Celebrating Life in Death

Some Singaporeans try to find joy in grief by sending off their loved ones with personalised wakes and funerals

- Cherie Lok

In life, Mr Wee Chwee Beng was an avid golfer who loved a day on the green with friends, rounded off with a big dinner and strong drink.

So, it was only fitting that the 81-year-old former trader was dressed accordingly for his final journey, in his favourite maroon trousers and cap, a club in hand and golf balls by his side, as if getting ready to tee off one last time.

"Golf has always been a big part of his life, so we thought that would be something he would like to be associated with. After all, a lot of his friends were his fellow golfers," says his youngest son Thomas Wee, 48.

He describes his father, who died in August 2024 after a fall, as a live-wire who created joy wherever he went and always made sure his friends were well taken care of.

To celebrate the full life he had lived, his family turned his wake into a colourful and interactive affair. There were photo collages of family holidays and nights out with friends, as well as an origami tree where visitors could pen well wishes.

Whiskey, his favourite drink, was placed beside his portrait and served to guests, along with beer, to toast his memory.

"Though we are sad to see him go, the celebration of his life is not a sad week. I think he would want us to continue his legacy of bringing joy to people. He would have wanted them to be happy at his wake," says the younger Mr Wee, who is the chief executive of Gleneagles Hospital.

To send their father off in the style befitting his vibrant personality, the family engaged The Life Celebrant, a company that specialises in personalised funerals.

Its founder Angjolie Mei says the demand for services like hers is on the rise, with more people warming up to the idea that grief and joy, as well as celebration and mourning, can co-exist in the same space.