Winson Pola (1968-2016)

When people meet and reminisce about school days, the conversation will inevitably gravitate to the special individuals whom everyone in the school would recall. These were the individual who walked life on the wild side, were unique in what they did or what they could do, who stood out for the risks they took - sometimes for sheer fun, sometimes for a cause, someone who was the centre of the party, one who could crack everyone up without even trying. 

Winson would have been one of the special individuals.  

Winson and I became friends in Indonesia.  Our wives shared a connection as our kids were friends in the British International School in Jakarta.  I later learnt that my brother studied with Winson in Ohio.  We shared the same group of friends in Jakarta.  We enjoyed a good laugh over drinks and sometimes over unhealthy food.  

Winson had a special love for horses having been in equestrian activities in his younger days. He owned a stable in Sukabumi where he occasionally retreated to on weekends. His gregarious nature meant that he would have people over and was generous with his time.  He allowed autistic kids to ride his horses. (That is Isabelle, his daughter on the horse!) He introduced his immediate family and shared what he did.  This eventually presented opportunities for us to work with each other professionally. 

Winson saw the world in black or white.  If you were his friend, you felt it.  He would stand by you.   Winson brought laughter to everyone without really trying.  A mutual friend described Winson as someone who had "no filter" as he constantly made comments which were terribly inappropriate in the company but never hurtful. He always went overboard with food.  100 satays or 10 packets of Kuay Teow Goreng were common numbers he brought to parties.  I once had a meal with him where he ordered more than 20 dishes.  Another friend described Winson as a "Toyota that ran like a Ferrari".  He pushed himself to the limit. Because of his extensive network and influence, his ability to get things done, and his courage, he was a go-to person for many of his friends and partners. His involvement in politics, especially during the 2014 campaign with Gerindra and Gen Probowo, was intense.   In the hurly burly of politics in Indonesia, his family even experienced an unfortunate attack on their property.   

Winson lived the life he wanted - high energy and on the edge.  This however took a toll on him.  He suffered two mild strokes at a very young age. But far from taking this as a warning for him to slow down, Winson continued to keep long hours and ate what he wanted.  I have it reliably reported that his last three meals were Nasi Padang, Bebek Goreng and Kuay Teow Goreng, not food that would help keep the risks low.  

But all these traits made Winson our Winson, someone we have come to accept and love.  

I last spoke to Winson on the 3^rd of Jan 2016.  Our phone conversation was brief and incomplete as I was driving in New Zealand on a family holiday.  I wanted to continue the conversation when I returned to Singapore. 

I never got the chance. 

On Thursday, 7^th Jan 2016, without any warning, Winson suffered a massive stroke and was taken to Medistra hospital in Jakarta. Due to inadequate medical attention  Winson slipped into a coma, a state he remained in until his passing on 15th Jan 2016 in Singapore. The rapid deterioration involved him catching an infection from Medistra.  His passing was a shock to all – his friends, acquaintances and his family.

Winson leaves behind his wife Angelina, his 17 year old daughter Isabelle and many devastated friends.  Although he was never outwardly demonstrative of his love for Isabelle, in one of his final conversations with me, he told me how proud he was of his daughter for her having secured a conditional entry into Edinburgh University in Scotland.  

Many of us came to bid him farewell today.  The outpouring of sorrow on one’s passing is a good reflection of how one lived ones life.  Winson taught me the value of generosity and a big heart. He was a soul that has left us far too early.

I will miss him dearly. Winson Pola my friend, Rest in Peace.