Ho Siak Kuan cluster revisited (Mandai Columbarium)

Before Bukit Brown cemetery changed forever due to construction of the Lornie Highway, a cluster of tombs catches your eye as you passed through the gates of Bukit Brown and walk pass the roundabout. It is the wonderful unique landmark of chinese-style roofing that bears a story of a Singapore pioneer by the name of Mr. Ho Siak Kuan (何式均), (1846-1946), M.B.E., C.H.. He was the Chief Chinese Translator for the Straits Settlement Government and Assistant Secretary for Chinese Affairs and the tomb cluster included his 2 wives and his son, Dr. Ho Siak Khun, who was buried in an adjacent tomb with chinese-style roofing as well. Another landmark use to exist nearby the cluster too, which was the former Bukit Brown cemetery temple but the temple was already demolished (year unknown) by time i visited Bukit Brown cemetery around 2010. Fortunately photos of the temple of that survived.

Today while exploring the niches at Mandai Columbarium, i came across this niches which look familiar but i could not be sure as it was all written in chinese. I called Raymond Goh and he laughed and told me it is one of my favourite personalities. I took a closer look again and realised finally who i was looking at.

Ho Siak Kuan niche in Mandai Columbarium

Ho Siak Kuan, his wives (niche 0521 and 0622) and his son, Dr. Ho Siak Khun (niche 0522)

Ho Siak Kuan was of Teochew lineage but was brought up speaking Cantonese. This was partly due to the fact that his mother was Cantonese. (During his retirement celebration, he spoke in both Cantonese and English). When he arrived in Singapore as a young boy, he studied at St. Andrew's Mission School and later Raffles Institution. His ability and skill in English and Chinese impressed William A. Pickering (the first Chinese Protector) so much that he was offered employment as a student interpreter in the colonial service. He eventually rose through the ranks to become Chief Chinese Translator. Ho Siak Kuan was the Chief Chinese Translator for the Straits Settlement Government and later as a reward for his years of loyal service, was made the Assistant Secretary for Chinese Affairs when the Secretary was D. Beatty. When he retired eventually in 1926-1927, he had served the colonial government for 42 years.

In honour of his being made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) during the governorship of Sir Laurence Guillemard, a tea party was thrown for him at Yat Lum Club. During the party, Eu Tong Sen (O.B.E.), presided over the event, congratulating Ho for being the first Chinese to attain such a rank in the colonial service. On his retirement, Chinese community leaders such as See Tiong Wah (J.P.) and Mr Boey Kok Leong (J.P.), representing the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Advisory Board and the Po Leung Kuk, gave their addresses in English and Chinese to thank him for his 42 years of service building close links between the colonial government and the Chinese community.

Ho Siak Kuan passed away at the age of 81 on 21 August 1946 at his residence at No. 156 Neil Road. Ho Siak Kuan was buried with two of his wives (who died in 1962 and 1967 respectively). His son, Dr Ho Siu Khan,J.P (1882-1958) was buried in an adjacent plot. Their graves are unique in structure with Chinese-style roofing.

Ho Siak Kuan cluster at Bukit Brown (now gone)

Bukit Brown Temple (screengrab from the movie, Ring of Fury dated 1973)

Burial and funeral wreaths for Ho Siak Kuan at Bukit Brown
(Photo courtesy of Alan Ho)

Ho Siak Kuan's unique triple tomb

Dr Ho Siu Khan (tomb furthest away and not connected to the triple tomb of his parents)

All of tombs have been identified for exhumation as they are affected by the 8 lane highway. Their LTA stake numbers are 1061 -1064.

Location of niche

Mandai Columbarium, K2-03, niche numbers 0521, 0522, 0621, 0622

Rojak Librarian

Search This Blog

Ho Siak Kuan cluster revisited (Mandai Columbarium)

Location of niche

Further Reading

Comments

Post a Comment

Labels