Death is a very personal thing, affecting the immediate families the most of course - but during a long life touching many others too.
Since I wrote about my Mother in a Blog in February 2009, the number of people who read the story and who have enquired about her health and her life has been amazing. It just demonstrates that you don't have to be born on the "right street" to be successful. You can still be bright academically and with more than your fair share of common sense, even if you were born in a deprived area or country. And you don't have to count success by the number of pennies you have accumulated more than the next person, or the titles that you have. You can achieve that and more by being a down to earth, honest, loyal, loving, hard-working and caring individual.
By now you know where this is going.
Sadly, my wonderful Mother passed away this morning, the 27th of January, Her passing , in her 96th year, was peaceful and with no pain. I was happy to be able to spend the last day of her life at her side and say goodbye. She was happy too. It was what she wanted - she was ready for another life but of course we will all miss her terribly.
She has instilled in all of us a sense of believing in everything that she stood for and practiced. Her values. She was practical to the end. She told us all we were not to grieve for her life, but to celebrate it. A life that was not always easy, but had to be lived, as she had done, to the full and without regret.
Celebrate we will, in due course, as instructed! Life must go on, we know - as will her memories live on in all of her family and, it seems, in the many admirers that she never knew.
Requiescat in pace!
December 2014 - and still good for a party!!
Dear David,
Michelin & I are so very sorry to hear this news. I never met your Mum but well recall you describing her as your role model. Indeed, in that I know she set an extraordinarily high standard. May the days ahead be filled with many happy memories for you, Monse and your family of the good times you spent together with her.
Sincerely,
Steve
Posted by: Steve Tait | 09 February 2015 at 13:37
Dear David and Monse,
Our heart-felt condolences to you and family.
Though I have not met Mrs Eldon, we do share one thing in common -- I actually instructed Karen to organise a party after I pass away. I see that as a way to express my thankfulness and love to my family and friends. Not sure if Mrs Eldon is thinking of the same, but surely her love and values remain with all the admirers.
Posted by: Kevin Chan | 08 February 2015 at 23:23
Dear David, many condolences on your Mother's passing. I met her a long time ago and remember her as a warm and delightful person - she sounds a wonderful example of a long life well lived and a departure without fear. She must have been very proud of your achievements and prouder still that you maintained her values. I came across your blog when my son was living and working in Hong Kong and the name rang a bell from the distant past and a day trip from Guernsey to Jersey!
Best wishes,
Ann
Posted by: Ann Pearson | 08 February 2015 at 19:16
Dear David,
Sincere condolences to you.
What an inspiring line on what success really means!
Best regards,
George and Meryl Sequeira
Posted by: George Sequeira | 07 February 2015 at 16:35
Our hats off to you!!
With deepest sympathy and sincere CONDOLENCES, Sir.
Mary Jane, Ronnie and Jayronn AU
Posted by: Mary Jane AU | 04 February 2015 at 16:58
David, many, many condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I lost my dear Mummy at 95 a couple of years ago. Your pain slowly eases but the memories live forever through you and inside all who's lives she touched. All the best David. Yours, aye! Bryan
Posted by: Bryan Neal | 02 February 2015 at 19:17
Dear David,
I would like to offer my sincere condolensces to you. I joined HSBC in Hong Kong in 2001 and converted to become an International Manager in 2004, under your chairmanship. You have been our best HBAP Chairman in recent past and I am sure Mrs. Eldon is very proud of you in front of other angels in heaven.
I too lost my mother, albeit at a much younger age. So I totally empathise with your feelings. You are in my prayers, David.
I have since left the bank for another company. One of these days, when you are in Hong Kong, I would like to catch up with you to get your counsel on life.
Posted by: Hung Wong | 29 January 2015 at 16:57
"Celebrate we will, in due course, as instructed!" - WoW! Amazing! This is how it is meant to be. May God bless your mother, Mr Eldon.
Thank you for sharing. A very inspiring and loving story indeed!
Posted by: James L | 28 January 2015 at 11:20