Tan Kwee Swee, death 28 Jan. 1937, Singapore

DEATH OF MR. TAN KWEE SWEE 

Malaya Tribune, 29 January 1937, Page 15

Funeral Today

The Father of Two Queen's Scholars

Singapore, Friday. The death occurred yesterday of Mr. Tan Kwee Swee, at the age of 56 years, at his residence, No. 8, Swanage Road, Singapore.

Mr. Kwee Swee, who is one of the best well-known Chinese residents of Singapore, counted a very large circle of friends throughout Malaya and is best known for the fact that his two children, Mr. Tan Thoon Lip and Miss Maggie Tan, won the Queen's Scholarships.

Mr. Kwee Swee had been in poor health for about a month, and his death removes one, who in his younger days, was a leading Chinese resident of Singapore.

Mr. Kwee Swee comes of a very distinguished Chinese family, and was the fourth son of the late Mr. Tan Soon Toh, and a great grandson of the late Mr. Tan Tock Seng, whose charitable inclinations led to the establishment of the well-known hospital at Balestier which bears his name. Recently Mr. Kwee Swee sat on the committee of that hospital.

Big Racehorse Owner

In his younger days, Mr. Kwee Swee was a big racehorse owner, and his "colours" were always seen at functions on and off the course. He was also a good sportsman, and cricket and ten[n]is were his recreations.

He was an original member of the Garden Club and Chinese Swimming Club, and frequently contributed to charities, and although not actively associated with the various local public bodies, was looked upon as a leader of the community.

He played a large part in the alleviation of distress during the big rice crisis in Singapore, and once organised a Christmas treat for the inmates of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital a few years ago.

Lived In Retirement

Of late, Mr. Kwee Swee had been living in retirement. His father had five sons and one daughter, all of whom with the exception of two, (Mr. Tan Cheow Pin and Mr. Tan Kwee Liang) who are now living in retirement in Singapore, are dead.

One of Mr. Kwee Swee's brothers was the late Mr. Tan Boo Liat, who was a very well-known resident of Bangkok.

Mr. Kwee Swee leaves behind to mourn his loss, his widow and two children.

Mr. Thoon Lip, his son, is Assistant Official Assignee in the S.S., while the daughter, Miss Maggie Tan, is now studying medicine in London.

The funeral will take place at the Bidadari Cemetery at 5.30 p.m. to-day, the cortege leaving the house at 4.30.