Brother Joseph Yeoh Thean Lin1930 - 1982 1. Early Years Brother Joseph Yeoh Thean Lin was born on 20 August 1930 in Kuala Lumpur. He was born into a world significantly different from the world we are familiar with today, a world dominated by the political and social institutions of empire which appeared to dazzle with all the brilliance of the sun itself, with no suggestion of change or possibility of change. Yet change was to be the chief characteristic of the world in which Thean Lin was to grow up and reach personal maturity, sometimes it was gradual but more often it was sudden, even violent and far reaching. His father, Mr Yeoh Teik Soo, was then a young man of 30 who had already served on the staff of St John's Institution for thirteen years a school which he had first joined as a young boy in 1907. Through his father the youthful Thean Lin was from the first in touch with the very origins of St John's, for all through his life Teik Soo cherished the memory of the pioneers who began to lay the foundations of that school back in 1904. He remembered in particular Brothers Sylvester-Marcel Brown and Dionysius Cyril, both of whom had been lay teachers before joining the Brothers, the former at St Paul's High School in Rangoon, the latter at St Xavier's in Penang. Brother Sylvester, among other accomplishments, was a qualified engineer and had insisted successfully against the best professional judgement of the time that the new hall at St George's in Taiping could be constructed without the use of pillars. Brother Dionysius on the other hand was the leading teacher of geography in his generation and produced a number of distinguished teachers of geography in turn among them Teik Soo. At the age of seven Thean Lin joined St John's Institution as a pupil in what today we call standard one. This was in 1938 and for the next four years his schooling proceeded in the normal way, with Thean Lin doing very well in his studies and earning a name for quiet earnestness and becoming something of a model pupil. 1. The Japanese Occupation On December 8th in 1941 when the Japanese bombs began to drop on Kuala Lumpur, Thean Lin was 11, old enough to perceive the sudden collapse of the world he knew and to share with his family the trauma of uncertainty as to what lay ahead. The days which followed were full of the bustle of evacuation and of horror rumours, of the rapidly advancing Japanese forces. Kuala Lumpur was bombed with increasing frequency. In the midst of so much chaos and confusion the Yeoh family sought security in God and on the feast of St Stephen 26 December 1941 as bombs were actually dropping, Mr Yeoh Teik Soo, his wife and family repaired to the Church of the Holy Rosary and were received into the Catholic Church. It was however no panic decision as the family had always been favourably disposed, and the bombs merely accelerated the decision process. Ever after the family was to remain exemplary Catholics with Teik Soo himself becoming a pillar of parish life at Holy Rosary Church. Conditions under the new Japanese administration varied from place to place as regards the Brothers' schools. St John's Institution was allowed to continue functioning with Brother Cornelius still in charge but with a new name, Koeho Sensei (big teacher) and the school itself renamed Bukit Nanas No Gakko, and Japanese as the medium of instruction. School commenced at 8.00 each morning with the Brothers, teachers and pupils standing to attention and singing the Kimigayo (national anthem), the raising of the Japanese flag with a deep ceremonial bow to the palace of the divine Emperor some three thousand miles across the South China Sea. Twenty minutes of lively Radio Taiso (mass drill) followed for staff and pupils alike, apart from Brother Cornelius who was constitutionally disinclined and who kept himself dutifully employed adjusting the radio for tuning and volume. There were lessons in Japanese, mathematics, Japanese geography, Japanese history and gardening. It was a pleasant pattern of 45-minute lessons each followed by a 15-minute break until final dismissal at 1.00pm. Fresh with his new baptismal name, John Yeoh attended the Bukit Nanas Gakko where the Brothers and teachers were the same as he had known under the old order. Brother Justinian De Souza taught him during these years and remembers Joseph as a serious student, one who did not waste time and very obviously had a1

clear feeling that hard study would pay dividends one day. As war finished he was in the hoshuka class, the highest in a sequence of five grades. Afternoons for staff and students alike were spent working, mostly growing vegetables to supplement family rations. The Brothers spent their afternoons up the hill from St John's cultivating vegetables for the community as well as for the Sisters across the road. Among those who frequently came by was Joseph Yeoh, often with a gift of some fruits from the family compound nearby, for he seemed to like the company of the Brothers, and perhaps the seeds of vocation were beginning even then to germinate. In after years he was to write: The war years and the maturing experience of working helped me see the realities of life. My own religious faith spoke to me of the Good News of God's love and service of neighbour. My close contacts with the La Salle Brothers in school and outside school led me to admire their happy community life and their purposeful dedication to youth in education. All this clarified my dream of what I wanted in life and resulted in my joining the Brothers . . . From these war years too dated his habit of daily morning mass at St John's Cathedral (still a church at that time): his attendance was fervent as it was unfailing and was a matter for comment among the Brothers in community. With the surrender of the Japanese normal school life was resumed. Brother Justinian was his teacher as he prepared for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination which he passed in 1947. In addition to his studies he developed an enthusiasm for badminton, a game which was gaining widespread popularity in the immediate postwar years. Joseph Yeoh did well in competitions and in fact captured the junior title for Selangor, pioneering a distinguished tradition for St John's in this game. 3. Novitiate Mr Yeoh Teik Soo was at first much taken aback when his eldest son asked his permission to join the Brothers. He was so successful in his studies and the family too had its own hopes and aspirations for him. In the end he felt the call was from God and he gave his consent: it was a measure of a father's faith and generosity. In Brother Josephs life-story we observe a recurring pattern: at nearly every critical point he seems to be cast in the role of a pioneer. This was true of his experience at the Bukit Nanas No Gakko, then of his entry into postwar badminton but most of all it was true of his arrival at St Josephs Novitiate at Pulau Tikus in Penang as a member of the first postwar group of postulants. It was January 1948 when he entered the novitiate. First impressions must have been baffling. The building and the grounds were in a shambles, according to one of his companions, Brother Augustus Rosario. The building itself housed the Brothers of St Xaviers Institution on the top floor, boarders slept in any available corner, while classes functioned on the ground floor and half the second floor, a few were accommodated in the hall. With some pushing and shoving a small portion of the top floor dormitory was cleared and curtained off for the eight new postulants: four from Malaysia, three from Sri Lanka and one from Burma. It was not at first clear what their programme would be or even who was in charge. Things got sorted out slowly and Brother John Edward, saintly and smiling, took charge with the title of Sub-director, a task he combined with that of principal of the Branch School across the field. All morning he was away in school, in the afternoon he donned his calotte and saw to the direction of the postulants. The first weeks were largely spent doing manual labour, tidying up the house and clearing the garden where the remains of wartime gardening initiatives were still much in evidence, particularly the beds of sweet potatoes. In the absence of any clear direction or policy, Brother Johns gentle and fatherly ways proved invaluable, while Brother Cornelius, formerly of St Johns, explained the basics of the Brothers life and the meaning of taking vows. Months passed. The SXI Brothers moved out and occupied the newly purchased house in Leith Street beside the ruins of the old St Xaviers. With the arrival of Brother Clementian the atmosphere proper to a novitiate in those days was achieved and rather decisively. On 7 September 1948 there was the taking of the Brothers habit and John Yeoh came to be known as Brother Ireneus Joseph, in line with a long tradition that has since lapsed of being given a new name. The novitiate year is intended to lay the foundation for a career in the religious life and its success depends on a number of factors both human and

divine, but perhaps the one which receives most attention is the personality of the master of novices. In this instance it was Brother Clementian, a French Brother who had spent many years in Burma, a man who was sure and firm in his ways, knew how to be strict and how to relax, a man of seasoned spirituality, in many ways admirably suited to foster the newly kindled flame of hope for the future of the Brothers, just then busily getting back on their feet after the collapse of the war years. Brother Clementians influence on his novices was decisive.. Work was work, prayer was prayer and his personal example was of the highest order. He took his place in the garden during manual labour and smeared his hands without hesitation and thus overcame the hesitation of those who may have felt it was beneath their dignity. Once a month he took them up Penang Hill for a day and a night. Then it was a time for games, for walks, for swimming and singsongs, and with permission to mingle freely with the SXI Brothers. Brother Clementian knew how to relax. Shortly before the end of the canonical novitiate Brother Clementian was replaced by Brother Eric, one of the many German Brothers who served the District over the years; he was destined to remain as director of novices for many years and has inspired much affection and loyalty among his former novices. Yet Brother Joseph and his fellow pioneers in this first postwar group reserved their loyalty for the more severe and rigorous Brother Clementian. 4. Scholasticate After taking his first vows on 8 September 1949, he moved into the scholasticate where he and his companions found they had to pioneer once more. There was at first no director and no real programme. However a basic decision was taken that all scholastics should now follow the normal classes for trainee teachers in those days and obtain the same qualifications as lay teachers. Lay teachers taught school in the morning and followed normal classes in the afternoon. The chief difference for the Brothers was that in view of their continued theological and academic formation, they did not teach in the morning and devoted the time instead to study. Lack of competent direction was still a critical problem and Brother Visitor Barnitus finally sent Brother Michael Jacques from St Patrick's in Singapore to fill the gap temporarily. It was April 1950. On arrival Brother Michael found there were three scholastics, all somewhat bewildered and discouraged. In Brother Josephs case he found he was preparing for the London Matriculation in June 1951. Br Michael examined his School Certificate results and found that he had enough points and to spare to obtain exemption from the matriculation. Brother Joseph was then made to write for the necessary exemption papers and to secure registration as a matriculated student preparing for the London Inter Arts examination with a view to obtaining his B.A. in due course. Brother Michael recalls that Brother Joseph otherwise needed little further help, apart from French, which he proceeded to give him; and remembers him as intelligent, diligent and methodical. "He was anxious to do well and worked hard. He was amenable to advice and gave promise of becoming a talented, serious and capable Brother. One quality which stood out was his doggedness and his strong determination to carry through whatever he had undertaken. By June 1950 Brother Michael was obliged to return to Singapore for his own B.A. finals with the expectation of returning once more to guide the scholasticate programme. Just then he received a diective from Brother Assistant Lawrence OToole to proceed to the second novitiate in Rome the following September. As Brother Michael saw it. "I had to leave St Josephs Scholasticate before I had really settled down to my work." His place was taken by Brother Matthias Linehan, gentle and scholarly, and encouraging in his ways. And over the next two years the scholasticate became more systematically organised with further addition of numbers as well as of staff. Arrangements were also made for members of the staff of St Xavier's to help out with particular subjects. For many years Brother Karl Wolff taught mathematics in the afternoons. 5. St Xavier's Institution In January 1953 Brothers Joseph Yeoh and Augustus Rozario were posted to teach at St Xavier's Institution, both having completed two years of normal class and the final year now to be completed as members of the3

regular staff of St Xavier's. Both were seen as the first fruits of the postwar formation process and both proved excellent examples of youthful enthusiastic Lasallians. Brother Joseph was detailed to teach standard five (corresponding to form one now) and found himself in an attap hut, one of several ringing the playing field since 1945, awaiting the erection of the new St Xavier's building. The very month he joined the staff work on the new St Xaviers building finally got under way thanks to a variety of circumstances not least the appointment just then of Canadian Brother Anthony Knoll as director. Thus throughout this first year Brother Joseph was to witness the new St Xavier's slowly emerge above ground, take shape and reach completion. Class routine went forward as well as inter-house competitions of all kinds, and beyond these a series of fundraising projects involving all the remaining energies of staff and students. Brother Joseph entered fully into the life of things, determined that his class should come out best in studies and his house become champion for games and athletics. It was not easy going with a community of lively young Brothers, all bent on glory, eying every possible advantage lawful and perhaps otherwise: thankfully it was good-natured and while feelings did sometimes get ruffled in the heat of battle, all could smile it off in the ensuing calm. He liked to be with his students in the classroom and outside and is remembered especially for the way he joined them in regular games of basketball. He was much revered by them and many found their lives lit up by his personal example and concern. Also remembered was a rather severe bout of chickenpox, the first of many lapses from good health in the years which followed. Despite his busy daily routine in the classroom, on the playing field, not to mention the rigorous coutumier of community prayer and other exercises of rule, he still found time to continue his personal studies, determined to move higher on the academic scale. After three years at St Xavier's and directly after his final profession as a La Salle Brother, he was given leave to go to Sri Lanka to continue his studies for the London B.A. In Colombo each morning he travelled by motorbike to the highly reputed Aquinas Tutorial College run by the Oblate Fathers. He took the London B.A. examination and passed it successfully in 1958. 6. Lasallianum - Rome The General Chapter of 1956 decided to set up a centre for advanced theological studies for teaching Brothers in Rome. It opened officially in 1958 at the Lasallianum and districts all over the world were invited to send candidates. Brother Visitor Fintan decided to send Brother Joseph. Once again he was to find himself in a new situation as a member of the first Lasallianum group: it was a new venture and there were no headlines or guidelines from those who had gone before. His companions numbered between 50 and 60 Brothers from all parts of the Institute. The general goals were clear enough in terms of giving depth training in theology to teaching Brothers, enabling them to obtain qualifications capable of withstanding the most rigorous scrutiny. However there were many teething problems, not least a conviction among certain Vatican officials that the dignity of such qualifications should not be placed at risk by conferring them on mere teaching Brothers: so difficult to codify the laws of propriety in such matters! Actual studies did get under way and a daily routine set in with Brother Joseph and his companions rushing for their special coach each morning which would negotiate Romes tangled traffic and get them to the Lateran University well to the other side of the Tiber in time for the commencement of lectures. These ended at 1.00 pm and then home for lunch and personal study through the afternoon. The daily frustrations included the Roman food which few outsiders ever come to accept with enthusiasm, and also the fact that lectures were mainly in French and Italian. French was the normal language used in the Mother House as well as within the Lasallianun. One lecturer was Irish and he gave his lectures in English: Brother Joseph was deeply appreciative of this rare blessing. Another bright aspect of the Lasallianum was its director Brother Denis of Mary was a man of great spirituality and humanity and a leading scholar, in every way suited to the post and to the responsibility. In the midst of it all Brother Joseph learnt to adjust, got to smile at the problems, made many friends among his very international set of confreres, and worked hard. In two years he passed his baccalaureate and then proceeded to study for his licentiate in Religious Sciences. This he obtained in 1962. In Rome his health was a source of concern. On one occasion it was decided to send him to the Brothers'

country house for a period of rest and recuperation lasting some months. In 1962 he went on to Belgium to the Lumen Vitae, an internationally renowned catechetical lnstitute located in Brussels. Here he studied for one year and obtained his higher diploma in Catechetics. He always regarded this year as one of the most beneficial and he returned to Malaysia in 1963 after an absence of more than six years fired with an enthusiasm to share the benefits of his studies and overseas experiences, especially those gained at Lumen Vitae.

8. Ipoh - Singapore. - PenangBrother Michael Jacques was now visitor and he gave a sympathetic ear to Brother Josephs proposal to serve full time as animator for catechetics and the teaching of religion for the whole district. Brother Visitor felt however that as a matter of strategy it might be best to return to the classroom first and regain some familiarity with the local scene, and so avoid being seen as a mere theorist. As Brother Michael recalls: "Brother Joseph was not fully convinced but he obeyed." He was posted to St Michaels Institution Ipoh for the third term of 1963. On the suggestion of Brother Director U Paul he made a systematic survey of the teaching of religion at both primary and secondary levels and put forward practical suggestions for improvement. It is also recalled that he took charge of the first Communion class, taking a very personal interest in each pupil, and proving the validity of many of the fresh insights he had brought back with him. There were however some difficulties with the parish priest Father Ciatti who in those days had a very set attitude on the need to preserve things as they had been in the beginning and hopefully as they ever would be, little realising that the greatest spiritual explosion of all times - the Vatican Council - was just around the corner. In January 1964 Brother Joseph was posted to St Josephs Institution in Singapore where we find Brother Justinian, his teacher twenty years before, newly appointed as director. We can assume that he got fully involved with his task as a member of the staff and gave of his best in this the most catholic of all our schools. It was his style to plunge into the task in hand, ask few questions and set himself simply to do what needed to be done. After one year we find him posted back to Penang to a critically important appointment as a member of the staff of St Josephs Training College, a challenge for which his studies and overseas training had admirably prepared him. At last Brother Joseph was in a position where he could realise something of his spiritual vision for education and where better than in forming future educators. St Josephs Training College was just then in its heyday with a full complement of trainees, both Brothers and lay. Brother Patrick Loh was principal and he headed a dedicated faculty team. It was part of Brother Visitor Fintan's vision back in 1957 when he obtained authorisation to accept lay trainees that these would in most cases return to their school of origin to help preserve and further strengthen the traditional character of our schools. That this vision was realised in the case of so many of the graduates was due to dedication and competence of the staff. Brother Joseph remained at the training college for three years, years when the full richness of personality was revealed. Like his father before him he was a geography specialist. However his main enthusiasm was for catechetics, an enthusiasm which found its chief outlet in the formation of future catechists, but which flowed also into a number of significant projects. Among these we may mention the series of texts entitled Salvation History which he produced for the teaching of religion in the schools. They constituted a breath of fresh air at the time and received a warm welcome in the schools. In addition he set up a resource centre at Pulau Tikus for the teaching of religion and accumulated a large stock of recent materials from at home and abroad: this was a major project and called for a large expenditure of time and energy, as well as a sure judgement for what would be relevant and useful. He chose wisely and well, and the centre continued for several years to serve a vital need. In the same period he established personal links with those who taught religion in the various schools and organised programmes from time to time to update methods and materials.

St Xaviers Institution5

In January 1968 Brother Joseph was appointed sub-director of St Xavier's Institution. He took his school duties very seriously and was ever ready to zero in on any aspect of school life which he felt needed special attention. Early each morning he was to be seen out front checking on latecomers: every school tends to produce its crop of dear old faithfuls who just can't tumble to a new day with a modicum of alacrity. Through Brother Joseph's persevering efforts a new record for morning punctuality was set up and rigorously maintained, much to the gratification of the director and staff. It is also remembered that he gave personal attention to the teaching of religion and helped greatly through his own excellent example.

St John's Institution - Kuala LumpurIn January 1969 Brother Joseph was appointed principal of St John's Institution in Kuala Lumpur. He was 38. It was just 14 years since his father had retired from the staff after a life-time association with the school as student and teacher, always a notable pillar of its greatness. Brother Joseph was to remain as principal for the next decade. He was never a man for half measures and when it came to taking charge of his Alma Mater he rallied all his personal energies and resources and cast the lot into making a success of his new responsibility. St John's at this point in time enjoyed a status and name for excellence, which placed it in a category apart and parents and public at large had exalted expectations which had to be met. Brother Joseph extended his interest and energy into every facet of school life: studies, games, athletics, discipline, fund-raising projects etc and when the day was over he would return to his office again at night to struggle for hours with the never-ending flow of paperwork. He moved about the school so as to be personally aware of how things were going, always close to where the action was. In the afternoon he personally supervised games, athletics and the activities of the various school groups, the band in particular. He was quick to confront the backslider, teacher or student and was seen by some as somewhat aloof and stern. Others felt the warmer side of his personality and it was known that he stood by his teachers if in trouble. He was swift to reward success with presents, pocket money or tracksuits, and there was the personal touch when he prepared coffee and cakes for band members staying over night. He attached special importance to leadership training and favoured weekend camps for this purpose, as also for catholic groups in the school. He gave every encouragement to student initiative and there was a flowering of activity among the various school groups, the scouts in particular were very much to the fore in school life and figured from time to time in the media. In 1972 St John's experienced a major crisis with just 21% passing the MCE examination, a crisis which was a consequence of the sudden raising of standards for Malay and which affected most other schools to a greater or less extent. Brother Josephs response was typical. Extra classes were laid on, each student was individually drilled in oral Malay, and regular assessment.of progress took place week by week. Few apart from Brother Joseph could have sustained such a rigorous programme and with such doggedness. The following year the results in Malay soared with several obtaining distinctions. St John's was well and truly back in a position of leadership once more. The strain was too much for him however, the more so because he rarely or ever took a siesta. In 1973 he fell sick with jaundice and for several months he was obliged to rest from all work and undergo intensive treatment. His condition became critical and he received the sacrament of the sick (reserved still at that time for terminal sickness) and his life was in the balance for many days. Finally he pulled through clearly as many will agree as much through sheer determination as through the excellent treatment he received. Once recovered he was bent on returning to the daily grind, and the crisis was soon forgotten. Eight years later when he had another (and fatal) relapse the specialist was appalled to learn that in the interim there had been no ongoing treatment. In 1975 Brother Joseph was given the additional appointment of director of the community. It was a community of five: Joseph Yeoh, Conleth Henry, Alban Tang, Patrick Chan and Anthony Rogers. It was a happy group and Brother Joseph was able to relax and be his affable self. Each had his own area of active interest and responsibility outside the community, they gave of their best within. Sunday lunch was always an occasion to go out and have a relaxed meal together. On occasion Brother Joseph would head off with a

companion or two for a game of golf at the Kampong Kuantan Golf Club. The authority figure was forgotten and there were these precious intervals when he could be joyful and open. It was often so in the ordinary evening: but directly after the evening meal he would be away again to resume his school worries and work till late in the night in his office. In 1976 he was elected by the District as an official delegate to the General Chapter in Rome. At the Chapter he had opportunity to mingle with delegates from other Young Churches and came to draw inspiration from their determination to work for authentic indigenisation of the Institute in their areas and was impressed by a number of initiatives which had already proved successful for them. In December of that year Brother Visitor Lawrence Spitzig brought the Brothers of the whole District together for a month long renewal programme at Pulau Tikus. It was a bold and timely initiative and a full programme was laid on with input from a team of international speakers. It was a turning-point in the recent history of the District. A movement among a number of Malaysian Brothers inspired largely by Brother Joseph made a strong plea for a more truly Asian Vision in the District as a whole and within this larger context a more authentic integration with the local culture in Malaysia itself. The two years which intervened between the 1976 District renewal session and the 4th District Chapter of 1977-1978 were years of ongoing ferment of ideas for a restructuring of the administration of the District. Brother Joseph guided this ferment towards a concept of semi-autonomous areas and this in fact was what was proposed and adopted at the 4th District Chapter with Brother Joseph himself emerging as the first Auxiliary Visitor for the newly defined Area of Peninsular Malaysia. He was to devote the last three years of his life to making the new structure work in the way he felt it should.

Auxiliary-Visitor for Peninsular MalaysiaOn 8 October 1978 Brother Joseph received his obedience as Auxiliary-Visitor and until the end of that year he combined his new responsibilities with his existing position at St John's where he continued to reside. In January he decided to move to Klang where he established his headquarters for the next two years and got to work in full earnest. It was to prove a particularly arduous year. In February there was the visit to the Area of Councillors Patrice, Benildo and Vincent. About the same time the new directives for the appointment of

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school heads and senior assistants came into force, It was an attempt to systematise such appointments and ensure that promotions followed a fairly graduated process. For Brother Joseph it was to entail endless travelling to familiarise himself with the prospective candidates and to discern school needs and establish a working rapport with the officials at the Ministry and with the state education officers. There were many problems and frustrations to be encountered and a need for delicacy and diplomacy in particular situations to ensure respect for the traditional character of our schools. The space for manoeuvring was sometimes narrow to vanishing point. Few will challenge Brother Josephs very real achievement in this field over the next three years, years that were critical for our schools. At the same time, he gave his energies to implementing the Chapter resolutions on personal renewal for the Brothers. A highly beneficial programme was held on Cameron Highlands that August, conducted by Brothers John Lindhart and John D'Alfonso. The experience was a major formative event for unity among the Brothers in the Area and it ended with each community drawing up a plan of action for the months ahead. Ongoing formation was to remain one of his key preoccupations for the next three years and a record number of Brothers attended C.I.L, Sangre, St.Helena as well as renewal sessions organised both externally and locally. In September 1979 he circularised all the Brothers in the Area for a frank response to the question: 'If within the next three years we have to phase out, namely close down four existing communities, which four would you propose that we phase out, in which order of priority, and for what reasons?' The responses were predictably varied, often emotional and particular loyalties frequently came to the fore. The results were tabulated and published but it was clear that the time for major changes had not come yet, and the matter was shelved in favour of more tangible issues. While school matters engaged much of his time and attention, he was from the start concerned about those Brothers who were beginning to find their feet in more diversified forms of our educational apostolate. These Brothers were deeply appreciative of his unfailing interest and encouragement. In January 1980, Brother Joseph Yeoh and Brother Peter Ng joined the renewal session at Sangre, USA. It was Brother Josephs first break since his return from study leave some 17 years earlier. All who were close to him will realise how much this experience meant to him, he often referred to it later and always in terms of warmest appreciation. We may gauge something of its quality from excerpts from two letters to one Brother written from Sangre: 15 Feb 1980 Brother Charles Reutermans inputs are most inspiring and steeped in oriental spirituality. In fact all the input speakers are top experts in their fields, all practical men and inspiring. Within my power, I certainly would want every Brother given the opportunity to rediscover his life, his vocation and his spiritual life and mission in an environment like this." 4 April 1980 "Since coming to Sangre I've come to realise and to learn many things which have somewhat disturbed me, but now I'm happy they are confirmed by new findings and researches into human psychology and social sciences. Around the age of 40 or so all of us are in the process of maturing as persons, we go through periods of crisis, longer or shorter depending on one's make-up, whereby we question seriously and deeply our very identity and our work: what

have I done with my life up to now? Is it really worth it? Is this all I have sacrificed for to follow my vocation? Those who are hit most and badly are those who have led a very active life and a very successful one, but without real integration with spiritual growth. Really this is a problem of self-esteem, namely serious personal doubts whether we are any good, we are loved, we are at all religious and close to God. The crisis really comes if we do not accept ourselves and believe in ourselves that we have goodness in us, that God loves us both the good and the bad in us and that our Brothers in religion do love us (they may or may not show this on account of their training or upbringing). Feelings of insecurity and frustrations will be strong when such a crisis hits ... we have to address these feelings calmly and confidently. I believe this is a period that God is calling us for closer union with Him in letting go of our little gods (success, likes and attachments) and we can respond in our vocation...." Before returning to Malaysia he made it a point to visit Brothers from Malaysia studying overseas at this time and there are personal testimonies which reveal the deep appreciation these Brothers felt for his personal concern and advice. It was an aspect of his style which often remained hidden and little known. He had a gift for reaching into personal problems of individual Brothers with compassionate understanding. Often too it was a matter of identifying personal needs and there were Brothers inclined to remain in a rut whom he persuaded to snap out and apply for further studies or a renewal programme. Perhaps this will be seen by many as a key achievement of his years as Auxiliary Visitor. On his return from Sangre he plunged into his work once more and from 1 July 1980 he added the responsibility of acting principal of La Salle Secondary School in Petaling Jaya for the duration of the absence of Brother Felix who was on leave and attending Sangre. Brother Joseph was just 50. Brother Felix speaks appreciatively of the way he managed the school in his absence, checking backsliders and in general bringing many of his seasoned methods at St John's to bear on the problems at La Salle. In addition work on new courts was about to commence and he helped supervise it with his customary thoroughness. It was a hectic six months insofar as he still continued to travel every free moment available to look into problems of appointments in particular, problems which often dragged on for weeks even months. In reassessing the needs of the Area at this time he began to be more directly concerned with "how best to utilise and develop the Brothers' lands and houses located within the Area to meet Area needs and priorities." Improvements and repairs were carried out in Port Dickson and Penang Hill. Plans were drawn up in consultation with Brother Visitor in Council for the development or sale of various properties, plans which did not allow of speedy results and some of them are still in the works. At the end of 1980 a St Helena style renewal programme was held at Katong with about 16 participants from West Malaysia. Brother Joseph Schmidt was one of the overseas experts and he was also called on to give the annual retreat at Port Dickson, so that a wider group of Brothers benefitted from the valuable fall-out, especially in the matter of keeping a personal journal. A report about this time reviewed the progress of renewal programmes for the Brothers of the Area and it was noted that some 88% of all the Brothers had been through some renewal programme, longer or shorter, at home or overseas since the previous District Chapter, a period of two years or so. In January 1981 Brother Joseph transferred his headquarters to La Salle University Hall, partly as a matter of better convenience, partly also for the purpose of setting up a resource centre for Peninsular Malaysia over which he would personally preside; and he became director of the house. It was also his intention to group here the Brothers engaged in informal9

education, he felt they needed a more meaningful community base and support in view of their rather isolated fields of labour. At the Area Council meeting held the same month we notice a fresh vision of Area aims and objectives. There was a need for "a more integrated plan of action" and to achieve this it was felt that the Area Council should work towards greater autonomy for Peninsular Malaysia in administration, finance, personnel and apostolate." In January he was appointed to head the preparatory commission for the coming 5th District Chapter scheduled for December of that year. This was to occupy a good deal of his time and thought. As a result of feedback to questionnaires he felt the older Brothers needed more recognition and for this purpose he organised a simple 4-day programme for them at Port Dickson in August over which he presided personally. It was much appreciated and some imaginative suggestions were put forward to make retirement more meaningful and fruitful according to the needs and capacities of each Brother. As the year drew on Brother Joseph decided to call a meeting of all the capitulants at Petaling Jaya to discuss a common policy for the Area in view of the approaching Chapter. He invited the Brothers to speak their minds freely, without debate or need for formal decision. A large measure of unanimity was reached in favour of more clear-cut administrative structures which would somehow eliminate the apparent existing anomaly of having two elected heads operating within the same Area. In such situations even the most carefully drafted constitutions cannot make for a fully satisfying separation of 'powers' and personal styles tend to get tangled and cramped. When he first came to Petaling Jaya in January his health appeared very normal, and he gave the impression of being strong and robust as he worked in the garden in the evening cutting the grass and tidying up. He also joined in a regular game of tennis or badminton, his strokes in the latter spectacularly consistent, refined and classical. By November the first clear signs began to appear that all was not well with his health. He began to rest longer, skip meals and slacken activity. He was not willing to be questioned closely and insisted he was just a little indisposed and would soon be well. The chapter was approaching and at the same time his condition seemed to get steadily worse. On the eve of the chapter he was persuaded to have a medical check-up and this revealed nothing more definitive than a need for rest and a suspicion of jaundice. The doctor yielded to his persuasion and he was allowed to join the Chapter in Singapore which was already in session. As he arrived at St Patrick's he seemed suddenly to forget his personal problems and proceeded to take an active part in the debates and discussions and as Brother. Cassian points out in his words of appreciation: His interventions greatly influenced the resolutions that were taken, especially regarding the structure of the District whereby each political division of the District of Penang would acquire almost complete autonomy." But over the next few weeks the chapter itself faded into some insignificance as news of the real seriousness of his condition became better known. At first he tried to battle alone and carry on with his normal responsibilities. Finally a few Brothers representing the growing general anxiety of all, managed to convince him that he should return to Singapore; for a thorough check-up. He consented and on 11 January Brother Alban Rozario agreed to accompany him and he was admitted to Mount Alvernia Hospital. As Brother Visitor Michael described it: "The specialist who took charge of his case was surprised to learn that he had passed eight years since his previous attack without any specialist care or attention. He tried to be encouraging but there was no hiding the fact that Brother Joseph had chronic active hepatitis with inflammation of the liver, a diagnosis that portended the end within a period of from three to six months. The scan taken after admission

confirmed the worst fears: there was cirrhosis and inflammation." Meanwhile Brother Joseph himself seemed to have had very little apprehension of his condition and his mind was full of busy thoughts and plans for the months and years ahead. He was in regular contact with his own community in Petaling Jaya through letters and telephone calls. One of these letters addressed to the community is dated 18 January, and covers the first week in hospital: "Just a week today I arrived. The first 5 days were rough where my appetite was concerned. Thanks for the lovely bouquet of flowers, they cheered me up. The red were beautiful but the yellow turned me off somewhat jaundice!. Thank God since yesterday I've been able to eat a little more and normally as well. "The doctor is an old boy of SJ1 Singapore. He is thorough, competent and professional. Dr S.S. Gill's report is verified correct: chronic, active hepatitis. Only this condition has been with me since 1973 when 1 got jaundice but treatment has not been followed up... "Well the present verdict is cirrhosis or hardening of the liver and there is much fluid content not disposed of outside the stomach. Dr Ng says not to worry as both can be corrected and the liver is very regenerative. It looks like I'm going to spend perhaps another fortnight here. Anyway I'm quite resigned to rest until I get better... I should be in full health again in about a month at the latest. "The Brothers of Singapore visit me. The regular ones are Conleth, Pat Loh, my three sisters and a brother... If Ambrose, Felix or Damian want to contact me urgently it is best to phone direct. Don't give my number to any outsider. Best regards and happy (Chinese) New Year." P.S. "Please convey my personal thanks to Alban Rozario for so kindly seeing me to Singapore." And four days later he writes again, this time to Brother Felix: "Thanks so much for the lovely and thoughtful Speedy Recovery Card, also for the Chinese New Year Card which arrived today. I am continuing to make good progress and within a fortnight, according to Dr Ng's opinion I should be prepared for discharge. Not so fussy these two days about food though when I see too much of it I lose all appetite. "I do get a number of visitors each day. Fr Cain and Sr Agnes Tan FMDM Provincial are the daily visitors. Other frequent visitors are Conleth, McNally (has knack of sending the right flowers), Christopher, Pat Loh, Dom, Gabriel and of course my two sisters and brother,;. Bishop Soter was in one afternoon and the special blessing he gave me was just what I needed. Do continue to pray for me. Regards to all." In the final week he still had his ups .and downs but he remained optimistic about a speedy recovery. His daily visitors failed to notice any dramatic change until 26 January when he became restless and slowly lapsed into a coma. His kidneys appeared to have failed. He gradually got weaker through that night and next day. Prayers were being said constantly at his bedside, and he was given the anointing of the sick. On 27th at 5.15 pm he passed away peacefully, at his bedside were Brother Visitor Michael, his sister and his brother-in-law. A funeral service was held the following evening at the chapel of St Josephs Institution and the casket was then flown to Kuala Lumpur accompanied by his relatives. Appropriately it was taken to St John's Institution and through Friday the body lay in state in the school chapel as relatives began to arrive from far and near, also Brothers including Brother Raphael Egan, Auxiliary-Visitor from Hong Kong. A constant stream of friends, colleagues, associates,11

sympathisers came to pay their respects while a variety of groups kept up a flow of prayer. On Saturday morning the cortege left St John's and proceeded to the Cathedral flanked by the various uniformed groups and the school band. The cathedral was crowded: members of the Yeoh family and friends, a large contingent of Brothers and other religious, teachers and students, and a large presence of the extended Lasallian family of past students, parents and well-wishers. The Brothers led the singing and the homily was given by Brother Michael, Visitor. It will be perhaps appropriate to conclude with a few excerpts: "This morning we have come first of all to worship the Lord, the Master of life and death, and next to pay our last respects to a beloved Brother, a dedicated religious and a faithful friend. This celebration has become so much more poignant because of its unexpected suddenness and the dramatic finality of our dear Brother's departure. It leaves us all in dismayed bewilderment as we reflect and pray and ask ourselves why things should be so. Our beloved Brother was in the prime of life, with apparently many more years before him to continue and to complete his life's work, to reach the fulfilment of his vision of his own life, of that of his Brothers in the service of Mother Church and of the People of God. "Our dear Brother Joseph Yeoh gave his life wholly and unreservedly to the Lord. He gave back totally to God the endowment of an ardent, intense, intelligent and completely committed personality. He showed himself courageous and determined, wholly bent on giving all he had to the work and the mission he had embraced. He faced the challenges as they came whether as a simple religious and teacher or as an animator of souls and an administrator bearing weighty responsibilities. He never spared himself in seeking the good of others, even to the neglect of his own health and strength. This may explain why when the end came, there was no reserve left to assist him in fighting the relentless ravages of a disease which he had kept so well from us. To me his last message from his hospital bed as repeated to me by a Sister was: 'Tell Brother Michael I am comfortable', and then he added for the Sister's information: 'But don't tell him I am suffering.' True to form, he preferred to bear the cross alone and not to be a burden to anybody just as he had practised all his life. Those who knew him best and moved closely with him recognised the kind, sensitive and thoughtful person, despite the outward manifestations of shyness and reserve. He was a man in a hurry, perhaps he knew he would not have that much time to do all that he wanted to accomplish. "On this sad occasion our sympathies and our prayers must go in the first place to his dear bereaving relatives who are with us today. They were associated with the sacrifice and consecration our dear departed Brother made when he decided to leave home and family to serve the Lord and our De La Salle congregation. "But also, let us lift up our hearts and minds with joy and thanksgiving, for this is the spirit of Mother Church when she sees her beloved children passing on to the joys of eternal life. May this spirit of faith, of confidence and of hope in the Lord's promises inspire us all to face life with oven greater courage and meaningfulness after the example and inspiration of Brother Joseph, so that each one of us may in our turn be completely dedicated and determined to fulfil the work and vocation in life to which each one of us has been called. This, I am sure, is also the message Brother Joseph would want us to retain as we bid him farewell and God-speed into the arms of the Lord in the heavenly mansion He has prepared for him."Brother Vincent Corkery La Salle Centre St Michael/s Institution 30000 Ipoh Malaysia.