LBS Bina’s family mourns loss of ‘a treasure’

PETALING JAYA: “My father used to say that parents are the ‘double treasures’ of a family. With his passing last year, our family has lost a treasure. This week, with my mother’s demise, we have lost another.”

Those were the opening words of LBS executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San’s eulogy during a memorial service for his mother who passed away on Aug 15.

“We are, of course, very sad, but she will always be in our hearts,” he added.

His mother Datin Seri Liew Boon (pic), the wife of the late founder and chairman of LBS Bina Group Bhd Datuk Seri Lim Bock Seng, passed away peacefully at her home in Kelana Jaya here. She was 89.

In relating fond memories of his late mother, Hock San said she liked cooking pork belly soup, which was his favourite.

Later, when he started his own family, she would still remember to cook his favourite meal during festive dinners.

“She was a good-natured lady and had always taken good care of us. She never scolded us or punished us. In fact, our parents never quarrelled. We have always been a harmonious family, not one that’s easily divided.

“My father, though, could be a bit strict, but nevertheless, our parents complemented each other very well.”

Hock San said raising four sons and seven daughters was not easy, but Liew Boon took that in her stride single-handedly.

“Back in the 1960s, Malaysia’s economy was not as prosperous as today, so she also helped in running the family coffee shop. Whenever there was any problem, we would confide in her.

“That is why today you can see that our family is an amicable one. There are no quarrels among us siblings.

“That is what my father had taught us and we see them as the model family for us to follow in our own lives.”

Hock San said he will always remember his father’s advice, that “a harmonious family cultivates prosperity”.

“Although my mother’s passing is a great loss to us, we believe she is now in good company with my father,” he added.

Funeral services will be held at the Nirvana Centre Kuala Lumpur (Nirvana 2), Level 3, until Sunday, Aug 21. Cortege leaves at 11am.