Robert Koh

I will always remember Robert for his infectious enthusiasm and zest for living life in all its fullness. There are the memories of trekking through countless airport security checkpoints, packed domestic flights, and the seemlingly endless sequence of airport-client office-hotel-airport dashes during our US Roadshows. Some how, these were always made more bearable by Robert's cheerful presence (and of course his diligence in finding the best places to stop for dinner.) I also have fond memories of the great hospitality during the US conferences that Robert has become famous for with our overseas corporate guests. Having followed Robert’s Blog through the last few months, I am greatly encouraged by his strong and tested faith in the midst of very trying physical and emotional circumstances brought on his fight cancer. Whilst, we grieve his loss from us here on earth, we take comfort in the fact that Robert is now free from all pain and suffering, and he is back to living life in all its fullness, forever. I know the Bible dosen’t talk about WiFi in heaven, but being the tech-junkie that he is, I am quite sure that Robert has found away to get online, and he is likely reading this even as I am writing it. So.... To Robert – Thanks for being you. You have touched our lives in ways that you cannot imagine, and I look forward to seeing you again one day. According to 1 Thess 4:15 You are blazing a trail ahead of us – so be sure to take us to all the good eating spots when we get there. To Pat, Stephanie and David – our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this painful period of adjusting to Robert's absence from your lives. When the days get dark, and the nights long – may these true and powerful words from the apostle Paul ring in your hearts and minds: 1 Thess 4: 13 And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. 14 Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. 15 And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence - we have the Master's word on it - that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. 16 The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise - they'll go first. 17 Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. 18 Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. (The Message translation)

It is only fitting that Robert request a website for friends and family, as these were two of his passions in life - - technology and bringing people together.  I first met Robert over 20 years ago.  We started out as colleagues, working at JPMorgan.  Many moons later, we both departed for other firms but by then, we had become close friends.  Through the years, I have the beneficiary of Robert's wonderful zest for life - - his sense of humor, passion for his work, pride in being and doing the best, and love for family and friends.  I warmly remember gourmet meals, golf outings and repartee about the markets, family, technology and life in general.  He reveled at being a tech "geek" and beamed ringtones to my cellphone so I wouldn't be stuck with conventional ones.  I marveled at his ingenuity when pursuing the latest beanie baby for Stephanie and loved to live vicariously through the family vacations. 

I shall miss you Robert, my dear friend, but know that you have gone ahead to take care of things for all of us, just as you always did. 

To Pat, Stephanie and David, my heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you all.  Know that your dear husband and father, will be looking out for you always.

Dear Pat,

Here are some pictures of Robert and you last summer. This was a memorable fourth of July celebration for us.

Please take care,
Maria

I first met Robert and Patricia at St John and St Margaret Church in Singapore around 25 years ago when they were a young, lovely couple, admired and loved by our whole family.

However, Robert's career took him to work in the US and I too went overseas later to work in Hong Kong and Shanghai. I am now resident in Bangkok for the last 8 years.

My son, Bertrand and I visited Robert, Patricia and family and stayed a couple of nights at their lovely house in Short Hills, New Jersey in September of 2006. It was such a joy to see Robert, Patricia, Stephanie and David after so many years!

Little do I know that it was to be the last time I would see Robert. I am now really glad that Bertrand and I visited when we did.

Good Bye Robert, you would be fondly remembered by me always.

Chee Leong

Bangkok, 13 March 2010

Pat, Stephanie & David: May our faithful Lord grant you joy in the midst of tears. I remember Robert especially as the 1st friend who cared enough to share with me about eating healthily many years ago. We'll always remember to share the story of Robert's courage during his illness and his rebuke of the evil one.