Dear friend, I just returned from Vancouver, B.C., where I attended my father's funeral. It was a bittersweet occasion, bringing together family and friends to honor the life of our beloved dad while also creating new memories during our reunion. Moments like these remind us that life is meant for the living. We should celebrate each day with passion, hope, faith, and energy. My father imparted many valuable life lessons, but the most profound was to savor every moment of life while we were here. As I look at his pictures, the pain of his absence is palpable. Yet, I find solace in the memories he left behind, like a warm blanket on a cold winter's day. I am committed to upholding his legacy and embodying his unyielding passion for life, always cherishing the memories we create. The funeral was a deeply moving experience. The open mic session, where family and friends shared their cherished memories, was a testament to the impact my dad had on all of us. Here is my tribute to my dad, Siew Ming Yuen. It is with great sadness that my dad, Ming Yuen, passed away on Monday Morning, January 6th, 2025. He was 93 years old.
His family and friends will miss him greatly. Ming was a memorable man; his resilience and tenacity inspired everyone who knew him. Ming came from poverty and worked hard to achieve success. He was a creative and talented architect and shop owner. He had a knack with people, and he made friends quickly. If you saw him on the road, even if you were a stranger, you would most likely get some good wishes from Ming because he was a real people person. One of the things I admire most about my Dad was his endless pursuit of happiness, even when times were challenging. Ming was not oblivious to life’s challenges, but he chose to see the rainbow in every curve ball thrown at him. Ming also loved to travel, he continued to travel till he was in his late eighties. He wasn't rich by no means, but he prioritized his passion. Here is another memorable trait about Ming: He barely skipped a day of self-care. Ming was a health advocate. He never missed a day of Tai Chi or walking. He continued with his health habits until the very last day. My dad, despite his slim figure, was a true foodie. He knew all the best hawker stalls and restaurants, and you'd often find him sharing a meal with loved ones. One of our favorite pastimes was enjoying a good meal together. I remember a particularly funny incident during a Mexican resort trip, where my sisters and I had to remind him that the buffet was open 24 hours. He could have stopped and returned, but he was too engrossed in his meal to listen. After my dad retired, he joined community centers and participated in many senior activities, including Mahjong, dancing, badminton, swimming, and karaoke. As Dad aged, he lost his eyesight, but he didn’t let that slow him down. Instead, Ming thought he’d sing more, which became an obsession. He sang three to four times a week at karaoke clubs with his beloved friends—his activity schedule was hard to beat. This continued until his last few weeks of life. He couldn’t do it anymore because it was his time. Ming lived an adventurous and entire life filled with interesting stories. His love for life was infectious, and we will miss him greatly, but we are also uplifted by the memories of his zest for life. Thank you, Dad, for everything. We miss and love you for eternity. Dear artist, cherish your loved ones and life, for they are both precious and fleeting. Pursue your dreams and let your inner light shine. You have only one life, so make sure you live it well. Whatever your heart desires, go after it. Prioritize your dreams and pursue whatever brings you happiness. Thank you for reading this tribute to my dad.🙏 If you have recently lost someone, please email me and share your story or tribute. I would love to hear from you. With Joy, Ting ❤ https://www.buildyourartbusiness.com/ https://www.tingyuenart.com
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Ting YuenI am an artist and art marketing strategist that is passionate about creating meaningful art and courses that inspire your life, business and home. Archives
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