Robert Koh

Dear Pat, Stephanie and David:

 

The passing of Robert has brought us much sadness.   We hope that the memory of all the good times you’ve shared provides some comfort to ease your sorrow. 

 

Although we knew Robert only for a short while, it’s seems that we have been friends for countless years.  We will always remember his warmth, humor, camaraderie … and his wonderful smile!  You always felt at ease with Robert, because he took a genuine interest in everyone he met.  His engaging conversations gave us insight, advice and things to ponder.  He had a point of view on whatever topic and that’s what made it so interesting.

 

We know he wanted to be the best he could in whatever he did.  Robert worked hard, but played hard too.  A gourmet, gadgeteer, traveler and movie maven and his obsession with health, fitness and nutrition all reflected his zest for life.  We’re sure he held many dreams, and sorry that he could not see them fulfilled.

 

Robert was such a loving father, devoted husband and wonderful friend.    We will miss him always.

I am comforted to know that Robert is in a better place now.

 

I also feel privileged to have had a chance to know Robert both as a child growing up in church in Singapore, and also as an adult when my dad and I visited the Koh family in New Jersey some years back. When I saw him in NJ, he was the same as I remembered him as a child - cheerful, optimistic, energetic and always caring towards others.

 

He was certainly not one to stand on ceremony, and insisted that I call him Robert instead of "Uncle Robert" which is the custom in Singapore. His enthusiasm for life (not to mention Apple gadgets) was infectious to all of those around him.

 

Robert, you will be very much missed.

Dear Pat, Stephanie and David, I share with you your grief over the loss of your dear Robert and dad.  I came across a poem which reminded me, as you did, that Robert would want us to celebrate his life instead of mourning his passing.  Robert could have written this himself.  It's called "I'm Free":

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God laid for me

I took God's hand when I heard the call

I turned my back and left it all

 

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss

 

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life's been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch

 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief

Don't lenghten it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart and share with me -

God wanted me now, God set me free

 

I hope you're comforted knowing that Robert is with God and freed from pain and suffering.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  With deepest condolences, Eck Khoon.

Dear Pat

Praise the Lord for He has girdled you with strength.  Thank you for reminding us to celebrate Robert's life instead of mourning his passing.  Charlie and I hold dear to our hearts the beautiful memories of a fine gentleman who had left a most inspiring legacy.  We know that Robert would want us to live life to the fullest just as he did.  It would be to his honour that we do likewise and keep that Robert’s Passion for Life Motto, alive.  May you and your lovely children keep well in the Lord

Dear Robert:  While I have never had the privilege of working with you in person, I am forever grateful for the guidance you have given me in my 2 months here, via phone call and emails. Your constant reaching out to me with advice thru very emails (many times into the wee hours of the night) on how things work in the office and where things are have helped me ease into my role.   You are a consummate professional and the US office owes its success to you.  Someday we will meet.  May you rest in peace. 

I am grieved beyond words to receive this unexpected news of Robert's passing. May I expressed my heartfelt condolence to Patricia, Stephanie and David. Should any of you come to Bangkok, please know that the door of my home is always open to you.

Love, as always,

Chee Leong

Bangkok

Wish I had known you better, although what little I know of you has already been memorable and impactful - testament to your bigger-than-life personality and sense of humour. Thanks for generously sharing your life, and living it in a way that puts many of us to shame. Rest in peace, Robert.

I still remember our last lunch together and your 'friendly disapproval' of my kurobuta. I will miss those almost daily calls on risk, compliance and operation issues. Most of all, I will miss having those debates on PC vs Mac! ...just to let you know, you have successfully converted me into an Apple fan!

 

Good bye for now, till we meet again in heaven. 

Robert,thank you for being a great colleague and friend. Tremendous joy working with you, even though we go through many agreements and disagreements over work issues. You rose up with great cheerfulness no matter what the circumstances. I had the honour and privilege to speak with you and pray with you over the last 4 months. Everlasting memories!! You are now in a better place with our Father in Heaven. Good bye ,Bob, you are dearly missed.

To Pat and family,may the Lord comfort you and be with you!

Robert,Thank God for you as I read your testimony,I am very touched by your courage ,your strength and most of all your strong faith in the Lord ...2 timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight,I have finished my course ,and I have kept the faith " Amen