Ignatius Visits Khaw Cheng Bor - The Oldest Cousin

(Front) Thomas Khaw Cheng Bor with wife Rose Lee Moi Kwee. (At back) Ignatius and Pauline Chew.

After visiting the younger cousins Ignatius now turned his attention to Khaw Cheng Bor, the oldest amongst the cousins.

Thomas Khaw Cheng Bor, was born in 1925 to Chew Gaik Tuan (Chew Boon Juan 1^st daughter) who married Khaw Bian Wan.

Cheng Bor' parents Chew Gaik Tuan and Khaw Bian Wan. (right pho
o, clockwise) Lily, Alice, Cheng Bor. Cheng Poe and Cheng Soo.

Being born so early his knowledge of the Chew family members was intimate, from his grand-parents right down to the 6 uncles and 10 aunts and their children.

Cheng Bor’ memory even at this age, 93, was good and he was able to remember from the 1930’s,  his school years at St.Xavier Institution, his account during the second world war and even covered his time when he came to work at Ban Hoe Seng in Ipoh.

The visit was a courtesy call cum fact finding visit and was very fruitful indeed as Cheng Bor was akin to a walking encyclopedia on the Chew clan.

Ignatius getting the real story of the Chew's from Cheng Bor

Before we left we asked for directions to Chew Boon Juan’s grave as it had been many years since Ignatius' last visit.

After lunch we made our way to Western Road Cemetery the largest Christian cemetery on Penang island.

Michael Tan with Pauline and Ignatius at their grandparents grave.

There in a quiet, cool and peaceful corner of the cemetery was Chew Boon Juan’s grave and lying beside him his beloved wife Goh Lean Kee.  

JAG