A tribute to my father’s remarkable legacy

This week has cast a sombre shadow over our lives as we come to terms with the loss of an extraordinary man who held an irreplaceable place in our hearts.

Nagrace Timor, our beloved husband and father, has bid farewell to this world, leaving behind a profound legacy that will forever resonate within our souls.

Until the remarkable age of 96, he graced our lives with an abundance of stories, unwavering dedication, and boundless love.

On the morning of January 13, 2024, in the serene embrace of my sister’s home in Kampung Bunuk, Jalan Puncak Borneo, Kuching, Nagrace answered the call of the Lord.

This poignant moment arrived barely a day after he was granted the privilege of returning home for end-of-life care, following a three-night stay at the Pusat Jantung Sarawak in Samarahan.

Throughout his life, Nagrace donned numerous hats. Before retiring from the civil service in 1984, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to the Agriculture Department.

His service took him to various places, from Tarat in Serian to Long Lama and Long Teru in Baram, and from Lundu to his final tenure in Siburan.

In a bygone era, even before the dark cloud of the Japanese Occupation settled, he briefly assumed the role of a teacher, nurturing young minds and shaping the futures of those under his care.

Nagrace’s journey was not devoid of challenges, yet he faced each hurdle with unwavering resilience and unyielding determination.

Born in a different time, he witnessed the tides of history ebb and flow, adapting to the ever-changing world around him.

Tirelessly, he toiled to ensure that our needs were met, but his significance extended far beyond mere provision.

He was the heart that bound our family together, and love was not just a word to him—it was a force that fortified us through every trial and tribulation.

FINAL FAREWELL … A poignant moment unfolds as my mom delicately places a rose in the coffin of my father just before the cortege embarks from my sister’s residence for the solemn burial rites. It’s a symbolic gesture of love that transcends words, a gesture that encapsulates the beauty of a lifetime shared.

In his extraordinary 96 years, Nagrace imparted wisdom, kindness, and a profound sense of responsibility to each of us. My mother, now 85 and still radiating strength, stands as a testament to the enduring bond they shared.

Their love story, spanning decades, serves as a beacon of commitment and partnership, embodying the true essence of devotion.

Six of us remain in the embrace of this family — three boys and two girls — each carrying forward his teachings and values. I, as the third child, am humbled to contribute to this legacy.

Tragedy struck our family when we lost our second youngest, a brother, to a tragic road accident. The pain from that loss struck deep, and its impact never truly faded. Nevertheless, amidst the hardships, Nagrace remained an unwavering bastion of strength.

His resilience taught us to stand tall, even when the road grew treacherous.
As we bid farewell to my beloved father, let us resist being consumed by sorrow.

Instead, let us celebrate the extraordinary life he lived. His legacy lives on through the invaluable lessons he taught us, the cherished memories we shared, and the love forever etched within our hearts.

In honouring his memory, my siblings and I pledge to embody the qualities that made him the remarkable person he was. We find solace in knowing that Nagrace has found his peaceful resting place at St Mark’s Chapel Cemetery, Mile 15 Kuching-Serian Road, on January 15, 2024.

Rest easy and sleep well, dear Dad. May the eternal light forever shine upon your soul as you find everlasting peace.

Oh God, who has commanded us to honour our fathers, in Your infinite mercy, have compassion on the soul of my dearly departed father. Grant him forgiveness for his sins and allow us to glimpse his radiant spirit in the eternal bliss that awaits. Through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

Though your physical presence may be missed, dear Dad, your spirit shall endure through the love and strength you have bestowed upon us.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.