Sad News

Dear Lighters:

It is sad, sad, and sad to have to relate this news to you. We have just learned that Frank Tam (Tam Wah Nam, F35) died on Friday, 8 May 98 in Vancouver. We learned the news from his friend yesterday. Frank died approximately 24 hours after he fainted and was rushed to the hospital. His
cancer has spreaded extensively.

It was a shock to me to hear the news. I last visited him briefly in Vancouver around the end of August, 1997. He was extremely busy and energetic in preparation for his art exhibitions. Up to his last day, until he passed out, he was busily preparing for an exhibit to be held in Beijing soon.

We knew that he had a bout with rare breast cancer for male person several years ago. We thought it was under controlled and were hesitant to keep reminding him of the cancer. It is unbelieveable that he withstood the pain that normally associates with the spreading of cancer to such an extend that he, himself, didn't know until his death. I cannot imagine what he has suffered.

It was also amazing to me that he mentioned us to his friend just prior to his death that led her to tell us this sad news (I don't know if he knew he was dying that quickly). Frank and I were good friends back in the fifth and sixth grade when we were at PuiChing. He left after the sixth and we didn't meet again until 40 years later in Vancouver. The way I re-connected with him was that I read an article about him in an issue of PuiChing Alumni Newsletter we had been receiving. I learned that he was in Vancouver operating an art studio from that article. When I visited Vancouver in early 90, we inquired around the Chinatown community and eventually re-connected with him after 40 years. We, once again rekindled the friendship. He would pay us a visit when he came to New York and we would visit him whenever we go to Vancouver over the last few years. He, his friend, my wife, and I shared the joys to explore the areas' antique shops
and flea markets looking for good bargains and treasures. Now that he is gone, we will surely miss him.

Frank, we will miss you! Rest in peace.

Kwok Yung