KUALA LUMPUR: A filial son, father figure, hard worker, early riser and above all - a good husband - sums up the life of Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay in the eyes of his wife, Puan Sri Tan Kai Yong.
In a heartfelt tribute Tan described Yeoh as the pillar of her life, good husband who was humble, genuine, gentle and warm. “My life is incomplete without him.
“To others, trustworthy; to self, disciplined. When he was a young man, Tiong Lay was a diligent early riser,” she said of Yeoh who died on Oct 18.
“He worked himself very hard. His down-to-earth attitude and integrity won the respect and love of his acquaintances,” she said in the statement.
Yeoh was also an ardent supporter of Chinese education and often showed concern for the Chinese community, always making charitable contributions.
“The aspect of Tiong Lay that I valued most was his unwavering support and encouragement. He always supported me with his constructive suggestions and actions.
“This made me feel as if there was absolutely nothing too difficult or impossible to achieve,” she said.
Yeoh had also provided the best education for his children and their children, a testament to his trust and respect to the younger generation who he laid hopes to always be helpful, supportive and loving to one another.
The business mogul who founded YTL Corporation Bhd had also felt deeply for his hometown, cultural and family roots.
She said they had retraced their families in Kinmen, Fujian in China where they visited Humei Dongbao in Jinning County to introduce the local culture and reconnect them with their ancestral roots.
“On behalf of my family, I would like to express our gratitude to all family and friends, members of society from all walks of life, to all who have been present for Tiong Lay’s wake services and to those who have sent flowers and messages of condolence, for all your love and care.
“Lastly, it is with a very heavy heart that I present my eulogy to Tiong Lay, my dearest husband, who left us suddenly. May you rest in peace in the bosom of our Lord. Till we meet again.”