by Hla Min

Update : July 2025

2017

Hosts

• Spouse of Dr. Peter Tun (Khin Tun, my cousin nephew)
• During our visit to UK in September 2017, they hosted us

• 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).

Trip to Wales

• On the week end Peter drove us to Ogmore-by-the-sea in Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi & Khin May Than.

Guide

• She would be our guide during the week days.
• We took bus and train to see Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace & 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).

Chefs

• Both are outstanding Chefs.
• She is selective in eating food. She prefers Burmese specialties over Chinese, Indian & British food (with the exception of “Fish and Chips” sold at the shop owned by Peter’s assistant).

Love Story

• She would tell stories (esp. to my spouse).
• When she was working as a teacher in Hlegu, Peter would come over with a food container. Guess what. Peter brought mashed potatoes not knowing that she did not have appetite for non-Burmese food.
• Later, they regained contact by chance at the Chauk Htutt Yone (6-storey Govt. office).
• Peter asked her for a date.
• He handed over a 7-page “Yee Zar Sar”. Win Mar appreciated the Open Book approach. Peter listed his puppy love, current & potential suitors.
• Peter agreed to settle in Mezaligone. They spent a long time there.
• Peter’s sayas & friends finally suggested him to study for MRCP.

2020

Covid

• In late March, Peter told me that COVID-19 had hit UK, but Reading did not have many cases.
• Nevertheless, he showered every day (before & after work) as a precaution.
• He treasured Win Mar’s health.
• Then, we heard bad news. Five of Peter’s patients tested positive for COVID-19. Peter was asked to “self isolate” at his home.
• Per his brother, sister & nieces, Peter felt confident that he would be 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 & Ye Lay (who could not visit the house due to the “self-isolation”) called ambulance. The medics checked Win Mar and suggested to wait a few days.

Hospitalization

• Peter passed away on April 13.
• Win Mar was taken to the hospital for observation & treatment.
• Her health and appetite returned. She requested “Fish and Chips”. It was a sign that she still have a good memory. Her friends (esp. Ma Theingi) cooked Burmese meals.
• She was discharged on April 29.
• She was able to attend the service for Peter on April 30.
• She spoke with Cho Cho Hlaing (Peter’s youngest aunt) in 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. ကံကုန်လို့ ဆုံးသွားဒါ”
• Win Mar now has close company of of her sons Ye Lay and Min Ko (who still had lease for a flat 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.

Updates

• After attending Min Ko’s wedding reception, Peter’s relatives — aunt, uncle, brother, cousins — had a gathering in Sydney.
• Peter chose to fly back to UK to take care of his patients. Sadly, he might have been infected by a patient.
• Peter was looking forward to his retirement and the day when he would be a proud grandpa.
• Win Mar has a consolation prize. She could spend quality time with her two granddaughters.
• Maung Maung Kyi is now GBNF.

Posts

• Chronicle of Peter Tun
• Covid
• GBNF
• Peter Tun Award
• Visits