Meet Uncle Christopher, a man whose quiet presence tells a rich life story filled with family, service, and an unexpected gift for storytelling.
Born into a large family as the tenth of twelve siblings, Uncle Christopher’s childhood was spent moving across vibrant Singapore neighbourhoods — from Armenian Street to Upper Thomson, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, and Bedok. Though life brought its own share of changes, his spirit remains grounded in warmth and resilience.
For over four decades, he dedicated his life to public service at the Customs and Excise Department. After its merger into the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), he continued until his retirement in 2006. Calling himself a “couch potato”, he’s someone that enjoys reading and watching TV—especially National Geographic, Channel 5, and law and general knowledge shows.
Unlike many who fear the transition, moving into the nursing home was a choice he made early on. “I told Sarah (his daughter) long ago, when I’m old I’m going to live in a nursing home” he shared. St. Joseph’s Home held a special meaning, as his late elder sister had stayed here. With its floral surroundings and bright, clean atmosphere, it didn’t feel like a typical nursing home to him. While adjusting to the routines took some time, one unexpected joy changed everything.
It all began when a staff invited him to read to the children at the co-located St Joseph’s Home Infant and Childcare Centre. He agreed, not knowing how much he would enjoy it—or how good he’d be. The children fondly call him “Uncle Christopher” or “Mr Bean,” and it’s clear the feeling is mutual. “I didn’t know I had a flair with kids,” he chuckled.
One moment that stood out was when he asked the children how many legs an octopus has. 5-year-old Song Zhe then corrected him and confidently explained they were called ‘tentacles’ — a moment that left him amazed at the knowledge the young boy had picked up from his mother, and touched by how, in turn, this little one was now teaching him.
During Easter, he also brought chocolate eggs for the children, and during Chinese New Year, little Joshua surprised him with a warm hug after a performance. “The kids here are so disciplined,” he remarked, “and it’s amazing how they respond to my questions so eagerly.”
Looking back, Uncle Christopher reflects not only on a life of service, but of faith. Once a Taoist, he found his spiritual home as a Roman Catholic here at St. Joseph’s Home. “I’m happy to have answered this calling,” he said, having once studied at St. Joseph’s Institution and now resting with the peace that many of his departed loved ones are placed at the “St. Joseph’” wing within the Church of the Holy Family’s columbarium. “It’s like my whole life was meant to be tied to St. Joseph’s — from school, to here, and even where I’ll be laid to rest,” he added with a smile.
When asked what advice he would give to younger generations, he smiles and says simply,
“Find a lifelong partner, and build a happy family you can grow old with.”
In Uncle Christopher’s life, it is the quiet things — family, faith, and now, children’s laughter — that have made the biggest impact.