06 Oct, 2024

A nine-day search for 76-year-old retired Singaporean teacher, Harry Tan, concluded on October 4th with the tragic discovery of his body near the Kongma La Pass in Nepal. The veteran trekker was well-loved by his friends, family, and students for his passion for hiking and adventure.

Tan went missing on September 26th while trekking in the Everest region at an altitude above 5,500 meters. A massive search-and-rescue operation was launched, but it was hampered by severe snowstorms. Despite the challenges, the search teams persisted, eventually recovering Tan's body.

The Nepalese authorities and local guides played a crucial role in the search mission. The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed the news and offered condolences to Tan's family. The Nepalese government was commended by the MFA for their selfless efforts in the search.

Investigations suggest that Tan fell from a cliff while hiking through the Kongma La Pass, a notoriously difficult route. Friends and colleagues expressed their shock and sorrow at his sudden passing.

Raj Tamang, a close friend who hiked to Everest Base Camp with Tan in 2019, spoke highly of him, saying, "I was holding out hope that if anyone could survive this, it would be Harry." Tan was known for his fitness and dedication to his health.

According to Tamang, a trekking guide with nearly forty years of experience, Tan was likely on his third trip to the Everest region. He was renowned for his adventurous spirit and had even hit golf balls from Everest Base Camp during a previous trip.

Tan retired from his position as a teacher at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2010 but continued to teach part-time until 2020. He was highly regarded by his students and colleagues for his dedication and mentorship.

NTU expressed their grief over Tan's passing, stating, "Harry was a beloved teacher and mentor to many students and a supportive friend to his colleagues." A former student shared their sadness, saying, "Mr. Harry Tan was a mentor and a friend to so many of us."

Tan's impact extended beyond the classroom. As a physical education professor at the National Institute of Education (NIE), he made significant contributions to the physical education community in Singapore.

Dr. Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah, a Member of Parliament and one of Tan's former students, fondly remembered him as a man of immense passion, strength, and spirit. Another former student, Mr. Koh, a physical education instructor, said Tan was always there to lend a listening ear and would be greatly missed.

Despite the tragic news of Tan's passing, his friends and students remember him as a passionate teacher and a lover of adventure. Gerald Giam, a Workers' Party member of parliament and former tennis student, said of Tan, "He was a very ambitious individual who liked the outdoors."

Harry Tan's legacy will live on through the students he mentored, the colleagues he inspired, and the experiences he had. His family continues to receive support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during this difficult time.