GEORGE TOWN: The Star's former assistant chief photographer Leong Hong Nyean has passed away. He was 72.
His wife, Heng Chin Bee, 66, said Leong, fondly known as HN among friends and colleagues, was pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived at their apartment in Jalan S.P. Chelliah here at about 10am on Thursday (Nov 12).
"His body was already cold when I went to check on him. He died in his sleep.
"Over the past few days, he had been complaining of breathing difficulties," she said.
Leong began his career with Bernama before joining The Star in 1995. He retired in 2009.
Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after retirement, he rarely missed gatherings organised by The Star's former regional editor Choi Tuck Wo.
The Star's former chief photographer Ng Ah Bak, who worked alongside Leong for many years, described him as a reliable and responsible colleague.
"He had a keen interest in photography, and his willingness to learn enabled him to consistently produce quality pictures with creative news angles.
"Even before joining us, HN (Leong) was already an established photographer in the industry, having covered major assignments involving ministers.
"He was alert and quick. With his experience, he also guided many of the younger photographers at The Star back then," said Ng.
Bernama stringer photographer Ganeson Kandiah described Leong as a father figure who guided him in photography.
Having learned the ropes from Leong, Ganeson joined Bernama's photo department in 1991 before returning to its Penang office after Leong had left for The Star.
"He taught me from scratch and patiently showed me the true meaning of being a photographer – not just pressing the shutter, but learning to see with the heart and respect the moment and the people behind every photograph.
"I will always be grateful for his knowledge, guidance, advice and trust," he said.
The Star's deputy news editor (north) Tan Sin Chow remembered Leong as one of the few photographers who could take good pictures while writing stories at the same time.
"I remember HN (Leong) writing about Penang's many iconic single-screen cinemas, which eventually closed following the mushrooming of cineplexes in shopping malls," he said.
Another incident that left a lasting impression on Tan was Leong's dedication to his work.
"There was a fire on the mainland, and he offered to drive me there from our office in Bayan Lepas on Penang Island.
"On the way, he suddenly pulled over in the middle of Penang Bridge and climbed onto the parapet to photograph the burning building.
"The resulting picture was stunning, showing thick black smoke billowing in the distance.
Tan said Leong was so committed to capturing the moment that he appeared oblivious to the risks around him.
"Shortly after, he returned to the car, and we continued our journey to the fire site," he said.
Tan also remembered Leong as an avid badminton player.
Having played alongside him, Tan said Leong always gave his all on the court, even throwing himself across it to retrieve difficult shots.
"He was always dedicated, whether on the job or on the badminton court," he said.
Leong leaves behind his daughter Elaine, 39, son Andy, 36, daughter-in-law Hui Ying, 36, and two-year-old grandson Dawson.
The wake is being held at the United Hokkien Cemeteries Funeral Parlour in Paya Terubong. The cortege will leave for the Batu Gantung crematorium at 2pm on Monday (Nov 16).
