Heart and Soul: Remembering Denis Doss, a true La Sallian


Denis Doss (in batik shirt) inspecting the Honour Guard at St John's Institution, Kuala Lumpur. Photos: Benedict Morais

Denis and I were colleagues at La Salle Brickfields secondary school for a few years. During that time, we met often for social activities. He quickly stood out for his musical talent, infectious humour and sportsmanship.

In the early 1970s, non-Malay teachers were required to attend intensive Bahasa Malaysia classes to prepare for the switch from the English to Bahasa Malaysia medium. Denis and I were assigned to the Teacher Training College in Johor Baru, and I decided to drive us there in my newly acquired car.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In People

Malaysian luthiers win 2 golds, 1 silver at international violin-making competition in Italy
On screen or in business, Daiyan Trisha gives her all
Miss Malaysia Taanusiya Chetty on finishing Top 3 at Miss World, and what comes next
Sarawak's tikar bergerang custodian Ngot Bi dies at 94
Malaysian content creator shares his journey living with Tourette syndrome
South Korean adoptees longing for their birth mothers leave names on a park wall
Malaysia's Taanusiya Chetty finishes third in Miss World 2026
At the height of his success: A tribute to famed mountaineer Nirmal Purja
Newly crowned world's best pastry chef stays true to artisan roots
They’ve been happily married for 17 years, but live over 4,800km apart

Others Also Read