Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew dies at 91

Singapore’s founding father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, passed away at the age of 91 on 23 March 2015, Monday, at 3.18am.

Lee had been hospitalised at the Singapore General Hospital for severe pneumonia since 5 February.

Lee's son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said in a statement that he was "deeply grieved" to announce the passing of his 91-year-old father. He declared a period of national mourning which will last for seven days, starting from today (23 March 2015) until the late leader is cremated on Saturday, 29 March 2015.

Lee’s remains will first be taken to the Istana state complex for a two-day private family wake before lying in state at the Parliament House for the public to pay their last respects.

Click "Next" to remember the biggest moments in his life and read our special tribute.

Important moments in Lee Kuan Yew’s life

Lee Kuan Yew was born in 1923 to English-educated parents Lee Chin Koon and Chua Jim Neo. Lee was named "Kuan Yew," which means "light and brightness." He was given the English moniker "Harry" by his paternal grandfather.

Lee formed the People’s Action Party in 1954. In 1959, he became the first Prime Minister of Singapore.

Lee led the nation through a merger with the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 that led to the Singapore's independence in 1965. His People's Action Party has been the governing party in Singapore since then.

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

Greatly missed by all!

Lee Kuan Yew leaves behind two sons, Lee Hsien Loong and Lee Hsien Yang, and one daughter, Lee Wei Ling. His wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo, died in 2010 at the age of 89.

It is without a doubt that Lee’s passing has left a great impact on leaders and citizens all over the world. His vision has elevated Singapore to become one of the most modern and largest economies in the world today, thus bringing constant inspiration to people who aspire to succeed.

We at theAsianparent are among the many who will greatly miss this inspirational man who pushes us to constantly reach higher. As an ode to the Founding Father of Singapore, here are our tributes for Lee Kuan Yew.

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

Gone, but not forgotten

"I sit here writing this tribute with tears in my eyes - as I grieve the passing on of our founding father, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. It's hard to explain the profound sense of loss I feel - but I take comfort knowing that most, if not all of us, feel the same way.

"Lee Kuan Yew may be gone but he will never be forgotten. It is his policies that have put Singapore on the world map. It is his policies that have brought us from third world to the jewel of Southeast Asia.

"Thank you for your tireless contributions. Rest in peace."

Roshni Mahtani, CEO of Tickled Media - Parent company of theAsianparent

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

Forward thinking

"Lee Kuan Yew's style has had a great impact on my thinking. For me, he was, and will always remain, the epitome of forward thinking, passion and desire to do the right thing and to stand strong in the face of adversity. RIP, Sir, and thank you!"

Amit Nagpal, Country Manager, Singapore

Image credit: Remembering Lee Kuan Yew Facebook page

Democracy, as we know it today

"Lee Kuan Yew was a strong leader that had an immense impact on democracy as we know it today. He was a great visionary and someone we can all look up to as a role model for the years to come.

"I am deeply saddened that he is gone, yet tremendously grateful for all that he has done to make the Singapore way of life an aspirational one. Especially as a mum, I am grateful to live in a country where my two sons can live securely and have access to all the opportunities that will bring them happiness and success in the future.

"Thank you, Sir, and may you rest in peace."

Neetu Mirchandani, Regional Vice President of Insights

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

He gave Singaporeans a place we can call home

"I am so sorry to hear of the death of our founding father. My deepest sympathies are with his family.

"Mr. Lee Kuan Yew was the Nelson Mandela of Singapore. His courage and perseverance gave Singaporeans a safe and prosperous place we can call home.

"Generations of Singaporeans will forever remember and be eternally grateful to the man who's given up his life for a successful Singapore.

"May Mr. Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace."

Vania Tan, Vice President of Sales

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

The secret to conquering challenges

"Focus and drive: two traits that go hand-in-hand for every successful leader, from Churchill to Roosevelt. Harry Lee had them in spades, steering Singapore through economic and social challenges on its own precarious pedestal."

Alvin De Cruz, Lead Software Engineer

Image credit: Youtube screengrab

His legacy will live on

"Mr. Lee Kuan Yew was a man of great wisdom and vision, for he transformed this tiny little red dot into the bustling Singapore that we all live in - and call home - today. His name will be forever engraved in our minds, and I’m sure the younger generation will come to know about the great things he has done for our country.

"Thank you, Sir, for giving up your life for Singapore. Our deepest condolences to the Lee family."

Justina Goh, Associate Editor

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

A mentor to all Singaporeans

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lee Kuan Yew - Singapore's Father both literally and metaphorically.

"He has nurtured our tiny island of Singapore to make it a giant among other nations in many way and, by example, has been a mentor to all Singaporeans, whether they have met him or not.

"May he rest in peace."

Nalika Unantenne, Web writer

"If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be standing here today"

"This is something that a friend of mine said last week, and it has resonated strongly with me since.

"With Lee Kuan Yew's passing this morning, it is clear to me that he will leave behind a great legacy that impacts not only the lives of Singaporeans but the lives of people all over the word.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to Lee Kuan Yew's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew."

Danni Siew, Account Manager

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

Always remembered in our hearts

"Thank you for your contributions to Singapore for the past 50 years and making this little red dot into a country that we can be proud of. Its a pity that you wouldn't be able to see through the 50th National Day, but you will always forever be remembered in the hearts of every Singapore son and daughter."

Stephen Lay, Client Support

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

Thank you for believing in Singapore

"Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's dedication to the nation is an inspiration to all. Thank you for your belief in Singapore and bringing us to where we are today."

Ekjote Kaur, Marketing Intern

Image credit: YouTube screengrab

He built a country out of almost nothing

"Singapore has lost a great leader and the most honourable and respectful man that envisioned Singapore and brought it to where it is today. Very few have made so much difference to so many in so little time. No one else has built a country out of almost nothing, and in the face of so much adversity.

"Singapore without our founding father will never be the same, but for every proud Singaporean the only way to show our gratitude is to continue building and taking Singapore to the highest of heights.

"Thank you, Sir, for everything you have done for us that has made us proud to call ourselves Singaporeans. Your legacy will live on and you shall deeply be missed."

Khushboo Khiatani, Insights Manager

It started with a dream...

"He sold a dream to his fellow people and poured all his life into it to realise that dream - a dream where the country and its people are strong enough to withstand all challenges that face them.

"Thank you, Sir, for never giving up on this little island and giving your best to see this back water 'kelong' island turn into a dynamic, vibrant, economically strong and global country.

"You will always be in the hearts of many of us Singaporeans.

"Thank you, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew."

Lucinda Foo, Web designer

Image credit: Remembering Lee Kuan Yew Facebook page

Written by

Justina Goh

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