Peter Yeoh Keat Choon was born on 27 June 1942 in Kuala Lumpur and was one of seven brothers. Having obtained his primary and secondary education at St. John’s Institution Kuala Lumpur, he went on to study law at the University of Singapore and after graduation, he chambered at Skrine & Co. (as it was then known). He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 22 December 1965. Thereafter he joined his brother Ronald Yeo at the law firm of Yeo & Yeo and at the time of his demise on 20 October 2000, he was the senior partner of the said firm.
Peter had an unorthodox way of looking at things and when so roused would draft colourful letters and affidavits. His incisive mind and ability to dissect a problem and turn it inside out is, until today, sorely missed. His legal acumen won him and his practice, clients ranging from the man in the street to large corporations and foreign governments
Whilst he could be demanding as a boss, he was never tyrannical and he inspired loyalty among his employees, some of whom are still with the firm after 20 years. He was unstinting in his guidance to all those who sought it.
His ability to remain calm and confident at the most stressful of periods can best be illustrated by his taking a 30 minute nap at the office in between appearances in Federal Court while his clients paced up and down the office wearing a hole in the carpet.
He is fondly remembered for his jovial and expansive personality. Friends from near and far remember his happy smiling face and the constant jokes and stories pouring forth from him. He had the innate ability to talk to anyone, from the char kway teow seller to the highest-ranking official. He loved and genuinely enjoyed making friends, with whom he would share his love of food, which encompassed the local coffee shop, the 5-star restaurant and his own accomplished creations.
A widely-travelled person, he always had an armoury of amusing tales and anecdotes from his travels followed by his infectious laughter.
Married to Madam Low Siew Geok, he was the proud father of four daughters, Fiona who followed him into practice, Sonia an embryologist, Louisa who is currently pursuing a doctorate in bio-technology and Petrina who has just graduated in bio-chemistry. He was a loving and giving husband and father.
He is deeply missed by all who knew him.