(1944-2011)
If I had known then, that it would be the last time you would walk out of your office at No. 6 and never return again, I would have found an excuse to delay and make you turn back.
I would not have let you walked alone lugging the bulging shoulder sling bag that had contained all your precious stuff --- a much used USGA Rules book thicker than my Bible, sheets and sheets of paper with your scribblings in preparation for your golf seminars, files of old MGA minutes, KGNS correspondences, a tattered copy of Daily Bread, different coloured marker pens, Insulin jabs, machine to take your blood sugar reading, a small container of glucose and sweets which you kept handy in case lunch was delayed and you went low, several nasal sprays, eye drops, and various types of medicines carefully arranged in marked pill boxes, newspapers, snacks for your grandchildren and a packet of Fishermen's Friend-- the flavour in the blue packet that both of us preferred.
That evening when you left the office at No. 6, it was drizzling but you didn't want an umbrella. Too troublesome you had said.
Usually you would ask for one of the staff to help carry your bag down to the car but not that time. And I didn't think to insist but instead accompanied you midway down the three flight of stairs.
You were king in your office domain and there was very little your staff and I wouldn't do for you. But you had insisted on carrying your own load.
I stood at the landing and watched you slowly descend the remaining way; every step an effort; your shoulders slumped, your steps faltered. I sensed your discomfort but didn't know what to say and I could only managed a muffled 'Take care'.
Upon reaching the door, you turned slowly and finding me still at the landing, you straightened up, smiled weakly and said softly, 'Bye, see you tomorrow' and then let yourself out the door.
I went back upstairs and into your office to pick up some documents but was compelled to look out the window into the street and was in time to catch a final glimpse of you getting into your car as the rain cascaded like a shimmering silky curtain. I waved and strained against the window pane as you slowly drove off and gradually disappeared from view...
How was I to know that, that would be the last time I would see you at No. 6.
Had I known that there was so little time left, I would have done things differently.
Don't we all wish for second chances?
How could we have known when you yourself were so careless of such telling signs and explained them away as mere fatigue and symptoms of 'old age'.
Your constant prolonged tiredness and pallor were unnatural and yet we didn't take heed.
If only we had paid more attention but we didn't and now you are gone and nothing will bring you back.
*************
How does one describe the uniqueness of a friendship and business partnership that had spanned almost three decades?
At my birthday celebration some years back, no amount of persuasion could get him to go on stage to say 'a few words'. Making speeches were not his cup of tea, I knew that and so I didn't even try. Not that he didn't know what to say but because in the last three decades he had said plenty already.
I, on the other hand have no difficulty in talking or writing about the man but how does one say good bye ...
William van Geyzel loved to eat and it was him who introduced me to the delicious world of food --- all sorts of food; nasi lemak, roti canai, idli, thosai, bak-kut-teh, sashimi, short ribs, spare ribs, T-bone steak, Spanish suckling pig, scrambled eggs, German sausages, baked beans and corned beef.
.... to Smart Tags, Touch N Go, Digital Cameras and Mobile Phones.
A man who brought new meaning to the word birdie, buggy, bunkers and buayas.
A man who held the remarkable record of 5 times hole-in-one (RSGC, KGNS and Tropicana GCC- twice at the same hole at the same club) a feat seldom matched by even the best of golfers and professionals.
A man who knew more about Corporate Management than Jack Welch and Peter Drucker put together.
A disciplined man who unwavered in his quest for excellence. Never one to quit, he thrived on challenges, putting right what is wrong, whatever it takes, however long it requires.
The only man who could turn order into chaos and chaos back into order and nobody would be the wiser!
A fighter in the face of adversities, a warrior in the battlefield, a leader in the industry and a babe in the arms of the Savior.
Always the 'women and children first', a true officer and a gentleman.
Capt. William van Geyzel stands out in a crowd not because of the size of his nose or ears but because he was truly a giant of a man. He was fearless and indomitable in times of trials and troubles and there were many. Defeats were not uncommon but these could never curb his fighting spirit.
Undoubtedly an eccentric man who was known to drive one to insanity but then which great man is not prone to eccentricity and craziness?
There is no doubt that Capt. William had earned a place of prominence in the Hall of Fame among the Great men who had ever lived... a symbol of wisdom, fairness, integrity, honour and strength.
Am I biased? Of course I am and for good reasons.
He has had his fair share of people who couldn't stand his arrogance and cockiness. But that was him. Better this than to be a hypocrite, he had often remarked.
He was probably regarded as a glamourous figure to the outside world but to us who knew and worked with him in close proximity, he was a great teacher, leader, mentor and protector... a beacon.
Capt. William had been taken away from us far too soon.
Although we grieve for our loss we take heart in knowing that he has gone to a far better place, where there is no more pain, suffering or tears.
In this we take comfort.
Our parting is but for a while as we cling to the hope of eternity.
Someday we shall be re-united and once again the sound of his laughter and the timbre of his deep voice will ring in our ears...
Adieu.
