I got a text message yesterday morning at 8.50am to inform me that a family friend, Ballang Lasung, had just passed away at the Sarawak General Hospital. I managed to talk to Sarah (daughter) at about 12 noon and she asked that I help put together a slide presentation for the funeral.

I was at their house at 8pm and stayed till 1.30am, looking through their family photos as we decided on the images to include in the slide presentation. The family is strong and I admire their strength.

I've known Uncle Ballang for as long as I can remember and I will always remember him as the healthy man who made my church members take an exercise test. He was a four time Javelin gold medallist at the South East Asian (SEA) Games which he won in 1977, 1979, 1981 and 1983. He is a champion in all respects, never complaining and always knowing where he stood in his faith and beliefs.

I know he is in a better place and forever a champion to all of us.