On the morning of 3 January 2024, Pastor Eddy Quay Peng Ann went home to the Lord after collapsing during a morning jog in his neighbourhood.
At just 60 years old, his sudden passing marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to serving others, but his legacy lives on in the countless hearts he touched.
Pr Eddy was a beloved figure in SIBKL’s Golden Eagles senior ministry. Towering in stature and spirit, he was a beacon of fatherly encouragement, embracing a “love-first” approach that transcended boundaries.
With his cowboy look and a love for country music, he brought warmth to every room he entered. Yet it was his heart for the grieving, the lost, and the broken that truly defined his life.
Whether leading a worship service or conducting a funeral, Pr Eddy was always present – steadfast, compassionate, and encouraging. His reach extended far beyond his family and church community.
He conducted funerals for people from all walks of life, including the homeless and even strangers in mortuaries. At Christmas, he and his wife Evelyn would visit elderly care homes, spreading joy through carols and prayer.
For years, Pr Eddy lent his wisdom to Universiti Malaya’s Silent Mentor programme, a remarkable initiative that trains medical students through body donation. As an advisor on Christian rites, he helped bridge the gap between science and faith with grace and understanding.
Despite his many contributions, Pr Eddy remained humble, valuing relationships over accolades. From his earlier career in banking and finance to his ministry work, he forged deep friendships wherever he went.
Two years ago, he answered the call to become a lay pastor at SIBKL, and in 2025, he officially stepped into a full-time pastoral role, a testament to his unwavering commitment to God’s work.
The morning of his passing was like any other. Pr Eddy left home at 7 am for his usual jog. By 8:20 am, the doorbell rang repeatedly with urgent news. Evelyn and the family rushed to the scene, but it was too late. Pr Eddy had already gone to be with the Lord.
Pr Eddy is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and their two sons, Joseph and Eli-Sha. His beloved daughter, Chelsea, preceded him in 2015.
Wake services were held on 5 and 6 January, with the funeral on 7 January. Thousands gathered both in person and online to honour a man whose life was a testament to God’s love and grace.
The outpouring of tributes reflected the magnitude of his impact, painting a picture of a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and served selflessly.
Slow to take offence, blind to differences
Evelyn, Pr Eddy’s wife, described his absence as a gaping void in her life. “He never saw skin colour, he never saw religion. He was everybody’s friend… We will miss him,” she shared, her voice trembling with emotion.
Through her tears, she managed a smile as she recalled one of his favourite sayings: “When you hit 60, you’re just entering the boarding lounge. Your ticket hasn’t been issued yet.”
She paused and added with a bittersweet laugh, “But Eddy Quay potong jalan in first class.”
Evelyn reflected on the deep, open conversations they often had about life and death. Pr Eddy had always made one thing clear – he didn’t want eulogies at his funeral.
“He encouraged us to speak good things to each other, not wait until someone passes on,” she explained.
Her voice softened as she continued, “I know so many of you loved him. He impacted everyone through the way he lived. He loved to think good things of anyone and everyone… that’s my husband.”
A gentle father who raised his children well
Pr Eddy’s two sons shared deeply personal memories of their father, describing him as their hero, mentor, and best friend.
Joseph Quay, 26, spoke at both wake services, honouring his dad as a devoted family man, a compassionate pastor, a loyal friend, and a steadfast follower of Christ.
“He would often advise Chelsea, Eli, and me to always cherish Jesus, to have faith when the going gets tough, to stay humble in our actions, and to serve others in whatever way we can,” Joseph shared, his voice steady but filled with emotion.
On the final night, Eli-Sha, Pr Eddy’s youngest at 20, offered a heartfelt tribute through music, a gift his father had passed on to him. With his ukulele in hand, he played Wise Men Say and Fly Me to the Moon, two songs his father loved.
“My dad once told us, ‘When I pass away, please, no eulogies. If you want to say something, just sing a song.’ So today, I’m going to sing one of his favourites. I can’t sing as well as he could, but I want to honour him,” Eli said.
Although Eli kept his words few, they carried profound weight. He reminded everyone present of God’s enduring faithfulness, even in moments of loss.
“Most importantly, I want to thank God. Through good times and bad times, we still give praise to Him because He’s still a good God,” he said, leaving the room in quiet reflection.
Called to serve seniors, he had a heart (and voice) of gold
SIBKL founding pastor, Pr Dr Chew Weng Chee, shared how excited Pr Eddy had been about stepping into his full-time pastoral role with the Golden Eagles in January 2025.
Having served the senior ministry since his forties, Pr Eddy and his wife, Evelyn, had walked alongside countless individuals, ministering to them through the challenges of ageing and the transitions of life’s seasons.
Pr Chew read aloud a heartfelt text message Pr Eddy had sent him on 1 January 2025, just days before his passing. In the message, Pr Eddy expressed his gratitude to Pr Chew and Pr Lee Choo for their belief in him.
“The journey has been deeply fulfilling, meeting people, praying with them, and walking alongside them through life’s ups and downs. These heartfelt experiences have enriched my faith and strengthened my calling… Thank you for believing in me,” Pr Eddy wrote.
Drawing from the book of Job, Pr Chew reminded everyone that death is not the end, but rather a transition into eternal hope through our living Redeemer.
“This earthly life and the body we inhabit are not final. There is a release, rest, resurrection, and reunion. We will all be reunited with Him in the sky, and there will be great rejoicing,” he said with deep conviction.
Over the two nights of the wake services and morning funeral service, family members shared moving tributes about Pr Eddy as a brother, uncle, cousin, and more.
Meanwhile, countless others who joined online sent heartfelt condolences, recounting how Pr Eddy’s kindness and love had left an imprint on their lives.
The common thread in every story was unmistakable, Pr Eddy’s generous love for all.
A sojourner who loved His Saviour
At the final wake service, SIBKL senior pastor, Pr Isaac Ling struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on the life of his close friend and co-labourer, Pr Eddy.
“He was truly the best of us. A ‘pastor-pastor,’ the kind who would sit down with you over yum cha just to hear about your life,” Pr Isaac said, his voice breaking.
Overcome with emotion, Pr Isaac openly wept as he shared text messages exchanged with Pr Eddy. Messages that reflected his boundless encouragement and genuine care. Every word served as a testament to the kind of friend and shepherd Pr Eddy was.
To close his tribute, Pr Isaac sang This World Is Not My Home. The hymn held special meaning as the two had planned to sing it together for Father’s Day this year. The melody and words were a fitting farewell to a man who lived with his feet planted firmly on earth but his eyes always set on heaven.
Pr Eddy measured his days not by achievements but by the lives he touched. Whether it was through long hikes, bike rides with friends, or quiet moments in nature, he lived in communion with his Creator, marvelling at the beauty of God’s handiwork.
After the heartbreaking loss of his daughter Chelsea, Pr Eddy learned to walk with grief as a companion rather than an enemy. He wove the pain of loss and the hope of restoration into his testimony, sharing a story of faith and resilience that inspired many.
He often spoke of the day he would be reunited with his “angel in heaven” and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he loved with all his heart. Until that day, Pr Eddy lived fully and loved deeply, pouring himself out for others in every moment God gave him.
Pr Eddy’s passing is a reminder that our time on earth is brief and that our true home is in heaven. To live fully here is to embrace our Father’s will, to pour out our lives generously, and to let Christ be seen through every act of love, faith, and service.
