July 7, 2009
DEATH OF AN NSMAN
A teary farewell
By Kimberly Spykerman
The 21-year-old officer, Nicholas Chan Wei Kit - the only child of a homemaker and an engineer - died last Friday after an army Land Rover rolled backwards and hit him, pinning him under it. --ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN
The 21-year-old officer, Nicholas Chan Wei Kit - the only child of a homemaker and an engineer - died last Friday after an army Land Rover rolled backwards and hit him, pinning him under it. --ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN
The 21-year-old officer - the only child of a homemaker and an engineer - died last Friday after an army Land Rover rolled backwards and hit him, pinning him under it.
Soldiers lined the crematorium driveway in the rain, each with a black band on their arm, as the hearse made its slow procession, 2LT Chan's parents trailing behind.
Eight of his fellow cadets also carried his coffin - draped with the Singapore flag - into the fully-packed hall.
There was not a dry eye in the hall as 2LT's cousin, Mr Reuben Leong, 20, delivered the eulogy on the man with a 'cheeky and heartwarming smile' they all affectionately called 'Nicky Boy'.
Mr Leong added: 'He was a bright young man with many aspirations.'
One of 2LT Chan' men also spoke of him as a 'fair and compassionate' leader, one who had no qualms about helping his men clean the army vehicles.
His parents remained composed as they accepted a folded Singapore flag, their son's ceremonial sword and his peak cap.
The Defence Ministry said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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