Eulogy for Mike Gorrie
by Vincent Chen on 19 Sep 2003

Joan & family members, friends, ladies & gentlemen:

On an occasion like this, it is usual to say that the departed has led a rich and full life. In the case of Mike Gorrie, those words do not begin to describe the fascinating and colourful tapestry of his life.

 

Early Years

Mike Gorrie was born in 1923 in Rawalpindi, in the then British India. After his schooling in England, he served for five years as an officer in the Indian Army and witnessed the last days of the British Empire in India. Following that, he studied at Oxford University and the London School of Oriental and African Studies. Fiercely loyal to Oxford, it was always amusing to me to watch his verbal sparring with someone from the other school, i.e. Cambridge.

In 1949, Mike came to Singapore as a member of the Malayan Civil Service where he first served as the Private Secretary to the Governor of Singapore. In those tumultuous years of Malayan nationalism, independence movement and communist insurgency, Mike served in succession on the Selangor State War Committee, as District Officer for Kajang, and as Principal Assistant Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Department, the last appointment from 1956 to 60. Those must have been exciting years working at the centre of political power with people like Tengku Abdul Rahman who laid the foundations of modern Malaya.

But Mike did not just hobnob with the rich and the powerful. And he did not limit his work to that of an administrator. He took a genuine personal interest in the people with whom he came into contact - whether they came from privileged or humble backgrounds. This, as we all know and admire, is a hallmark of Mike Gorrie.

 

Family

One manifestation of this is that he got to know a young Chinese lad in Jenjaram and became very fond of him. Wanting to give him a better future, and notwithstanding his bachelor status at that time, Mike adopted him. That young lad is now Christopher Gorrie and the love that binds them and envelopes even the next generation is so palpable that it is a model and an inspiration to all of us. Mike would have been touched to know that Warrick has rushed home from England in the middle of his exams and Alistair has hurried back from the U.S., together with their wives Amy and Serene, so that they can pay their last respects to their grandfather.

In 1960, Mike returned from Malaya to Singapore. Shortly after, he was blessed to meet Joan – a gentle English lady, sensitive and sensible. Joan would be the anchor in Mike’s life, a loving supportive wife and, I suspect, a moderating influence. Joan and Mike were married in 1962 and last December many of us were delighted to join them in their celebration of 40 wonderful years of marriage.

 

Work

Professionally, Mike did what he enjoyed most – working with people and helping them develop their potential. He was actively involved in human resource management and education.

Beginning in 1960, he served the Straits Steamship Group for 20 years and was their Group Personnel Adviser. Then, he joined Ernst & Whinney and set up their Executive Recruitment Department. From 1981 to 89, he was Director of Administration for the Tanglin Trust schools.

Afterwards, Mike set up Casakita Consultancy Services and was a well-known cross-cultural trainer. He conducted courses and seminars for Singapore Institute of Management, National University of Singapore, PSA, HDB and other bodies and corporations.

 

Community Involvement

Mike was fully involved in the community around him. Reflecting his great sense of responsibility, his boundless energy, and the high regard in which he was held, he was called upon to serve in a multitude of professional and social organizations. His input was always valuable because it was honest and frank. He never took expedient or politically correct stands, so everyone knew his true views.

Among his affiliations, he was a founding member of the Singapore Institute of Management and the Singapore Institute of Personnel Management. He was a director of Gleneagles Hospital and the Industrial Relations Adviser to the Singapore Shipping Association.

As for social organizations, Mike served as Chairman of the British Association, President of the British Club and Vice President of the Singapore Oxford-Cambridge Society. He was also on the committees of Tanglin Club, Singapore Cricket Club and the Singapore Ex-Services Association.

In terms of community service, Mike served on the Board of Governors of St Andrew’s School and was Vice Chairman for Missions to Seamen.

 

Rotary

I came to know Mike in 1980 when the Rotary Club of Raffles City was formed and we joined as charter members. He had been a member of the Rotary Club of Singapore for ten years but came over to help the new club. Mike exemplified the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. He was particularly active in mentoring our youth groups, giving talks to schools, and advising young people on career opportunities.

Mike also contributed greatly to the fellowship in the club. With his eloquence and sense of decorum, as the master of ceremonies he gave a touch of class to many of our annual installation dinners. With his wit and humour, he would regale us with his stories and gave us much cheer and laughter. And as the quintessential gentleman, he was obviously a favourite with the ladies in the club. Mike loved Rotary and we loved him too.

 

Young People

Mike was especially fond of working with young people. He took great interest in them and in their personal development. He served for many years as the non-resident Fellow of Kent Ridge Hall at the National University of Singapore.

I was also privileged to work with Mike in AIESEC – a university student organization. Mike served on the Board of Advisors for over 30 years during which time he was a beloved grandfather figure to countless AIESECers. Many sought his wise counsel and Mike always had time for them. He listened to their concerns and challenged and inspired them. The presence of many of them here today attest to their high regard and love for him.

 

Cultural Identity

While Mike did not spend any time living in Scotland, there is no doubt that he was a Scotsman to the hilt. Woe betide the poor guy who mistook him for an Englishman! He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and was the Chieftain of St Andrew’s Society. He would wear his kilt on many a formal occasion and of course he would emphasize his roots with his regular swig of whiskey!

But Mike was also the model cosmopolitan and a person ahead of his times. He took great interest in people and places, and traveled extensively. He respected other cultures and was at home in both the East and the West, and this is reflected in the name he gave his beloved home - Casakita. He was proud of his Singapore citizenship and sometimes called himself Mr Ang – as in Angmo! His wide circle of friends came from all races, creeds and classes. He spoke Urdu/Hindi, fluent Malay, and some Mandarin. And he would delight friends and strangers with his greetings in their mother tongue.

 

Concluding Remarks

A highpoint in Mike’s life came in June 1990 when he went to Buckingham Palace to receive the Order of the British Empire from Her Majesty the Queen. It was in recognition of his manifold achievements and contributions to society.
Mike led his life with passion and energy and was an inspiration to all of us. He had many fine qualities that we admired and that endeared him to us. But most of all, I would remember him for his genuine interest in people, his concern for them as individuals and his unique ability to connect with them. He was a valued mentor and a special friend, and he touched many lives.

Thank you, Mike, for touching our lives and for the many fond memories. Farewell, dear friend, till we meet again.

 

Vincent Chen