100-year-old man in S’pore planned his own funeral ahead of death, did not want to burden his children

100-year-old man in Singapore planned own funeral after wife’s passing

While funerals are an important ritual for the living to bid their final farewells, organising one can cost a hefty sum.

A 100-year-old Singaporean man was seemingly well aware of these costs and planned his own funeral ahead of his death to reduce the burden on his children.

The father of 10 children, Mr Koh Wen Xiang (transliterated from Chinese), passed away peacefully in a nursing home on 12 Oct. His funeral procession was held last Friday (18 Oct).

Planned own funeral in order not to burden children

Mr Koh started planning his own funeral after his wife’s passing.

“He always said we came into the world with nothing, and he does not want to leave with nothing as well,” one of Mr Koh’s daughters told 8world News.

Aligned with this belief, he incorporated Taoist and Teochew traditions into his “dignified” funeral proceedings.

In total, the funeral cost him about S$55,000.

“This is the biggest and the most challenging funeral I have organised,” said the funeral director.

On the day of the procession, four funeral floats, a singer, and stilt workers lined up for the final send-off.

According to the director, the line of performers and floats was more than 100 metres long.

Some stilt workers were also dressed up as characters from ‘Journey to the West’, including Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and Tang Sanzang.

Other performers included flag bearers who waved flags that measured 3.3 metres in height.

Along with the singer stationed on one of the floats, Mr Koh ensured he was sent off with grandeur and extravagance.

The entire procession reportedly lasted around 45 minutes, with Mr Koh’s children pushing the hearse for about two kilometres.

A caring father and dedicated husband

Before his passing, Mr Koh was a caring and dedicated figure for his family.

To support his wife and 10 children, he worked in several demanding roles, including as a chauffeur, dock worker, janitor, and karang guni.

Mr Koh was especially attentive to their youngest son, who suffers from a mental disorder.

As their youngest son was unable to take care of his own needs, Mr Koh’s wife took care of him while Mr Koh continued to work and support the family.

He only stopped working when his wife passed away, and their youngest son moved in with one of the daughters.

Mr Koh was later diagnosed with dementia, but he chose to reside in a nursing home instead of living with one of his children.

He did so in order not to place any burden on his children, who were already taking care of their younger brother.

Mr Koh’s youngest son died from pneumonia when he was 47 years old.

In order not to sadden their father, the remaining children kept the news from him till 2023, when they were told Mr Koh did not have much time left.

They informed Mr Koh of the youngest son’s death then, to which he accepted calmly.

Mr Koh’s ashes have been placed next to his wife and son’s ancestral tablets.

Also read: Principal of now-closed Sembawang school dies aged 100, ex-students sing at her funeral

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Featured image adapted from 8world News.