Borneo Lady: My father's story

This chapter was edited on 21th April 2019 because of my father's passing in 2016

My father was 83 years old He was born in Singapore and was transferred to Jesselton for work in the 50's. It's been 60 years now since he first stepped foot on the shores of Jesselton ( Kota Kinabalu), the capital of North Borneo( now Sabah).

When he first arrived at Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu), he was on his own with only a white canvas bag over his shoulder as his luggage and knew no body. Kota Kinabalu in those days were full of jungle.

After so many years especially in his golden age, he already had uncountable friends who would look for him everyday for just a cup of tea or Kopi O (Local coffee without milk). They would go to their favorite coffee shop to talk about "those were the days" while sipping their hot drinks. How time flies. Those who had known him,described him as a generous and humble man.Years had gone by but he still remembered how Jesselton looked like in the 50's. He was very attached to my only son, his first grandson because my son loves listening to his police stories even though it's a repetitive ones sometimes.😂😂😂😂

My father was from Singapore Police Force, Special Branch. He was transferred to Jesselton (Kota-kinabalu) on request by his British boss, Mr John Fairbairn, head of Special Branch, Kepayan Police Headquarters, Jesselton ( Kota Kinabalu) in the 50's during the British Colony. Mr John Fairbairn was the son of Mr William Fairbairn. When I was young, my father used to tell stories about Mr W. and J. Fairbairn, how well-known W. Fairbairn was in handling the Shanghai situation, how J. Fairbairn was brought up in Shanghai and spoke very fluent Mandarin, in fact better than my father.

When I visited Fort William museum in 2017, I read the story about William Fairbairn in Shanghai and what my father said was true. ( you will know what I mean when you read my chapter about Scotland Road Trip 5 days 4 night part 1).

When Malaysia became independant in 1963, Mr J. Fairbairn left for good. Mr J. Fairbairn and my father must have a special bond together because they both still keep in touch through letters. Every year they would exchange simple gift on Christmas Day. One of those gift , I remembered my father received was a set of beautiful wine glass coasters posted from England. How did I know all these? It's because my father always asked me to write/reply his letters while he dictated. I remember Mr John letter always ended with "OBE" then a signature "J.Fairbairn". I was my father's little secretary and I was only 11years old that time!!😁.The letters continued until one day a letter came from England after so many delayed months. It's a letter from Mrs. Fairbairn saying that Mr Fairbairn was not well. That's the last letter of the "Fairbairn". Later, as I grew up, I learnt the alphabets "OBE" means Order of British Empire. It's an honour given by Queen Elizabeth.

My father treasured all his letters and gifts from Mr J.Fairbairn until one day his house was affected by flash flood. A lot of my father's stuff including stamps from the colonial days were all destroyed and sadly also all of Mr. J Fairbairn's letters. My father was a very optimistic person.No matter how hard or sad, life goes on.How I missed my father 😢

Pictures between 20th Century and 21st Century: