Rest in peace

The 101 years old headman of Pulau Ubin, Mr Lim Chye Joo, passed away at his home on Pulau Ubin today, 5 October 2006 at 11.11am. His wake is held at Blk 230 Pasir Ris St 21 until Wednesday, October 11.

Straits Times reported that:

"When [Mr Lim Chye Joo] was 80, he survived a bout of prostate cancer and came through relatively unscathed, having only to take the occasional painkiller. However, the disease struck him again three months ago. After a brief hospital stay, his condition worsened. A week ago, he was only able to eat oatmeal and drink milk. On Thursday afternoon, Mr Lim died after an hour-long coughing fit."

With his passing, it is almost like the end of an era for Ubin. For me, he was the pillar of the island, a reminder of the prime of the island. He was the headman even when my mom was a little girl. He represented in my eyes the pioneers that toiled on the island.

The news of his death shocked me, and many others, as I almost take it for granted that he will always be there, a permanent fixture of the island.

He will be missed by many.

Rest in peace Headman.

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Related articles:

"Pulau Ubin Headman celebrates turning 100" The Straits Times, 3 Apr 2005

""Mr Lim Chye Joo, Pulau Ubin's Village headman, R.I.P" Habitatnews, 5 Oct 2006

"Ubin Headman Passed Away." Focus Ubin Forum: Ubin Happenings. 05 Oct 2006.

Mr Lim Chye Joo, photo, 12 May 2006. Photo by s25251 on Flickr.

Village Headman. Ubin's Vanishing Kampung. RGS students project for Cyberfair 2001.

"The Headman Speaks", NParks Ubin Tides Volume 4, No. 2, July 2004

"Pulau Ubin headman, 101, dies", Straits Times, 7 Oct 2006