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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:42:06 GMT 12
Siu LEE Obituary LEE, Siu Ka (Kaka): Passed away suddenly but peacefully on 7 June 2023 at home, aged 36, too early to leave us. Darling daughter of Daniel & Betty. Loved sister of Hong. Caring aunty and amazing friend to many! Messages and Tributes can be placed in Kaka's tribute book at www.tributes.co.nz where you can also join the service via live-stream. A service to celebrate Kaka's life will be held at the Harbour City Funeral Home Chapel, 665 High Street, Lower Hutt on Friday 16 June 2023 at 1.00pm. Harbour City Funeral Home Ltd 665 High St Wellington, Wellington Published by The Post from Jun. 10 to Jun. 14, 2023.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:53:04 GMT 12
Karen Johnston 22/06/2023
Dear Kaka,
Even though we said goodbye to you last week, I'm not getting any closer to accepting what has happened. The unfairness of it all is still quite shocking. You were so full of life, energy and happiness that it seems impossible that things could turn out this way.
I have so many gifts from you from over the years - your generosity knew no bounds! You were always so keen to bring people together in whatever way you could - pizza lunches, breakfast get togethers, game nights, food trucks in town - you were happy to do it all!
We worked on many projects together and I really enjoyed working with you. We got so much done and (usually) had fun doing it! You regularly joked that you were going to hide from me when I came looking for you, but you were always so keen to help that you never did :-)
I feel privileged to have known you, and only wish it could have been for longer.
Miss you xx
Kandic Chan 22/06/2023
Kaka Miss you a lot. I still remembered Kaka told me to wear gloves when I came to Wellington. I found your advice very helpful. You are my dear niece with quality of intelligence and sense of humour. Rest it peace.
Chris Woodhouse 21/06/2023
Kaka was a wonderfully kind and generous person who will be very much missed.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:53:20 GMT 12
Ana Negrulescu 20/06/2023
When I heard the heart breaking news of Kaka's passing, I felt like my heart was riped out of my chest. Kaka was one of my best friends in New Zealand. Well, she was actually one of my best friends in the world.
Kaka started working at GlycoSyn a year before me and was there another half year after me. It was like her stay at GlycoSyn cushioned, embrassed my stay. I've learnt many things from Kaka. She always knew everything about everything - every project, instrument, file, sheet, you name it. If ever I was in doubt, Kaka always had an idea or a way.
She was so practical, resourceful and inventive. She always had ideas of how to do things better, like how to improve the lab, for instance. I really admired her for it, as it was a weakness of mine. She had a wonderfully curious nature, so I believe studying and working in science suited her well.
At work, she was also my Kiwi moral compass, if that is something suitable to say. Meaning that she kept me anchored in the Kiwi ways. She would tell me off if I complained too much ('want some cheese with that whine, Ana?'), 'The grass doesn't grow this Monday either, ey?' (that is from the Romanian saying 'grass doesn't grow on Monday' meaning I was particularly slow on a Monday). She seemed to have fun and even made it a purpose to help me to not come across as rude. Sometimes what I was saying and the delivery of my message seemed perfectly adequate from an Eastern European standard, but may have been rude by Kiwi standards. In fact, one of the last things we've discussed was about me having to apologise to someone from GlycoSyn, and I will.
When I thought of what I was going to say today, many memories came to my mind; some I'll include in the tribute page. I just want to say, it was the little things. The origami invasion I found on my desk and the walls around my desk when I returned after a longer holiday to Romania, the lunches and dinners she shouted, the social get togethers she organised, the way she got me from trying different Asian cuisines to actually cooking some dishes, her baking, her glorious abundant baking! The way she took over lots of my work to bring it to perfect completion, when I had to run home to deal with a little child, the KN95 masks she supplied for my husband and I, when I was getting ready to give birth to Elisa, so we would have proper masks when we went to the hospital. The multitude of presents for me and my girls that I now have all around the house as little reminders of my generous, thoughtful and loving friend. Those little things that have become the big things.
We've had so much fun too. There were lots of jokes and banter. The very last thing we spoke about via texts was the 'Sweet as' GlycoSyn gummy bears, which we both thought were hilarious.
Kaka was a great friend. She may have been a bit rough around the edges sometimes, but she had the kindest, most generous heart. She may have been constructively critical of me sometimes, but she always, always had my back. She was always on my side, almost like a protector, of sorts. She was definitely one of my favourite aspects about work and to me she embodies the goodness, lightheartedness and kindness of New Zealand.
My girls absolutely loved Kaka and so did I. The last time we spent more time together, Kaka brought us lunch and she played with the girls for a good amount of time. We had a great time; there were lots of laughter and joy. Nadia, my 4.5 year old, kept hugging her and hugging her and hugging her and one hug she wouldn't let go, so much so that Kaka had to say jokingly, 'all right, all right, enough with the hugging.' As Kaka was leaving, Nadia said she didn't want Kaka to leave. And even after she had left, Nadia said that she wanted Kaka to move in and live with us. I wish I had listened to Nadia at least partly and that we would have kept her there for longer or that we would have seen her a lot more often, particularly more recently.
So how could I come to terms with the sudden untimely loss of such a wonderful friend? How can I cope? Well, I have this faith in my heart that gives me hope that one day I'll see my friend again. Until then I just want to say, thank you, Kaka, for being the most amazing and real friend I could have asked for. You've enriched my life tremendously and I will miss you terribly, but I will hold you in my heart until the day I see you again. Rest well, my dear friend. Thank you, Kaka.
***
Here are some of my favourite memories with Kaka.
1. Debbie's baby shower Perhaps my favourite thing Kaka's ever organised was Debbie's baby shower. It was at the Ashton Norwood gardens in Upper Hutt. I'm pretty sure everyone she's invited showed up. We had high tea there and then Debbie opened all the presents she received while anticipating Annabell's arrival. The best bit was walking through the beautiful gardens and having an hour long session of bow and arrow shooting. I still have Kaka's image in my mind with her shooting an arrow. I will look for an old SD card to see if I can find the photos somewhere. We had an amazing morning there. Kaka's skills of organising social events were off the charts. Plus, she always had fun ideas of various things to do.
2. Our leader's shared calendar This is one of my favourite fun memories. Russell, our team leader at GlycoSyn, told us that he had shared his work calendar with us, but for some reason, it never occurred to me to actually look at his calendar when I couldn't find him. Well, one day I was looking for him and Kaka just pulled up his calendar on her computer screen and we both burst in laughter when we realised he had a work interview with someone we actually knew. It was the element of surprise that made this little moment hilarious.
3. Spanner in the works There was a spanner incident in one of our projects and when the colleague related to the spanner incident decided to go on extended leave, Kaka thought we should make him a spanner-shaped cake. So, Kaka, Debbie and I went to Debbie's house to assemble the cake. Kaka had already made the sponge cake. We only had to cut it in the right shape, ice it grey-blue and add some other fine details. We had so much fun on that occasion too and I think the colleague whom the cake was meant for loved the idea too.
4. All the phones ringing Graham Harrison reminded me of this one. It happened on multiple occasions and I always laughed with Kaka about it. Graham from the plant would call the analytical chemist responsible with whatever project was in the plant, and when that person wouldn't pick up the phone (not at the desk), then he would call Glenn, also not at his desk, then he would call Russell, also not at his desk, and eventually he would call Kaka who would always pick up and would address Graham's issue. Graham didn't see our side of the story. When Kaka used to hear more than one phone ringing, she would always say: 'look, Graham is calling everyone again. Let's see how long it takes until he calls me.' We used to laugh so much in this instance too. The more phones rang, the louder we would laugh.
5. Chilly bin My least favourite 3 weeks at GlycoSyn were when I had to do derivatization, because the experiments always produced reasonably different results even when trying the same thing twice... In any case, Kaka tried her best to help me out with everything I needed. For starters, I needed dried ice and she kept saying in our Analytical meetings that I probably needed a chilly bin. I didn't know at the time what that meant, so she went and bought me a cooler đ. Yes, the cooler, definitely helped me keep the dried ice cold and frozen for a lot longer and I didn't have to go back and forth to get ice from a different building a few times a day.
6. Kaka's surprise 30th birthday party In hindsight, I'm so happy we did this for her! In May 2017, we had finally reached the end of a rather unpleasant project I had worked on (more because the client was somewhat difficult) and I told Kaka that I would get her, Debbie and Debbie's husband to come to my place for dinner to celebrate that the project was over! Done and dusted! But, actually, a bunch of us at work decided Kaka really really deserved a surprise 30th birthday party because she was always amazing to us. So, we ordered pizza from Days Bay Pavilion, I made a rum custard chocolate cake and we played board games. I'm pretty sure Kaka wasn't expecting it and I also think she liked it a lot!
7. Kaka in the Analytical lab When I came to pick up my things before leaving GlycoSyn, I saw Kaka through the Analytical lab window. She was in her lab coat, writing or checking something in the Analytical log book. For some reason, this image struck me and it stuck with me and I'll always keep it in my mind and my heart, to remind me of my amazing friend, whom I've met at work, whom I've mostly seen in the lab in that lab coat and who has made an everlasting impression on my heart.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:55:03 GMT 12
Alysha Chua 19/06/2023
It has been a few weeks since you left us, and it still doesn't feel real. It's difficult to fathom how someone so full of life and happiness could be gone, and I find myself struggling to differentiate between past and present tenses whenever I talk about her.
To Kaka's family, I want to express my heartfelt condolences. She was a joy to be around, and I have some cherished memories to share:
The cheeky way she'd scold me when catching me eating just cereal for lunch. "Hey, where's your rice?" she'd say, insisting I should eat a proper meal.
How she would always insist on driving me home after a long day, worried I'd bike home when too tired. I'd tease her for keeping a fire extinguisher AND car escape tool in her car, though she'd insist they were only bought because of a Costco 2-for-1 deal.
We bonded over our love of food and had plans to go to Mr Ji's to indulge in Peking duck. We joked about ordering nothing else but a half-duck to stuff our faces with. I last spoke to her on Thursday, July 1st, when she surprised me with a packet of Furikake from JMart, urging me to grab some before they ran out.
Kaka had a mischievous streak and loved to joke around. She showed me her secret spot for parking her car amidst all the construction going on at work, saying that if she ever got caught, we could play dumb and say, "Sorry, no speak English!"
All that to say, Kaka brought joy, kindness and laughter to work every day. She is irreplaceable and will be dearly missed.
Sam Ellison 19/06/2023
Your boundless exuberance, generosity, and workplace knowledge was one of a kind. Your constant desire to make life at work easier for everyone was astounding, from the hardest to even the smallest of problems that needed solving.
My home is filled with the small tokens you've gifted me over the years, reminding me daily of all the fond memories I have of such an amazing co-worker and friend.
Thanks for six fantastic years in the analytical office Kaka, and for being there for me and anyone else, always.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:55:39 GMT 12
Kandic Chan 17/06/2023
Kaka
Miss you a lot. I still remembered Kaka told me to wear gloves when I came to Wellington. I found your advice very helpful. You are my dear niece with quality of intelligence and sense of humour.
Rest it peace.
Daniel Shum 17/06/2023
Dear Kaka
Your passing has been a great shock to me... I wish I had known you better, I really enjoy your company on court and your positive attitude.
Rest in peace my friend
Daniel
Samuel Wong 16/06/2023
Dear Kaka,
This is all indeed very sudden and very unexpected. Looking back it was very fortuitous, almost by accident, that we met in Hong Kong earlier this year.
I've always remembered you as a cheerful, fun-loving cousin ever since we first met when my parents and I visited New Zealand and stayed in Aunt Mui's house when I was really young. I loved hanging out with you and Hong (and Hurky) and that has been on my mind ever since I heard the news.
Indeed, you'll no doubt be missed. And to Uncle Daniel and Auntie Betty - stay strong and do reach out anytime.
Wellington North Badminton 16/06/2023
Kaka I am sorry that I have never met you. Thank you for all the joy you brought to our players who have been lucky enough to experience your wonderful personality. Rest in Peace Dave White
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:56:02 GMT 12
Yee Teck Raue 16/06/2023
Dear Kaka
Really loved and admired the way you lived your life. It was happy, caring and totally fulfilling.
Rest in peace.
Yee Teck and Martin
Ryan Yang 16/06/2023
Lots of love and my condolences to the friends and family of Kaka.
I will miss you dearly Kaka, your generosity, your delicious cooking and your kindness. I carry these values with me now thanks to you. I am grateful for having met you and shared many laughs. Thank you for everything. RIP
Ryan
Waiching Wong 16/06/2023
My dear cousin - I will always remember your wide smile, your kindness, generous gifts, and love of life. We will miss you dearly.
Sending our love and condolences to Uncle and Auntie 8, and Hong.
Winnie Ng 16/06/2023
Kaka,
So sad to hear about you going, I still remember the times we coached little juniors at Pacific Badminton Club and we progressed onto being seniors ourselves. You were always so positive and friendly. Uncle Daniel stay strong!
- Winnie
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:56:24 GMT 12
Wendy Wong 16/06/2023
RIP Kaka
KK, Pauline,Gigi,HH Lau 16/06/2023
Kaka rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to your famiy! Cheuk Nan, Betty, Hong, please stay strong!
Ramesh Ganesan 16/06/2023
Always a smile on and off the court. Too soon my friend. You will be missed.
Prasanth 16/06/2023
Kaka,
You had this incredible way of making me feel welcome and at home. I always admired your kind heart, boundless energy and delicious cooking. Your smile could light up any room. Thanks for everything. Truly grateful to have known you.
Prasanth
Jessica Mills 16/06/2023
Kaka was truly one of the nicest and kindest people I ever met. I really got to know her well in the of couple years I lived in Wellington and I always enjoyed seeing her when I came back to visit. I'll miss her smile, all the boardgames, and talking about all the geeky stuff we had in common. RIP Kaka.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:57:01 GMT 12
Hilary Corkran 16/06/2023
I am so sorry to hear of Kaka's passing. She was such a friendly, happy person to work with, in the time that we worked together. I enjoyed our lunchtime chats and occasional board game sessions. My condolences to her family, workmates, and friends.
Elizabeth 16/06/2023
Dear Kaka, Though we knew each other but for a brief time, I still remember and treasure your generosity in including people and giving of your time. Your infectious enthusiasm for trying new things and encouraging others to do the same had me amazed. All the random things we talked about be it GOT, Board games, Poets of the Fall or the consistency of Chocolate ice cream still resonates in my memory. Missing you. RIP, my friend.
Simon Chattington 16/06/2023
Kaka,
It is hard for me to believe that you are gone. I will miss your wisdom, smile and laugh on the badminton court. Thank you for your warm and endlessly kind nature that bought me a lot of happiness in the years that I knew you.
My condolences to your family, I can only imagine the sadness they feel at losing such a wonderful person.
Louis & Irene Lee 16/06/2023
Our deep condolences. May Kaka rest in peace. May God give Daniel, Betty and family peace and strength in this difficult time.
Louis, Irene, Hin Lun, Hin Bong
Simon thingy
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:57:38 GMT 12
Simon thingy 16/06/2023
Kaka Still remember we are having Dim sum and roast pork in Hong Kong during the family lunch in April, it is so suddenly. We will miss your smile. You will always be remembered in our hearts. RIP.
Pacific Badminton Club 16/06/2023
Dear Kaka,
We are saddened to hear about your passing. You were kind, supportive, humble and trustworthy. Thank you so much for your friendship and laughter over the years. You will miss you. May you RIP. é˝äżčłé˝ĄăéłĺŽšĺŽĺ¨
Our deepest condolences to your family. Our hearts go out to them at this difficult time.
James Chee 16/06/2023
Hey Kaka,
I was fortunate to have met you through the awesome uni baddy days, and it was a pleasant surprise to see you again in the WN CR team last year. You were the same as I remember and I enjoyed reminiscing the old days together. The CR team vibes will definitely feel different without your presence.
I admired your patience and you were always so enthusiastic, welcoming and generous. I miss talking to you about board games, the best places to eat in town, and I miss catching up to talk about the latest goss in baddy. I miss you Kaka, I feel like we had only just reconnected and made plans, and now it's time to say goodbye.
Thank you for being a great friend and lending an ear to my silly rants. You will be sorely missed.
Till we meet again... Rest in peace Kaka.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 15:58:36 GMT 12
Taylor Vercoe 16/06/2023
Kakaâs sudden passing has weighed heavy on my heart. I will remember Kaka for her kind, generous and outgoing personality. She loved being around people and had an uncanny ability to draw people towards her. Thatâs how we first met - bonding over badminton at a tournament a few years ago. She was comfortable to be around and we became quick friends.
She hosted our team at her house during her recent birthday where we ate kfc and pizza after a competition. She even served us a delicious birthday cake! But this chick wouldnât let us chip in for the food. I also tried to do the dishes and she wouldnât let me. Testament to the fact that she was an amazing host! That night she had also recommended a bbq restaurant near staglands that I hope to visit one day in her honour. If only I had known that was going to be one of the last times I saw her I wouldâve stayed longer with everyone else. Iâm really going to miss her in the team. She had valuable feedback for me to improve my game and I hope Iâll be able to make her proud wherever she may be.
My sincere condolences to the Lee family. You raised a wonderful woman who I can see is beloved by the people she met. Love you Kaka.
Taylor
Celia 16/06/2023
Kaka, I cannot believe it. I am very saddened by your sudden passing. I will greatly miss you in the lab. It was so easy to work with you and we were a great team. Since I started at Glycosyn you have been so helpful, always looking after me. You were a very generous person and everywhere I look I am remembered of that. You always brought gifts from your trips or events you attended which I will look at with a fond memory of you. I wish we were given more time together. Thanks for everything. Adieu mon amie.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 16:00:14 GMT 12
Kristina Ponte Towgood 15/06/2023
Kaka youâve been a good friend to me for a long time. Must be around 10 years now. We met through badminton in clubs, collectively got better then played seriously in senior division. Personally, you have been the most supportive, welcoming and caring person I know. I remember the first time I came to badminton. You were the first person that greeted and welcomed me to your group. Youâve always been that way with everyone.
We quickly found out that we had a lot in common. From baking, hosting friends, love for badminton and most of all boardgames. We used to have full day boardgame sessions from 10am until midnight and still felt like it wasnât enough. You were always on the hunt for new boardgames that we would all like. For the longest time, weâve made a pact that if I could ever make it to Wellycon, we would spend the day trying different boardgames and since there was so many she wanted me to try. We still havenât done that.
For the years we played together in senior division, we prioritised having fun and enjoying badminton. I still miss those days. You then went on to play for different associations and made the most of every training they had. I secretly looked forward to going against you to see how much we both changed. You also mentioned a few times that we should get the old team back together so we can wreck havoc in the competition again. It wonât be the same playing every year without you. Who would make fun of the juniors with me? Who would keep me on my toes and push me to play as best as I can in division? We even promised that we would all play masters together someday. It still feels surreal that we canât do that together. I still think that youâll walk through the doors of the badminton hall any moment and greet us with your smile.
There was still a lot I didnât know about you, like how you loved rabbits. My last conversation with you ended with a promise for you to come over and see my 4 bunnies and 5 Guinea pigs. You loved the fact I had 2 white rabbits too and that you couldnât wait to see them and take photos for your niece. You have always been the kind of person that cared deeply for others.
Im so thankful that we all decided to come surprise you and celebrate your birthday. Thereâs still so much more we wanted to do. So much more I couldnât say to you. But thereâs one thing I am sure about, Kaka you will never be forgotten. Until we meet again!
Jaime McGregor 15/06/2023
Kaka.
Thank you for giving your full and true self on the badminton court.
I reflect on many an unexpected squeal from across the hall in Naenae, sometimes in delight at winning a long rally, and sometimes in frustration on being on the other side.
Win or lose, you always had such positive energy, whether playing casually or competitively, you always brought that spirit to the court. On the sidelines, you used that positivity to support your teammates ... and you had a lot of teammates! I think you've represented every association in Wellington and probably most of the badminton clubs too!! And food, so much home cooked deliciousness to share with your friends.
You made an impact far wider than you'll ever know, with some of my family in Scotland who played with you when they were in NZ having expressed their condolences too.
Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate your beautiful life, but you've left us too soon.
Rest in Peace, Kaka. Jaime McGregor Badminton Hutt Valley
Brendan and Claire Cathro 15/06/2023
Kaka, you will be dearly missed by us all. You had a true heart of gold and your care and generosity for your friends and family was one in a million.
We canât imagine life without your infectious laughter and love for life.
We will treasure the memories we made with you â Yum Char with Rebecca, JĂŠrĂ´me and Manon. You always made sure we got the best table and all the yummy food especially the extra coconut buns to take home. We will always remember your advice (via your mum) - âDonât order vegetables because you can make them at home.â
D&D with JĂŠrĂ´me and Jeremy - without your fastidious note taking at our D&D sessions, we would have been lost without you. Your sense of humour and wit during our sessions always bought light to some sticky situations.
Goodbyes hurt the most when the story is left unfinished.
All our love Brendan, Claire and Gemma
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 16:01:00 GMT 12
Cynthia Sun 15/06/2023 Dear Kaka, Till today, I still haven't come to the grips that you had taken an earlier departure of life! I will miss your smile and those pleasant chats with you about food. You definitely brought more enjoy than others to the processing cafe. A loss will be felt from time to time entering the cafe at lunch time without seeing you again! RIP Cynthia Lik De Chun 15/06/2023 Dear Kaka, I am deeply saddened to know that you have passed away so soon and unexpectedly - in fact the entire badminton whÄnau here in Wellington are. You were always a fun and friendly character to talk to for every interaction we had. I remember last year when it was Wellington North vs Hutt Valley you would talk us up about how Wellington North was surely gonna win and that I should be careful when I play against my brother! I loved the competitive small talk and will definitely miss having more of those. Unfortunately I havenât had many interactions with you in the last few months, so I never got to know the Kaka you were before you left us. I do remember you talking to me about chemistry, pharmacy and pharmaceuticals a couple of years ago as being one of the last major topic we spoke about when I was still a pharmacy student. You were very encouraging and supportive of the path I was taking and I hugely appreciate you for that. I hope you were able to play plenty of badminton before you departed, but Iâm sure youâll be playing some more badminton in a better place. Rest in peace Kaka, and you will be deeply missed by many. Yours Sincerely, Lik De Charlotte Lennon 15/06/2023 Kaka!! Oh man where to begin your smile would seriously light up the whole court no word of a lie! Youâre always such a happy girl but hey we all know when youâre having a rough game you would be so hard on yourself sometimes but would laugh when you realised it was my fault I missed the shuttlethingy I will miss all of our games nights you have introduced me to so many fun board games who knew pandas and bamboo would be such a fun game!! You would always make sure that I was welcome into the group forever making sure I had enough badminton supplies plenty of grips I canât ever thank you enough for your kindness towards me and forever making me feel welcome and appreciated! Will miss you dearly đ đ
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 16:02:01 GMT 12
Chanmony Khieng 15/06/2023
Kaka, dear friend, gone too soon. I will always hold memories of you in my heart. Your kindness, positivity and love (especially for badminton) will always remain. Thank you for being you! Rest in peace, Kaka.
Tina Lu 14/06/2023
Kaka, it has only been less than 2 weeks since you gave me feedback on the dice set I got for your birthday. "1 Nat 20 this session", you said. "I have no idea what that means", I replied. You laughed and said we must do a mini dungeons and dragons session soon. I still do not know what it means, and I wonder if I ever will.
You were the person who got me into boardgames. You asked if I played boardgames and I still remember the piercing judgement I received when I said, "yeah, I played Monopoly before." I can not count how many times you needed to explain how a game works to me while the explanations flew right over my head. This certainly did not stop you from trying. You were determined to teach me, and I am grateful for that patience. Now I love boardgames, and my ridiculously good luck with throwing the dice never failed to drive you completely bonkers, but you were always enthusiastic to organise the next boardgame night.
Kaka, you chatterbox. You have endless stories to tell, insider knowledge to share. I am a quiet person with little to say, but there is never a dull moment when you are around. I will miss your non-stop banter, and I hate to say it, even your savage remarks about my height.
I am glad I got to play with you at the Masters badminton tournament. You were a great friend, and to be honest, I am still in disbelief. Kaka, you had so much life to give and so many unfinished plans. I am heartbroken, knowing there will never be another boardgame night. And I will never see the smile on your face whenever you offer your chocolate cakes during badminton tournaments.
My friend, it is too soon to say goodbye. I will miss you, and the memories we shared will remain dear to my heart.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 16:02:55 GMT 12
Cee Tsui 14/06/2023
Kaka you are such a cheerful girl & miss your laughter ⌠RIP đ
Dennis Page 14/06/2023
Kaka was definitely very much a cherished and valued team member of the GlycoSyn whanau. Her friendly, relaxed, and easy-going disposition meant that she was always approachable and willing to help. In addition, Kaka had a great can-do work ethic and was always very professional in her approach to her analytical work which she excelled in doing. I had the privilege of working with Kaka on three substantial projects, some of which are ongoing, and it will be hard to fathom her not being about to assist with continued work in those jobs where she very much was the 'go-to-guru' for all things analytical. She had a knack of anticipating what was required to get an unambiguous result and had a great eye for detail. In one project, she helped to discover and identify the presence of an unanticipated class of compounds for work undertaken for a client associated with a multinational company. That client has now patented those compounds - Those of us that worked on the project felt that Kaka should have received more recognition; even to the point where maybe it should have been her name on the patent!
Kaka was also a very sociable person with a good balance of work hard and play hard - In the GlycoSyn environment, Kaka often initiated many social events including the much anticipated pizza parties and morning teas that featured the famous 'raft cake' as a means of celebrating major milestones mixed with a sense of fun for a project incorporating a reaction of the same name. Her presence in the tea room at lunchtimes where there were opportunities to talk on all things ranging from movies and popular culture, badminton or the development of the garden around her recently purchased townhouse was always uplifting and her untimely absence will leave a hard-to-fill-gap in the GlycoSyn 'family' environment.
I think everyone at GlycoSyn has benefited and been enriched by Kaka's presence with us. Her unexpected passing has come as a huge shock and I think it is testimony to her lovely character that recovering from that shock is going to take some time. Grief is definitely the price of love and it's sad to say goodbye so soon.
Te aroha noa o te Atua me te okiokinga ki a koe, Kaka.
Anna Canencia 14/06/2023
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal." Kaka, you will be missed and remembered dearly for your generosity. I'm glad (and sad) to have spent your last birthday with you. We had so much fun then. You were the best host. Thank you.
Sam Hall 14/06/2023
Go well Kaka. I'll miss your random chats in my office about Taskmaster, Lego, pop culture or just whatever else was going on that day, and your friendly "whatcha got for us?" whenever I dropped things off at the lab, winning the inaugural CI quiz and everything else that made you a great colleague and person. Gone far too soon, your enthusiasm and character showed in everything you did.
Chris Woodhouse 14/06/2023
Kaka was a wonderfully kind and generous person who will be very much missed.
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Post by nzbc on Jun 28, 2023 16:03:30 GMT 12
Benjamin Alford 13/06/2023
Dear Kaka,
I am overwhelmed to hear about your passing. You were such a gentle soul that cared dearly about everyone close to you and all those around you.
You were a pleasure to work with at GlycoSyn. Your enthusiasm and positive attitude always lifted the atmosphere. From day 1 of my time there, you were always easy to talk to and never afraid of saying it how it was! If there was a reason to have a pizza party, you would always be the first to make it happen.
We will never forget everything that you did to help others through the tough times and to celebrate the good.
Rest in peace Kaka.
Ben.
Aaron Ng 13/06/2023
Didn't had much interaction with you before except for the only time we played each other last year in Wellington North Open. You left a very strong impression as you continue to laugh and enjoy every challenges thrown to you on court. Despite having such a huge difference in experience and skill level, you did not waver nor give up till the end of the game. I believe, that is enough to describe you as a person to those who do not know much about you. Hope you're in a better place now, and keep that fighting spirit with you all the time. R.i.p Kaka, hope to see you on court again the next time.
Alvin Loo 13/06/2023
Kaka, you will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
Yihong Shi 13/06/2023
Dear Kaka, it has been unfathomable to come to terms that we won't see and spend time with each other again. Over the years I have always known you to be true to yourself, your enthusiasm infectious, and your general knowledge made for interesting conversations. You truly are one of the most genuine people I've had the good fortunes of having as a friend. Memories of time spent together will live on!
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