cancer

𝐆𝐨𝐡 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐧 吴宗翰, 𝟑𝟗 (𝟑𝟎 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟓 - 𝟏𝟒 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)

Olsen was a son, a brother and a good friend to many. 

To them, he was their pillar of support, in good times and bad. 

He believed that sunshine comes to all who feel the rain. 

In the face of adversity, he was relentless in his fortitude and equanimity. 

In the face of pain and uncertainty, he was focused. 

In the face of end-stage cancer, he was stoic. 

Above all, he navigated the storms in his life with aplomb. 

In March 2019, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 EGFR mutant lung cancer, which was compounded by lupus. 

He never questioned why he developed cancer. 

He wore the badge of resilience on his sleeves. 

One perspective remained constant: “To always live life to the fullest and always be grateful.” 

It was his late father’s gift to him when he passed away from Stage 4 lung cancer, 20 years ago. 

Olsen embodied and exemplified his father’s words and legacy throughout his journey with cancer. 

Despite his condition, he continued to traverse life with distinction. 

On the football field, he was the midfield general; the Andrea Pirlo of his team. 

He was the engine, the dynamo behind the successes of his family and friendships.  

Olsen was the gaffer of his life par excellence. 

Olsen often had a good story, a little gesture of affection, a gentle word of comfort and his brand of self-deprecating humour.

Today, his little acts of kindness are not forgotten. His attention and anticipation of the needs of others were a balm to many. Today, they are his legacy and our memories of him. 

As a cancer patient, Olsen was not only a mediator between his friends who were undergoing a similar condition but was also an efficient “handyman”, helping to solve many of the practical and ethical problems they faced. 

Above all, he was a personal companion to many in their life journeys. 

In fact, he was on a unique journey himself to set aside any obstacles that stood in his way. 

Cancer was a teacher. It taught him many more life lessons, which he generously shared with others. 

Nothing was more precious to him than being able to live, breathe and lead a normal, basic lifestyle. 

When the cancer cells spread to his intestines in November 2024, after spreading to his brain several months earlier, he lost his ability to consume or drink. 

Drinking water, a simple act for many, became a luxury. He yearned for recovery. 

Alas, it was not to be. On the morning of January 13, 2025, Olsen’s condition took a turn for the worst, and he breathed his last the following evening (Jan 14). Olsen was 39. 

He loved people and things he enjoyed with his whole heart. 

He approached life’s ups and downs with enthusiasm and wit. 

He had an infectious personality and effortlessly made friends with everyone he met.

His genuine care, patience and willingness to spend time with those he cared deeply about was unparalleled. 

As early as his Pasir Ris Secondary school days, his approach to friendship made him friends for life. 

His friendships were sworn and iron-clad fondness; he did his friends no wrong.

Friends became family. 

He blazed the path and lighted the way, often going the extra mile for his friends, and in turn, they stood vigil for him and participated in his last office. 

Olsen’s life is one of gratitude and tenacity. 

He navigated the absolute chaos and beauty of this wild, fleeting life with poise; he was an inspiration. 

Olsen left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and determination. 

He will be profoundly missed. Rest in strength, Olsen! 

𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭: Olsen Goh, via Mothership