The family reunited after Peter had two jobs and was financially secure.
He graduated from Kent University in 2009. From 2010, he worked on BTM-UFLP (“Be on The Move – Unilever Future Leaders Program”) projects. He worked in UK, Spain, Australia and/or New Zealand.
He joined Peter to attend the wedding / reception of Thandar (Peter’s cousin) held in Mexico several years ago.
He and Pru hosted an engagement party at Winner Inn over a year ago.
The wedding / reception took place in New Zealand in February 2020.
Peter told his aunt, uncles and cousins that his father U Tin U might live long enough to see the great grand child. Peter also mentioned that he will retire in three years time and spend quality time with his extended family.
Sadly, Peter lost his life due to misguided Policies and Guidelines.
Min Ko found Peter’s e-mails requesting PPE. He presented the emails to the news media and gave interviews. He emphasized that the staff of Royal Berkshire Hospital were professional, kind-hearted and took care of Win Mar & Peter during the hospitalization. He was sad that his father was victimized by those “hiding behind policies”.
Min Ko could not grief fully since he had to take care of the legal and financial matters (e.g. filling paper forms, talking to lawyers and insurance companies, preparing the funeral service).
He wrote a letter to Peter and choked while reading. He told Peter once again that (a) he will take care of the family (b) he will tell his child (when he gets one) the life story of Peter.
U Tin Htoon
Tribute to PETER
On May 13th it will be one month that my beloved nephew Dr. Peter Khin Tun suddenly left us. In his remembrance I will start posting some of the photos of our very last pleasant, joyful and memorable meeting with him and his family in Tauranga, New Zealand in February. As there is a saying “a photo is worth a thousand words”, I sincerely hope that these photos will supplement the following brief description of mine.
In the first group will be about Min Ko celebrating his 34th birthday at #8 Restaurant and Bar on February 14th. It was also like a welcoming dinner for relatives from both sides gathered to attend Min Ko & Prudence’s wedding.
In the second group will be that of the Church wedding and the wedding reception on February 15th. We were extremely fortunate to have an excellent weather for an outdoor event.
In the last and final group will be about our unforgettable stay of of over a week at the lovely Trinity Wharf Hotel where we had countless delicious breakfast prepared by Peter and Ye Lay, and lunches and dinner arranged by Min Ko out of his extremely busy schedule. It was next to the Ocean and was just like a “home away from home,” thanks to Tin Kyi Win who selected and arranged for us. During that time Peter told me about his plans to retire in three years time. Those very last words of him still rings in my ears. The thought that if only he had those PPE which he literally had to beg for, he might be still alive today to enjoy his hard earned retirement after a life time of service which he succumbed to still lingers on,
Surely he will be missed by so many of his family members, relatives, colleagues and patients. We all wish him for a much, much better and brighter existence.
There have been several complaints to NHS particularly about the shortage of PPE and the accountability over the guidelines.
NHS Secretary Matt Hancock says he feels ‘deep sense of duty’ to those infected while at work. He announced 60,000 Pounds payout to families of health staff who die of coronavirus.
Min Ko’s response :
There needs to be accountability over the guidelines. I would rather have my Dad than money, absolutely, 100%
Britain holds minute’s silence in tribute to coronavirus dead
Politicians and public across UK remember key workers who have died during pandemic
Good News about Win Mar
Peter, Win Mar & Min Ko
Min Ko (Michael Tun) wrote :
Just spoke to May May. It looks like they will be able to send her home tomorrow. Also there was a 1 minute silence for NHS workers who lost their lives and doctors and nurses came into May May’s room to pay tribute and do the 1 minute silence with her.
Dr. Ye Myint wrote :
We spoke to Ma Win Mar few minutes ago. She is well. Her voice is stronger and can eat reasonably well. No fever for the last few days. Not required for O2 today. There was one minute silence for National heroes who paid their lives working in hospitals ( NHS). Many doctors and nurses ( including Ko Ko’s ward nurses), came to her room and many people had to stand outside her room along the corridors for 1 minute silence to honour Ko Ko ( Peter). Ma Win Mar will go home about 10 am tomorrow morning.
Updates
Min Ko is now a proud father of two daughters.
Win Mar, family and friends helped rebuild houses for the earthquake victims in Myanmar.
Sayadaw U Ottara Nyana likened the pandemic as the 21st Century World War against an invisible enemy.
Memories by Ye Lay (Live)
“Pe Pe Ko Chit Tae“. [ I love Dad]
Ye Lay thanked his father Peter for the wonderful things that he had learned. In particular, the chanting “I take refuge in the Triple Gems”. He recited to Peter at the hospital.
He sang an old Scottish ballad “Loch Lomond“. He remembered Peter taking Chan Myei Sayadaw to Loch Lomond.
By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond Where we two have passed so many blithesome days On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
[Refrain] O ye’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye But me and my true love will never meet again On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
I mind where we parted on yon shady glen On the steep, steep side o’ Ben Lomond Where in purple hue, the Heiland hills we view And the moon shinin’ out from the gloamin’
Ye Lay studied at St Andrew’s in Scotland for his second Masters. His parents attended his graduation.
He ended by reciting
“Buddham saranam gaccha mi. [I take refuge in the Buddha]. Dhammam saranan gaccha mi. [I take refuge in the Dhamma]. Sangham saranam gaccha mi. [I take refuge in the Sangha].
Memories by Dr. Ye Myint (Recording)
Dr. Ye Myint & Dr. Peter Tun
Firstly I would like to thank you all for being here.
Thanks to all those who shared their good memories of my beloved brother. The family appreciates your kind thoughts and prayers.
It is a great honour to be able to share my memories, and talk about my big brother Peter, who will forever remain in our hearts.
My kindhearted brother spent his life caring not only for patients, but relatives, friends and acquaintances. He gave up his life in the line of duty. He will be missed by all.
Peter, my sister and I were very privileged to grow up together in one large family estate. We were very close sharing the same room and being together daily.
He set a high bar for us intellectually and socially. Due to his high intellect, he got double promotion twice and skipped 2 years.
He matriculated with four distinctions. He stood 23rd in the whole of Burma and was awarded a University Scholarship. He was admitted to the Rangoon University of Medicine, which I also attended. He supported me to become a good compassionate doctor like himself.
He stayed fit by taking part in many sports : football, badminton, cycling and rowing. He was the university selected athlete for Shot put and Discus throwing.
He started cooking as a teenager and learnt many recipes from our mother and continued this lifelong hobby. He was a very good artist and created large paintings as well as water coloured Christmas cards. He was also a very keen gardener and read various books. He had great general knowledge and many called him a walking encyclopaedia.
After he qualified as a doctor, he worked as a UNICEF research officer for mother and child health in Hlegu where he met his future wife Ma Win Mar. After they fell in love he decided to move to Mezligone. I accompanied him on this trip there and helped to set up a new medical clinic. He worked there daily for 11 years where he was relied upon by his patients even out of hours.
I sponsored him to move to UK in 1994 to help progress his medical career. He lived with us until he got his first job in Burton-on-Trent. He got his second job in Pontefract and arranged for his family to relocate to the UK to join him. We were lucky to live only 20 minutes drive away so had nice weekly reunions which made our families even closer.
He then moved to London for rehabilitation medicine training after he passed his MRCP examinations and then moved to Reading 21 years ago working as an associate specialist. Peter has helped many Doctors coming to the UK for further studies where he gave valuable advice and treated them to his home cooking. He always enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends.
We had regular family reunions and memorable family holidays together in Devon, Italy, Burma and most recently in New Zealand. We will cherish these lovely memories together. He had such a great sense of humour and always made those around him happy with his personality and big smiles. He was remarkable in many different ways. He lived an enjoyable successful life and treated all family members, relatives and friends with loving kindness. He touched so many people as evident by the countless tributes, messages, cards and donations.
I am sure you are in a much better place, Ko Ko, after doing so many good deeds throughout your life. We will miss you greatly and always remember you with love. Thank you so much for being a loving big brother, a great Uncle to Aye Sanda, a best friend, mentor and teacher.
Lighting six candles followed by Reflection
Six candles were lit : One for Peter Three for attendees of the service near and far One for Doctors and Nurses One for people around the world
All stood up for a moment of Reflection.
Reflection following the Candle Lighting
Memories of Min Ko
Min Ko shared Dr. Peter’s wonderful, precious life in Meizaligone, a village in Henzada District, Irrawaddy Division.
Since the clinic was at the house, the family members were woken up early by villagers lining up to get water from the tube well.
Peter’s clinic opened from 6AM to late at night seven days a week.
Peter treated sick villagers with CETANA, some free of charge, and some were given cash assistance to go to Hospital in Big Towns.
Once a month Peter invited neighbors to have meals in the house. Peter had an old car and learned how to do repairs.
Min Ko then read a letter written to his father and had to pause occasionally to wipe the tears. He promised to take care of the family.
Song before closing the curtain
“What a wonderful world” by Louis Armstrong
Message by relatives
Dr. Myo Tint (uncle) wrote :
Dear Win Mar, Min Ko and Ye Lay, The Funeral Service. was very touching. The speeches bring out what a wonderful, philanthropic, generous, well learned gentleman Peter was. May he Rest In Peace.
Nick (Artist / Teacher) drew Peter’s portrait with the message :
RIP Peter Tun, associate specialist in neurorehabilitation at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading
Min Ko commented :
Oh wow! That’s my dad! That’s amazing!
Nick Prolix replied :
So pleased to be able to do something in tribute to the amazing work of folks like your dad none of whom should have lost their lives doing their jobs. Lovely to know he was an artist himself and thank you again for reaching out
During our visit to UK, Peter gave me a memory stick containing the interviews made by Min Ko.
I learnt that U Sett Khaing and Daw Sarah Tin Gyi took Tin Tin Aye (Olga, Ma Tin) and Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry, Ma Tu) to India during the Second World War. When U Tin Gyi passed away unexpected in the UK, the two young sisters were not informed immediately to spare shock grief.
The two sisters were very close since they attended classes together. After their return to Burma, they attended a Convent High School. They matriculated in 1949 and attended Rangoon University. They received their MBBS. Ma Cherry joined the Faculty of Medicine as Demonstrator. She transferred to BMRI (Burma Medical Research Institute) to work on Nutrition projects. She received a post graduate diploma from UK.
She married U Tin U on May 5, 1957. They had large extended families since Ma Cherry is the youngest of nine siblings, and U Tin U is the eldest of nine siblings.
At the wedding reception, her nieces joined Ma Cho (U Tin U’s youngest sister) as Flower Girls.
They had three children : Peter, Aye Aye Khin and Ye Myint.
U Tin U & Family
They have five grand children : Min Ko, Ye Lay, Aye Sandar, Thin Thiri Tun and Khin Sandy Tun.
Peter moved to Mezaligone after his marriage to Win Mar and opened a clinic.
Per Win Mar, they were delighted to have Ma Cherry join them in Mezaligone for about a year and look after Min Ko.
After Peter went to UK, Win Mar and her two sons stayed in the Windermere Compound. They later moved to join Peter in UK.
Ma Cherry visited UK for the second time to see her sons and their families.
Ma Cherry and Peter in UK
Peter visited Burma mostly in January to celebrate Ma Cherry’s birthday in January 12 and also his birthday late in the month. Peter posted photos of the 80th and 85th Birthdays with Ma Cherry.
Peter also posted photos of his father’s 90th birthday on August 3, 2019.
U Tin U’s mother in 2003Ma Cherry’s 80th BirthdayMa Cherry’s 85th BirthdayU Tin U’s 90th BirthdayU Tin U’s 90th BirthdayAt Windermere Road
Min Ko and Pru hosted their engagement party in Yangon.
Ye Lay was invited to a talk in Yangon. He gave additional lectures at the Physics Department at Yangon University, and the Electrical Engineering Department at Yangon Technological University.
One Month Memorial
Photo Card
U Tin Htoon prepared a special Photo Card for Peter’s one month memorial.
Win Mar & family will have a special dhamma talk by Birmingham Sayadaw. Min Ko will arrange a Zoom meeting for relatives overseas.
HlaMin 