Beloved Orchard Road busker dies at 80: 'He was happiest when performing with his beads'
Posted on 09 June 2022 | 2,476 views | 7 comments
Goh Yan Han
The Straits Times
June 8, 2022 Swinging chains of large wooden beads around his neck and waist in front of an audience in Orchard Road was the late Mr Oh Ow Kee's "one and only passion", said his daughter on Wednesday (June 8). The 80-year-old, who died on Sunday, was a well-known figure on the popular shopping street. The family did not want to give more details about his death. Pre-Covid-19 pandemic, he would be spotted rain or shine outside Takashimaya Shopping Centre, smiling widely at passers-by and tourists, who would often stop to watch. He would also encourage them to try their hand at a smaller chain of beads.
Mr Oh would stay in his spot all afternoon - from noon to as late as 8pm.
His eldest daughter said her father once told the family that the beads were as important as his life. She has a younger brother and sister.
“He would even sometimes sacrifice time at family occasions, saying that he would just show his face for a while before heading to Orchard Road,” said Ms Oh, who did not want to give her full name or age.
Mr Oh was given his first set of beads by a friend more than 20 years ago.
A "simple man", as described by his daughter, he had been a taxi driver, karang guni man (rag-and-bone man) and a clothes seller at night markets with his wife.
In their retirement, they picked up the exercise together.
The couple would busk together during the early days, but when grandchildren came along, his wife took a step back to care for them.
"But my dad continued and started all his styles and tricks - lifting legs, hands, doing two or three chains together," said Ms Oh.
Mr Oh really enjoyed having his skills appreciated by others, she said.
"In his old age, he had picked up something he liked and coincidentally, others appreciated it and applauded him," she added.
At the wake in Toa Payoh Central on Tuesday and Wednesday, several young buskers who perform at Orchard Road dropped by to pay their respects to Mr Oh.
"They told us he was the most persistent and consistent busker - rain or shine, he would be there," said Ms Oh.
Mr Oh had about 10 sets of beads - one of his favourite sets has 108 beads and weighs at least 5kg.
Some of his grandchildren were interested in the exercise and he would teach them how to do it, Ms Oh said. He had eight grandchildren, aged between nine and 20.
Ms Oh said the family has been trying to lift her 77-year-old mother's spirits, pointing out to her the positive messages and notes that people have been sending them.
On the outpouring of well wishes online, Ms Oh said: "We feel very happy that he is so well loved, well missed and well respected.
"When we looked through all the family photos - he smiled the widest when he was with his beads."
The Straits Times
June 8, 2022 Swinging chains of large wooden beads around his neck and waist in front of an audience in Orchard Road was the late Mr Oh Ow Kee's "one and only passion", said his daughter on Wednesday (June 8). The 80-year-old, who died on Sunday, was a well-known figure on the popular shopping street. The family did not want to give more details about his death.
In their retirement, Mr Oh Ow Kee and his wife picked up the exercise together. PHOTO: ST FILE
Mr Oh Ow Kee in a picture taken last year. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS
Mr Oh Ow Kee's wife at his wake on June 7, 2022. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS
Mr Oh Ow Kee died on June 5, 2022. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Source:
The Straits Times
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