In Loving Memory: Joash Wee

An acquaintance of mine passed away from a car crash a week back and it’s still shocks me till today. He was 23. I only found out about his death an hour after his memorial service started from a friend via twitter (thanks @lailisml); and so I rushed thinking it’s better too late than nothing. When I got to his memorial, the hall was still packed with people listening to those giving eulogies; by the time I reached there, I thought it was over.

It shows that he really was something. People sat for hours to listen endless great things about him; how he touched so many lives, at an age so young.

I first met Joash during the ATP Malaysian Open last year. We volunteered for the event and both worked the media center with three other great people. With the exception of myself, all of them were crazy about tennis. Those two weeks of you guys educating me about the game will forever stay in my memory.

My first impression of Joash was that he was a near opposite of me back then, in so many great ways – he was more outgoing, easily befriended, cool, inspiring and remarkably talented. It didn’t take him long to break my ice (which can be an impossible feat). Joash, what in your right mind made you want to know the boring me? Hahahaha. Guess that was just the way he is.

Joash, I would have never said this to your face, but I admired you and I think so does all the people that have crossed paths with you. I was really hoping to work with you again at this year’s ATP Malaysian Open but I guess god has better plans for us.

Rest in peace my friend.