Uncle Mike saw a lot of beauty in life and thankfully for us, he was able to convey some of that beauty through his works of art - whether it was through flora or art work or even through newspapers (when he dabbled in creating amazing art pieces using newspapers - now still on the walls of Mikuni Restaurant at Fairmont Hotel).

He was always patient to explain his craft to anyone who wanted to learn and to see what he could see. He enjoyed life, enjoyed people, enjoyed good food and travel, and enjoyed learning. I remember him trying to learn Mandarin in his later years, on his own.

He was generous. I remember when he used to give us nieces free rein to raid his fridge and hang out at his apartment at Pandan Valley while he was busy with his shop downstairs.

Even in his later years, he still had the excitement of a child when he did something new or met someone interesting. (I recall him telling us excitedly when he sold his first art piece).

He loved animals and dogs were his companions for many of his years. Even while he was sick in hospital, he was enquiring after my dog Bailey.

He was a good, good man.

Many, many more memories of Uncle Mike are slowly flooding back. Sometimes, we only recall these moments and learn to be thankful for them only when the person is no longer with us. I wish we had spent more time telling him how much he brought to our lives.