This year I learned a lot about Dad. He was the 8th child, given away to his parents neighbour. His mother's name was Annie, apparently a prominent female police officer in the 1940's. Having a christian name in that era likely meant she was upper class. She was tall and beautiful, likely peranakan, and her husband a swimming coach. They moved from Kampong San Teng (present Bishan) to Opera Estate, then to 5 Westlake Ave, bought at a meager sum of $5,000.00 back in the day. Today property within that area is almost 1 million at least. She received beatings from him, divorced him and married a Caucasian. He was very bitter about being given away because he was no longer eligible to inherit from his own upper class family. Went to the now defunct Presbyterian Boys School, didn't make it through the end. He wore many hats. An escort to the entertainers, a tailor, fire insurance, printing, lumber to name a few. He made a sum, but lost it all at the horses and 4D, going at $100 per number. Still alive, found out 
accidentally that he is living in an eyebrow raising residence near the heart of Orchard. Of course innately I desire to know him, but though not sure what would outcome, having abandoned us 21 years ago, albeit out of selfishness and also his last act of love.