8th March, this year, I was overseas when I got a phone call.
It was Zorro.
I answered.
“Haris, I am in hospital. I’m leaving”, is what I heard my buddy say, or at least that is what I thought he had said.
I told Zorro I was overseas, and that I would see him when I got back to KL.
I immediately called Arthur, told him of the call and then said I was not sure if Zorro had said he was ‘leaving’ or ‘bleeding’.
Arthur said he would check on Zorro and keep me posted.
After I returned from overseas, the missus and I dropped by at the hospital to see Zorro.
He had just had a procedure done earlier that day, appeared extremely tired and so we did not stay long, promising to return when he was up to visitors.
About a week ago, I spoke to Karen to find out if Zorro was up to visitors.
She said he had just been through another surgical procedure and would let us know.
Earlier today, I got word that my buddy left today for a far better place, ahead of us.
I suspect he has gone ahead to make sure that the bar’s well-stocked for those coming after.
And another buddy who had spoken to Karen said the lovely lady made it very clear that Zorro would not want his friends to be coming round to his official send-off looking all sombre.
Too right, Karen.
I am told that if you want to pay your last respects, you can head out to Parlour 1 at St Ignatius Church, No. 2, Jalan SS25/23 Taman Plaza 47301 PJ tomorrow and Sunday between 1pm and 10pm. Wake prayers on both these days will take place at 8pm.
Funeral mass will be at 11am on Monday, 7th April, at the same church.
I am off tonight to raise a glass in honour of my buddy and to pledge that we will carry on the fight to rid this nation of that cancer called UMNO / BN.
Mohd
April 4, 2014
May his soul rest in peace. Amen
Alvin
April 4, 2014
R.I.P Zorro. We will miss you . We will keep up the fight .
Eddy Chua
April 4, 2014
Sad to learn the passing of a great fearless man who fought for justice for all Malaysians.
RIP my dear friend. The torch is in safe hands and the light will never fade. The fight will go on.
And Haris, you will never fight alone.
Vaseau
April 4, 2014
An amazing man who lived a meaningful life, a great friend to many, a memorable teacher, always good company and most importantly a great Malaysian who inspired many much younger than him. Irene first and now Bernard – Two wonderful, honest, loyal Malaysians, untouched by the stain of notional honors and titles, the likes of whom we will not see for a long time.
Malaysia today is that much poorer, that much lesser …and that perhaps is something to mourn. Stay strong Haris. Bernard’s benign presence will keep the flames of righteousness blazing especially when darkness descends.
annabrella
April 5, 2014
I am so sorry to hear that Bernard Khoo aka Zorro has passed away.
I am sure he has moved on to that realm or dimension or space or time or state of being in that truly free liberated place we call as Kingdom of God.
But it is still sad that he had to go before he could get to see and live and breathe in the new air of a truly free Malaysia which will be here one day. When that day of ReMerdeka happens, all ABMs will remember Zorro and perhaps raise a glass to him in honour then because that ReMerdeka Day would have happened partly because of his good hearted efforts too along with that of many others.
I remember he was even willing to be arrested in a very noticeably peaceful manner for what he believed in. So by doing what he did that day he acted as a pathfinder and role model for others to emulate and follow his example.
I never met Zorro nor knew him personally other than from the distance as a fellow ABM. So on the basis of that small common ABM ground, I hope he will allow me the privilege of saying farewell to him here and wishing him rest and gentle peace for evermore in that Kingdom of God.
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
Henry
April 5, 2014
He finally rested….but his legend lives on.—peace and prayer to the family.
I have learned much and have courage to stand up and march forward………thank you Zorro-unmasked.–Henry Yap
kaytee
April 5, 2014
what I dedicate toBenard at my blog:
In Spanish California Don Diego de la Vega might have been Zorro
Tho’ in our homeland he had been none other than Bernard Khoo
But to our immense shock, grief and tears, our much great sorrow
Our respected silver haired fox (Zorro) has left us for yonder blue
I’m sure Bernard in that far better place will still be sipping away
His much loved ‘The Macallam’ tot by unending tot with an angel
Where he is, there’s no night nor darkness, only ever blissful day
Dear Bernard Khoo, Zorro Unmasked, requiescat in pace, Vale
WILLIAM
April 5, 2014
RIP, BRO, WE WILL FIGHT ON
ewoon
April 5, 2014
Hi Haris …
We lost a brother and a gentleman. I will miss him. And God bless zorro’s mighty soul.
ewoon
myhamzah
April 6, 2014
Well said Haris & thank you.
RIP Zorro🙂
looes74
April 6, 2014
Harris,
I believe Uncle Bernard loves country music. A fitting tribute for him
wandererAUS
April 7, 2014
I boarded the plane this morning on my way home to Perth, I was shocked to learn of the passing of a good friend and a a fine gentleman….he will be greatly missed by all! Zorro, you will always be remembered as a man who spoke from your heart and have a heart of gold. My dear friend, rest in peace.
Daniel
April 7, 2014
I have never met uncle Zorro but I visited his blog very often.
It’s really sad to read this news.
RIP, good Malaysian.
Voter Wan Abdullah
April 7, 2014
We are ALL Malaysians & we shall fight on to get rid of this evil cancer umno/bn. Lets work harder for a better Malaysia for ALL Malaysians.
Another Anak Bangsa Malaysia
April 7, 2014
Vale, Zorro aka Bernard Khoo.
Kee Thuan Chye
April 8, 2014
Hey, Haris, what happened to my response which I posted yesterday?
Approved yesterday