Obituary for Dr. Wai Yun Syn

Dr. Wai Yun Syn, at 81 years of age, gently passed away on May 24, 2013. His heart finally gave out after carrying him for 25 years beyond what his colleagues estimated was likely. His passing was peaceful surrounded by his family. Still here to celebrate his life are his loving wife of 25 years, Betty Syn of Columbus, NC; (3 children): Warren Wah Lun James Syn of Clairmont GA, Suelin Lilly-Ammons of Columbus, NC, and Evelyn Lee Campbell of Conyers, GA; (2 stepchildren): Dr. Robert Lilly of Columbus, NC, Pamela Bach Tucker of Atlanta, GA; (5 grandchildren): Angelina Lilly and Skylar Ammons, both of Columbus, NC and Nick, Nathan and Maxwell Bach of Atlanta, GA. Wai was born and grew up in Singapore, son of parents who were Chinese, Eng Kim Syn and Mabel Ho Syn. In 1950, his foster parents, Warren and Evelyn Willis, sponsored Wai in coming to America, where he received his undergraduate degree from Florida University and his MD degree from Emory University Medical School in 1959. Dr. Syn then went on as a doctor to do mission work in Asia, where he helped many who would not have otherwise received medical care. He then worked at DeKalb Hospital and in private practice in Atlanta as an internist for 40 years before retiring to Columbus, NC. Wai was an incredible inspiration to his many friends and family, and his smile and laughter will live long in our hearts. We have created a memorial website we hope you will visit to either see some pictures and videos of Wai, or perhaps to post a story or light a candle in memory of our friend, Dr. Wai Yun Syn. ( http://wai.syn.muchloved.com ) There will be a Memorial Life Celebration in 3-4 weeks. The details will be posted in a few days on this memorial website. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trout Unlimited. Wai was an avid fisherman and loved all types of fishing. He was particularly fond of Trout Unlimited (Pisgah Chapter) because of their mission: “to conserve, protect and restore cold water fisheries and other watersheds in the Western North Carolina region.” If you feel inspired to donate in Wai’s name, please send your tax deductible checks to: Pisgah Chapter Trout Unlimited, PO Box 841, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Please write “In memory of Wai Syn” in the check memo area. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Polk County EMS and the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department for their unbelievable efforts and competence. In lieu of flowers or food, please also consider donating to the Columbus Volunteer Fire Dept. If you do, please send your tax deductible checks to: Columbus Fire Dept, 100 Peak St, Columbus, NC 28722. Please write “In memory of Wai Syn” in the check memo area.

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Thoughts

To my Dad2, I love you and will miss you. When I think of you, I think of LOTS of good times, LOTS of laughter, great food, hugs, camping, late night Chinese movies at the movie theater, playing that hilarious word game with my parents, Hot Pots, nursing me back to health several times when I was really sick, working with you in your office, trying to give you directions when riding with you in the car (that one is for you, Sue,......HERE??, slam on brakes), Bo Bo Cha Cha, Twice Cooked Chicken, introducing me to Iced Coffee back before Starbucks or anyone in Atlanta ever heard of Iced Coffee :) ...and the list can go on and on. You're the Best. Best Father-in-Law and then Best Friend. Love, Jennifer
jennifer-leigh
14th June 2013
I am very sad to hear Dr passed away. I am particular sad that I am not even able to attend his memorial service. Hope he can forgive me in haven. I don’t remember when the first time I met Dr but we become good buddies since. We shared 2 great passions in life, fishing and food. Whenever there is a patch of water, no matter it is a ponds, lake, river, or ocean , we probably throw our fishing lines in to try our luck. We always enjoyed our catch no matter what size it is and share all the big fish stories. I learn a lot of excellent fishing technique from Dr and I will treasure this technique for the rest of my life. We always searching for the best restaurants and we have good times over delicious meals. He is also an excellent cook and I always crave for his Singapore style dishes. Later a beautiful and nice lady name Betty came into Dr’s life and joined us in the quest for good food. We always have a great time and I don’t even remember there’s a single bad meals with Dr and Betty. I will always have my soul mate, Dr Syn, in my heart and soul as being a good and loving father and husband, an excellent fisherman, and a gourmet chef. May he rest in peace and have all the fishes and delicious food in haven.
oht3075
9th June 2013
Your path was bridled with your love of children and the desire to see them become everything could. As I walk the way you went I feel the thoughts of your teachings. You have affected so many. The path has many flowers and much beauty thanks to you. May your path meet joy and love somewhere beyond.
sdshafer
9th June 2013