Singapore’s ‘Mr Bowling’ has called time from the fast lanes. Henry Tan Yoke See, the world-class bowling legend, passed away early this morning.

He will be revered as someone who had “bowling in his blood” and in the words of Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF), he “genuinely walked the talk…from his world-class win in 1970, he created the pathway for countless numbers of Singaporean bowlers to excel on the world stage”.

Forty-seven years ago, Tan put Singapore in the world bowling map by winning the individual silver medal at the World Games in Copenhagen in 1970 – a success that fired little-known Singapore on the world bowling map and created a refreshingly new interest among the younger keglers.

He followed the 1970 feat with a glorious string of bowling titles, most prominently the all-events gold medal at the 8th SEAP (South-East Asia Peninsular) Games and the silver (duo) at the 1975 World FIQ which gained him the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ awards in 1971 and 1976. Tan was also ‘Best Coach of the Year’ in 1983.

The 74-year-old, a father of two, continued to serve Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF) as a Council Member and was a great ambassador to promote the sport among the younger generation.

Much as the sporting fraternity was stunned by this shock death, believed to be from heart failure, the tributes flowed like a tsunami wave. Simply because Tan was remembered for so many unique trademarks. His laugh was infectious, his personality always that of a champion, his bowling skills unmatched and his love of bowling unrivaled.

EXTRAORDINARY MENTOR

Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF), in a formal tribute, hailed him as an “extraordinary mentor to thousands of bowlers…an awesome role-model as a player, coach, administrator and adviser”.

SBF Technical & Executive Director Mervyn Foo says: “We’re still numbed by his sudden death. Henry Tan was a bowling gentleman who genuinely walked the talk. He just had bowling in his blood. From his world-class win in 1970, he created the pathway for countless numbers of Singaporean bowlers to excel on the world stage.

“Remarkably, despite his legendary status, he always placed himself last and ensured that top priority went to the youngsters, many of whom he personally groomed.”

‘The New Paper’ icon journalist Brian Miller, who covered the bowling scene in the 1970s, saluted the character and charisma of Tan. He says: “In the early 1970s, we looked up to Henry in awe. He was one of the friendliest guys at Jackie’s Bowl Orchard. Also in the 70s, he was a great help and a friend to the young journalists, covering any bowling event.”

PASSIONATE ABOUT BOWLING

Former Sports Editor of The Straits Times Godfrey Robert saluted Tan as a “model sportsman”. He says: “He was very passionate about bowling, always looking into ways to raise the profile of the sport. That is why he turned to coaching after his illustrious playing career.

“His demise is not only to bowling but sport in general because he was a model sportsman. Always humble, helpful and dedicated. And a good guy for the media because he always shared opinions.”

Retired softball international R. V. Nathan, the father of Jasmine Yeong-Nathan, the first Singaporean to win the AMF Bowling World Cup in Mexico in November 2008, remembers Tan as the “gentleman who motivated my kids to be top-class bowlers”.

“Jason and Jasmine (my kids) were captivated by the encouragement they got from a world-class bowling legend,” says Nathan. “They followed his advice and rose to global heights, primarily because of the motivation from him. Jasmine was honoured with the Singapore’s Sportswoman of the Year 2009.”

Nathan, whose wife was also a softball international, adds: “The news of Henry’s passing certainly cast a dark shadow over the bowling family. He’s truly ‘Mr Bowling’. I think his greatest gift was the ease with which he handled the different personalities, from the young to the seniors, as he tirelessly worked towards the common goal of growing this sport.”

Ronnie Ng, who played with Tan at the 1983 SEA (South-East Asia) Games and was also a SBF coach, says: “A very big loss to Singapore bowling. Henry was a very nice friend and colleague, who knew how to get the best out of anyone with his inspiring words. He was simply outstanding.”

RIP Henry Tan: You will be dearly missed as a great Made-in-Singapore world-class bowler and a unique human being. – BY SURESH NAIR

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