KA

31 July 2006

Hi Jon!
KA here…
Sorry coz my handwriting is not as nice as urs but I’ll try to make it nice for your mum to read.
I really miss u. it’s been weird and different since u weren’t around. I still remember when we were together in scouts and school. Your spirit for 1st KL is really high. I miss your voice I mean I hear you talk everyday. So till now I still remember how u sound like. Can’t wait to play footie with you again. I know ur better than me but do you still remember I nutmed-ed you three times the other day. Hahaha.

K la Jon. I’ve run out at ideas what to write for u edi. Anyhow keep your spirits high. Stay strong and get well soon Jon.
C ya.
KA

Lam

2 August 2006

Hi Jon,
Lam here…
It’s been a long time since I actually talk to you… right now I only can use words to tell how fun it is to hang out with you. Very soon, I am sure we will be able to go watch a movie or something. Since form 1, you’ve been always teaching me how to live in such a place called ‘V.I.’. seniour are always the bullies to us and you always teach me how to twist and turn in certain conditions. All the things we’ve done together such as ‘fly’ hehe… the best technique to learn from you… I think that’s all I have to say for now… I want to you in school soon wei….

Lam Pang Wooi

Matthew

2 August 2006

Dear Jon, (aka longjohn {in scouts})
This is Matthew here. I have to say you’re certainly probably the most positive thinking guy I’ve met. I remember the times when I was faultering with sprinting. I was to the extent that even I lost confidence in myself, however, there you go standing up for me without secound thoughts, without hesitation. I thank you for the trust you have in me at those moments.

I somehow have mixed feelings at the moment. I sure am sad but thinking back, I am glad with the fact I met you. I would certainly be happy if you would stand up once again and remain a part of us. Therefore, it would be good if you keep ur ultra positive attitude and continue your venture to succeed against hard times.

I certainly wish I could do something to reduce your sufferings and I am sure many others would do the same as well. So, take it easy as time passes. Stand up when you’re ready. For when ever it may be, we’ll be there to see.

Matthew

p/s your mum’s great. Be proud of that!

Mun Kin

31 July 2006

Hey Mun Kin here,
I might not be in scouts when you joined but you are the one who made a lasting impression in me. If I am not mistaken, I met you when you were in Form 2 and you were always giving your opinions and to my ‘dismay’ your opinions make sense. You brought something different to my life. Something special, something nice.

You were so desperate to get PL during PL’s night and was willing to do everything. That’s the determination and spirit that I learnt from you. Well I was shocked when I heard about what happened to you as you are a really nice guy and don’t deserve this. I sincerely hope that this is just a minor setback as your life is destined for greater things. I hope you will believe in yourself and one day stand up to face th world again.
Get well soon.

Mubin

31 July 2006

alrite..Jon… everybody’s written like these damn long essays bt min’s gonna be a short one…what the hell am I talking bout??? Neway I don’t really have a long msg since I c u quite often. So there’s not much to say. So I’m just gonna say this…

Faint not. Fight on!!
Mubin

Danial

31 July 2006

Hey Jon!
Dan here…
So what should I say. Of course most importantly, I hope you recover, I know u can la, ur gile, strong, anyway miss playing against u on da field. I’m sure u remember la, u were my target, I was ur target, something like dat la. Miss u in school wei, everybody asks about u and u remember scouts. U were like paling semangat out of all of us. Ur damn popular wei. The x’s still remember you, they all hope u get better. Ist KL misses u wei, remember campfire preps? Those were the best. I can’t wait till u get better wei. We’ll finally be in the same class…after 4 years man!!! Just remember that me, KA, Mubin, Zao, Vicram will never forget u n ur love for 1st KL..

I’ve known u for too long, we went to school everyday together…
I just want u to get well, it would mean the world to me wei. Anyway I think I should stop here. C ya!
Danial

Amirul

Hey Jon!
It’s Amirul here. It’s been quite a long time since we last met and talked. Still remember the times where we played football? Man, you were one tough player! Eventho it has been a few years since we layed played, I still remember every moment of it.

Tough times now…with your condition and all, but have faith!

We all may seem quiet and all, but everyday at school, you are always mentioned. If only schoolwork was not as much, we could always visit you.

Whatever it is, rest assured that I will always be there for you, and pray for your well being everyday.

Best wishes,
Your pal: Amirul London

Bernie & Jimmy

Dearest Jon,

It’s really sad to be separated but I believe God has His divine plan for you… and if He ever plans… He makes sure it’s the plan that will not hurt you or us…

Jesus said, ‘Trust in God and also trust in Me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. I will go prepare one.’

Jonathan, God is drawing you closer and I deeply believe that you are soaring like the eagle with our Lord Jesus Christ.

We love you and you will always be in our hearts, deeply printed…

The one who taught me to face and to fight to the final line. You have won the race because I know… you fought hard. Hard enough for me to see how you keep bouncing back to life. And when everytime this happens, you light up our darkness.

Walk Jon, follow the light and yes, indeed, you are completely healed… no more pain, no more tubes, no more coughing, no more crying but peace, eternal peace with the fellowship of Jesus Christ, goong-goong and ah kong!

Jimmy and I love you, very very much!

With hearts & souls,
Uncle Jimmy & Auntie bernie
10th August 2006

Teach on 10 Aug

10th August 2006

Wrote this on the night/morning of your passing to be with the Lord, Jon.
Dearest Jon,

As a teacher, my prayers for any child would be this, ‘Give me your hand that I may walk in the light of your faith in me.’

Like many others before him and after him, Jon did just that when he came to the V.I. He is an infectious student who fast became my friend. He always had a ready ear…he was/is a comforting old soul in a young body. I’d be having the most rough days at school when he would come up with the most profound things to say to me when least expected.

I was his ‘oriental princess’ – he is such a smooth talker – he knew how to win any woman’s heart…and I always felt he says what he says sincerely and not for want of more marks on his paper!

How our lives shone as our friendship and student-teacher relationship grew. His sprightly ways have a special appeal; his gait, his look of continual askance in class, his prompt willingness to assist when needed (was always volunteering to buy me drinks when I was out of breath), his gentlemanly comforting ways, his fight to the end for all he believes in…treasured and invaluable. I would not – WE AT THE V.I. would not have him any other way.

Jon is a warm personal friend to all who know him. From the many notes and messages his friends, acquaintances have penned…I learn more and more about him…, of him…as their valiant supporter in good and bad times.

In these past few months, I have seen Jon as a devout son, lovable brighter, nephew, cousin, grandson, godson, friend, budding musician, poet, lyricist, romantic and most of all – a God loving soul who is a fighting first senior scout, scholar, sportsman and gentle…oh so gentle man.

Teach...on 9 Aug

9th August 2006

Teacher Shanti, one of Jon's favourite persons, had become one of the regulars in our home, she wrote this piece on the day hours before Jon left us


Hi there Jon,

Teach here…the one who’s still looking for Mr. Right. Something just come to my mind and I thought I’d pen it down before I lose the thought or the moment of inspiration.

As pals become closer,
And time slips away…
We seldom express,
What our hearts would say-

But Jonathan Gan-
Oh Gift of God…somehow
I’m hoping and I’m praying-
That you know what my heart
Continually says;

That you’re much loved,
That you’re much treasured,
That there’s a reason for your presence on Earth,
That I want you back in school-
In my class so that we can rejoice with laughter,
So that I can read your thoughts on paper
(I miss correcting and editing your essays).

So that I can tell you just how…
How wonderful your mum and dad are as care-givers as parents-

You are indeed the Gift of God, Jon.
Love you loads.

Teach Shanti

The Good Doctor

Dear Jon,

I am sorry I never knew you when you were well but I think I know something of you from the love I see you generated in all those around you. Thank you.

Dr. Sylvia McCarthy
Hospice Malaysia

Dr. Sylvia is as gentle as a whisper in the night. She was with Jon and us so often and so willingly that we were never at a loss for medical advice or assistance. Thank you for making this journey with us ever so gentle Dr. Sylvia.

Sarah in June

I pray
That this is just a start
That this is just a part
of your recovery process
that will flower and progress

I want
You to get well
And you will,I can tell
I want you to fight
The demons of your night

I find
Your courage rare.
I find you dare to dare
I find you so, so strong
So, don't you dare prove me wrong.

I hear
The strains of your guitar
I hear them from afar
I can't wait for you to play.
I'm still waiting for that day

I see
You playing football
As always,you give your all
Hurry,please Jon teach me
How to score a goal for free

I wish
I knew you longer
But also, you're no stranger
So stay with me and those around you
They need you here...they just need you.

I believe
In you, I do
Only Jon, only you

Sarah Tiong,
11.20.02am 10 June 2006

Sarah in April

Jonathan Gan Ye Zhan

I don't know if you know
What you already should.
See, God gave you a blow
And you dealt it what you could.

Not far from where I stand
I can't comprehend
The guts you have in you
Cos I wish I had them too

I don't say this everyday
Ok, maybe in a different way...
Jon, you're the hottest guy I ever met
That's a compliment, don't you forget

You're ten times the guy you see when you wake
Cos...boy, you went through hell and you didn't break
You made me shiver and made me chatter
You also nearly made me shatter.

Like a knight riding into battle
Without the armour made of metal
Your heart was all you needed
and in the end look you've succeeded.
I never had a doubt you would
cos once again, you gave it all that you could

words can't tell you how proud I am
of you handling it like a man
I'm beyond relief
would you believe...
that everything's clear
And we've got naught to fear

Love you lots Jon, from a friend to another
My strong,brave, mighty big brother

Sarah Tiong, 12.20.18am 21 April 2006
Sarah was a constant source of hope and companionship for Jon as well as the family throughout our journey. Her brand of optimism and zest for life was always welcome in our home together with her mum Pearly.

Saturday

Dearest Jon,

I have been listening to Josh Rouse's 'Saturday'. Somehow this song moved me so much. As though you were trying to tell me something through this song..... " saturday I'm on the plane I'm flying home to you..."
Truly enough, won't be seeing you after Saturday....you are home in heaven watching over us...
Even though tears will still flow, hearts still break when we come to realize you're gone...
But you, you will be in each and everyone's heart. You're in mine always!
Hey, did you hear me sing "Knocking on heaven's door" last night ? It was you who gave me the inspiration to play that very song. Hope you heard me while I was singing it...=)

I love you...
Love you no matter where you are...
Jon, you've won through the journey of life!
You've won it all!
Be free to spread your wings and fly!!!

Jamie ka-che'
Saturday 12 Aug'06

Au Revoir

To Jonathan Byron Gan, the most beautiful person to ever grace the earth
You were always one of a kind. Ever the individual, I remember that you were never afraid to hide your sensitivity and that's a truly difficult trait for a person to freely express to others. Being the frustrating cynic that you were, you would refuse to back down from a good argument, never letting the other party win. As annoying as that seemed, I was glad that I finally had someone who could carry on an intelligent conversation with, who wouldn't shy away from the slightest ego-blowing remark.
Darling Jon, remembering our three-way conversations with Sarah never fail to put a smile on my face. All the girls would gush at how beautiful your voice was. You singing 'Fly Me To The Moon' and 'Que Sera Sera' would forever remain indelible in my memory.
I remember that we only got closer after I 'accidentally' found out about your innocent crush on a pretty little someone =). Your poems amaze me then, and would continue to amaze more people as time passes on.
I'm glad your life culminated gorgeously as it did. You had a loving family, great friends and the most beautiful soul a person could ever have. I will forever miss your presence in my life, as you were truly the only guy friend who understood.
I'm glad you left peacefully. I'll miss you but I'm glad.
Au Revoir darling Jon.
Much Love,
Khalida=)