It was my first time visiting some of the cemeteries in Hong Kong and i spent some time visiting the ones in Happy Valley and Aberdeen during my 2014 visit to Hong Kong. During my visit of St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Hong Kong i came across the tomb of a person by the name of Tan Ah Choy (Peter). Interestingly enough it states clearly that he was from Penang and it was all written in English. That got me curious and decided to take a few pictures. It was only in 2021 that i research more and fortunately there were some articles written about and linking to him.
An article on 8 October 1936 states that news by cable has been received from Hong Kong of the death of Mr. Tan Ah Choy, the well-know Penang resident and Kulim planter which happened on 2 October 1936. Tan Ah Choy was sick for a long time and a few months ago went to Hong Kong for recuperation accompanied by his eldest son, Mr. Tan Thye Yong. He died of his illness and was buried at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Hong Kong. Tan Ah Choy, Peter leaves behind his wife, 3 sons, Tan Thye Yong, Tan Thye Hong, Tan Thye Sun, 5 daughters, Tan Beng Guay, Tan Beng Choo, Tan Beng Keah, Tan Beng Gaik and Tan Beng Chew.
The epitaph reads
In loving memory of
Tan Ah Choy (Peter)
of Penang Straits Settlement
Born on 10th October 1883
Died on 2nd October 1936
No one knows how much we miss him
No one knows the bitter pain we feel
We've been lonely since we lost him
Life will never be the same
Jesus and Mary mind him
Erected by:
Wife: Saw Saw Wan
Sons: Tan Thye Yong, Tan Thye Hong, Tan Thye San
Daughters: Tan Beng Guay, Tan Beng Choo, Tan Beng Keah, Tan Beng Yock, Tan Beng Chew. Tan Beng Kit
Donation of Chapel
Towkay Tan Ah Choy of Kulim, although not a Christian (reported in Malaya Tribune, 21 June 1928) has generously given a chapel to the Roman Catholic community. The building, completed with furniture and a house for the catechist was then said to be the finest of its kind in Kedah. |
Abolishing of the Chain Gang
Towkay Tan Ah Choy was credited as as a leader of Kulim Community who was instrumental in getting the Kedah government to do away with the chain gang system, where prisoners were made to work with their ankles fettered. When a Board of Visiting Justices was formed, Tan Ah Choy was appointed to be member. |
| Tomb of Tan Ah Choy |
Location of tomb
Tan Ah Choy tomb is located at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley, Hong Kong. His tomb is located at Section 2, plot 6339
 |
| Burial entry of Tan Ah Choy (source: Burial Registrar of St. Michael Cemetery, FamilySearch) |
 |
| St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley, Hong Kong |
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment. I can also be reached at rojaklibrarian@gmail.com