Vincent Tan Zhi Chao graduated with Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales in 2009 and was called to the Bar of England and Wales as a Barrister-at-Law at the Middle Temple, London in July 2010. He completed his pupillage at Lim Kian Leong & Co. before being admitted and enrolled as Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in July 2011. His career continued in commercial and corporate litigation, under the tutelage of Mr Terence Chan Kah Meng and Mr Tan Keng Teck before he joined the law firm of Oh & Partners in Cheras in 2014. Vincent took immense pride in his work and enjoyed the challenging but rewarding career in litigation. He was also blessed with the opportunity to work as a volunteer with legal aid through his firm, a part of his career that he cherished deeply.
Work aside, Vincent had many hobbies and interests including tennis, soccer and music. He was blessed with many close friends, drawn to him through his many hobbies and interests. Vincent was an avid reader, with interest and opinions in various issues from politics and economics to world sports and cars. His interests allowed him to cultivate friends from all walks of life, helped by his ability to find topics for discussion with people of all ages. Sadly, Vincent passed away suddenly in March 2015. He is best remembered for his resilience, passionate approach to life and humorous nature. He is dearly missed by family and friends.
Many people come and go in our lives, but very few make a memorable impression. Vincent, you were one of them.
We see you here in your professional attire but that was just one of your many facets. You were a brilliant lawyer but you were also so much more.
Vincent, you were a friend to so many people and touched so many lives in so many different ways.
You were one of those very rare people that was able to talk intelligently and confidently to any person on any subject. You were the centre of attention wherever you went, your charisma and warmth endeared you to everyone around you, especially to all of us who loved you dearly.
You were a humorous and fun-loving Brother, favourite and beloved Ah Gu and supportive Brother-in-Law. You were a filial Grandson and best of Friends. You were a caring and loving Companion. You were a dearest Son.
You were a man of passion. You loved cars, football, jerseys, good food, and like me, you idolised Roger Federer, the greatest tennis player of all time.
We all have to learn a lesson from you – you always lived and enjoyed your life to the full, and made the most possible out of every single precious moment. You loved, laughed and cried with all your heart.
Now, as you leave us in the prime of your life, we are overcome with a range of emotions. Anger, denial, grief, and disbelief, these are just a few of the feelings that have overwhelmed us in the last few days. But in the pain and sorrow, there is undeniably something to celebrate about your life.
Life is not measured by its length but its depth. In your short but rich life, you have lived, experienced and achieved so many things that we would not even dare dream of. We respect your bravery, guts and determination in pushing the limits time and again, overcoming adversities and tribulations that not many of us would be capable of.
You lived life as a splash of fireworks. You came to life, rose, shone and sparkled, alas like many beautiful things and many beautiful people, we are only granted a transient experience of your presence.
Your humorous, witty, fun-loving personality has given us many happy memories – and it is these memories that has been the only thing successful in bringing a smile to our faces in this difficult time.
Vincent, though you are no longer with us, we can celebrate how privileged and honoured we have been to have known you. We celebrate the enrichment you have given to our lives. And most importantly we celebrate your life. You will always be a brother that Xuan Ni and I look up to, and we will endeavour to live our lives to the fullest and with no regrets, as you did.
See you Vincent, we miss you dearly, and we always will.
Vincent’s Eulogy
March 2015