"Ting tong tabatoot lumpoong nyet"
This is a phrase my dad taught me when I was young. As Indonesian was never spoken in my house, I treasured these words growing up and into adulthood. It was only when talking to my sister Sarah that she told me the words were nonsensical and were childish gibberish! 

I'm not proud of my actions but as a young teenager I had a sweet tooth. My cravings were so massive I used to sneak into my dad's room and take money out of his wallet to buy candy. Even while he slept there! 
I once told my brother this and thinking that this was easy money, Jason snuck into my dad's room, doubling checked that dad's eyes were closed, then reached for the wallet and heard a gruff, "don't you even think about it!" I wonder if my dad had been awake all those times I snuck in and took his money???

As youngsters we never had a TV. We had a monitor on which 3 local channels were broadcast. Only on Sundays were we allowed to watch an hour of Disney, the whole family's eyes glued to the screen. Each week we excitedly anticipated this event. But.... on the rare occasion, when my mom wasn't home, my dad would turn on the monitor (I remember the glint in his eyes and his impish grin) and we would watch WWF - Worldwide Wrestling Federation. Oh how I would squeal with delight watching my favorite wrestler Jake the Snake!!! That was the best kept secret!

The first time I visited my dad in LA he brought me into a warehouse where he kept and sold exotic birds. Nothing prepared me for the visit upstairs to his small office when he slid back the bookcase. Just like in the movies, a huge apartment was hidden behind the tiny bookcase! It was the coolest thing my dad ever built.

Pitter patter of little feet 
And the reaching of hands 
Distract me from grief
So I journey and take you with me
To a mountain

I remember your addiction to tinkering. At one point you had 3 cars in pieces. A bone of contention with my dear mother as I don't recall any cars leaving in one piece.

Your propensity to collect napkins and stuff them in every pocket and cranny has been inherited by your only son Jason Wan Lim , the apple of your eye. In your lifetime you saw him achieve the very successes you only dreamed of. 

Your coolest dad moment was the secret apartment you built behind a bookcase. I still marvel at your ingenuity. 

And when you hit rock bottom, you found a beautiful angel to pick you up. She helped you control your fierce spirit and soften your edges. Helping you love yourself.
Thank you Yani.

And through sweet Sammy Sarah  I see yourself. She's your spunk and verve. More bridled and refined. 
Thank you again, Yani Wan Lim .

During my last visit with you, one more than I thought I would have, you were still planning projects. This time you would build a rice washing station close to the bedroom. Helping, so you wouldn't become obsolete.

Dear daddy, I hope you found peace in all your regrets and knew the abundance of love channelled towards you till the very end. When you meet your Creator please do not fear. Their infinite love continues in death. 

I am pulled out of my reverie 
As those reaching hands 
Pull me towards the ground
Your flame continues in them

Rest in peace Sanny Wan Lim

by Tanya Jessica Wan Lim

This evening marks the deletion of possibly my favourite human from the biomass of planet Earth. Today my father, Djin San Wan Lim, drew his last breath.

He escaped the political tumult of Indonesia when he was a young man, first for Germany and then for Canada. He seemed to get a kick out of being the only non-Caucasian guy in small Western Canadian towns, and we moved through so many of them in my youth.

He had the wildest ideas, the most unquenchable spirit. His humour was always on the ready, and the unexpected perspective was the norm when he was in any room. 

His storytelling abilities were absolutely remarkable. He would wind up his tale with confidence and panache, exquisitely prepping all storylines for maximum effect. And then he would drive effortlessly through his tale, highlighting all the points necessary to support the telling. I have no doubt the germ of storytelling that moves me as a filmmaker bears its genesis in him. 

Anyway, life goes on, like always. And though this place will be cold and unfeeling for a while, if I can aim to get out of my experience on this Earth half of the fulfillment my Father did, I'll have lived a good life. 

Thank you for the wonder, the genetics and the stories, Dad. I'll see you on the other side and, as planned, we'll fly through space and travel the cosmos together.

💔
Jason Wan Lim

Tanya, Jason and family.  We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you during this time.  May the memories you share keep your heart warm.  Our sincere condolences.
The Ono Family 

OBITUARY

Djin San Wan Lim

11 September, 1939 – 17 March, 2022

Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park

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