A True Gentleman
To Adrian's family,
He will be missed by all in the legal community. It was always a pleasure to have him in court - he was well prepared, eloquent and a true gentleman.
Judith Prakash, JCA
Deepest Condolences
Adrian has passed away at the age of 57. Far too young, far too soon. He was witty, pleasant to spend time with. A sharp mind with a wonderful heart.
Adrian was multi-talented, a true Renaissance Man. He was a best-selling author as an undergraduate, dabbled in technology and took a second degree in Computer Science while a practicing lawyer, and in the last few years, became known for his virally popular posts on LinkedIn.
He was the current Law Society President, working to address long hours, and working conditions for young lawyers.
I have had the privilege of knowing him for many years. His passing is a big loss.
My deepest condolences to his family.
K Shanmugam
Go With All Our Love
You had just gotten into your top stride, Mr Law Society President and King of Singapore. You made the law and issues of the day relevant and easy to understand to all Singaporeans. You had a wacky way of seeing the world that was at the same time so grounded. You made legal practitioners lovable again.
Thank you for being one of us. And for seeing the best in us. A light has truly gone out in our lives. I hope you’re annoying the angels with your puns. We will do our best to look after Angelina, you have my promise.
And we will do our best to live up to the versions of ourselves you saw in us.
Stefanie Yuen Thio
Model of Heroism
We will greatly miss Adrian's wit and humour. Above all, however, his utter dedication to his calling as well as his indefatigable bravery as well as perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds is a quintessential model of heroism that we should all aspire to emulate.
Andrew Phang
Rest Well, My Pupil Master
Adrian Tan was many things, but to me he was first and foremost my Pupil Master. And I was his First Pupil, or FP. Despite being known as a funnyman, this was a duty he took seriously. He told me that tenacity was the most important trait for a litigator, and he had spades of that.
He loved his work so much, he said he wanted to work until he dies. When he was diagnosed, I said that he should transfer the work stress to me. I promised to keep the fun bits for him. He said that that was what he was doing, but he did not rest. Towards the end, he was still working overnighters on submissions, talking to clients and arguing in court.
I joked that I should have my son be a YouTuber to pay for my mortgage. He said, “Life moves fast; don’t do yesterday’s stuff. We are not here to make obscene money. We provide for ourselves and then we do something for the world.”
Once, as I was exiting a hearing, an Assistant Registrar remarked, “You work for Adrian Tan? How lucky.” I know how lucky I was to have worked with him for 16 years, or in other words, my entire career. Thank you for the 16 years of conversations, coffees and court hearings.
I wish I could have just one more conversation with you.
Ong Pei Ching
A Ceaseless Fighter
Adrian, thank you for inspiring us to be fighters. To believe in cause above self. You had every right to focus on yourself and make the most of every second to just take care of yourself. Yet you dedicated it to a cause greater than yourself. You remained cheerful throughout. You were always smiling and I was super encouraged to see you still wear that smile when I saw you in office once, while you were undergoing treatment.
Rest in peace, Adrian. Till we meet again! Thanks for being an inspiration.
Eugene Neo
Thank You
Thank you, Adrian, for all your assistance during your days at Drew. But more importantly, thank you for all the laughter you brought.
Dedar Singh Gill, J
Always Remembered
Always remembered with warmth in our hearts and a smile on our faces.
Vanita and Siraj Omar, SC
Thank You
Thank you, Adrian, for fighting for us, and showing us that life and the law are worth fighting for.
Winston Low
Gone Too Fast, Too Soon
The Board and Management of Arts House Limited (AHL) will miss Adrian greatly. He is always available in his own inimitable manner. Ever the charming gentleman with a keen mind and a compassionate heart.
We will miss you, Adrian! You have gone too fast and too soon.
Wilson Tan
An Inspiration
It was such a pleasure to know Adrian. Your thoughts and articles inspired me and many others. Rest in peace.
Shariq Barmaky
A Wonderful Person
Thank you for always having been such a wonderful person and dear friend. Loved that we did Jessup together. Couldn't have asked for anything more!
Aurill Kam
Very Kind and Humble
Dear Mrs Tan
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I've always remembered Mr Tan as someone very kind and humble. No words seem adequate to express my condolences. May the Lord be with you and comfort you with his peace.
Emily Ho
Pillar of Support
You have been a pillar of support and strength all these years. I will forever miss your calm spirit and friendship. Rest in peace!
Lam Jee Wei
Missing You
We will miss you dearly, Adrian.
Kyle Choi
He Will Be Remembered
Adrian was a schoolmate, a contemporary at the Singapore Bar, and a fellow member of the Law Society. He was the President, one of whose last acts was to accede to our request to write to the Chief Justice to persuade him to honour the Law Society with his presence at Litigation Conference 2024.
He will be remembered for all of the good that he has done in his time.
Lawrence Teh
We Miss You
Thank you for your hard work with us, Adrian. We miss you.
Johnny Yeo, Teo Tian Seng and Michael Lim
An Immeasurable Loss
It was with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of a friend and fellow litigator. Adrian has been a part of my practice years with his wit and humour.
Adrian, we will miss you. Thank you for your years of service to the Bar.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and his colleagues at TSMP, to whom this is an immeasurable loss.
MK Eusuff Ali
Deepest Condolences
I remember him well as my prefect in ACS and whom I was fortunate enough to meet decades later. Deepest condolences to the family.
Dr Tan Sian Wee
A Great Loss
Adrian was a wonderful human. A great loss. Deepest condolences.
Patrick Ang
A Good Sport
Adrian will always be remembered as a positive person, full of hope and promise. Always a good sport and much loved by all who have had the privilege and honour of working with him. Dearly missed by all.
Steven Lim
Condolences
Deepest condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Kwek Mean Luck, J
I Will Miss You
To my old friend Adrian Tan, I will miss you very much. From your old buddy,
Dr Adrian Wang
Deepest Condolences
Adrian will be much missed.
Vinodh Coomaraswamy, J
He Has The Heartiest Laugh
Dear Angel and family
We will miss Adrian and his laugh. He has the heartiest laugh in our cohort. We are very proud of what he has done for our class and of him as a classmate and friend.
May the peace of God be with you always!
Ng Say Choo
Missing My Old Friend
Adrian will be deeply missed. His sense of humour, quick wit and football jokes will be remembered. Missing my old friend.
Anidha Subramanion
Lucky To Have Encountered Him
I remember Adrian from the time I was a teenager and a fangirl. Imagine my surprise when I grew up and had the fortune to work with him on a matter. He is much more than I imagined and I'm lucky to have had the chance to encounter him.
Catherine Lee
Always Remembered
Dear Angie
Be comforted by the fact that your grief will ease over time. He will always be remembered by us for his cheerful and caring personality - a leader among us all.
Arfat Selvam
It's Been A Blessing
Thank you for all the grace, wit, humour & class! It's been a blessing to know you.
Sandy Foo
Thank You
To a fellow TMT lawyer, whose interest & passion in this area was an encouragement to me.
Yeong Zee Kin
Rest in Peace
Gone too soon. Still, you brightened our lives so much. Thank you.
Tan Ngiap Heng
You Left Your Mark
Thank you for your kindness and generosity beyond words or money to me and us, although we were not part of your team. You left an indelible mark on legal and literary history. Rest in peace!
Lim Ming Yi
We Miss You
Dear Adrian
Missing your witty remarks and humour. Most importantly, we miss you dearly.
Mr & Mrs Royston Moh & Family
An Independent, Original Person
Adrian, it has been a while but I won't forget the laughter and happy provocations. Thank you for showing how to be a thinking, independent, original person with such humanness.
Elaine
Sincere Condolences
Dear Angelina
My sincere condolences for your loss. Adrian was a kind boss, and a lawyer that I am grateful to have learned from. He will be missed and always remembered.
Yvonne Mak
Our Deepest Condolences
Adrian was and will always be a special friend. We sincerely treasure the time our families went for holidays together. Angie, please keep in touch!
Tony & Bee Choo
You Enriched Our Lives
Your inimitable humour & humility will always be remembered. That you were special was apparent even in the days of Hwa Chong. We will miss you but thank you for having so enriched our lives.
Marina Chin, SC
Till We Meet Again
Having had an opportunity to see the outpouring of grief from so many people that never met you, I am struck by how privileged I am to have known you for so long. It was a joy and an honour. Till we meet again.
Sushil Nair
Deepest Condolences
Adrian remains in our hearts. The King of Singapore will always live on.
Chan Leng Sun, SC
Always So Encouraging
Serving with Adrian in Law Soc Council was a privilege. He was always so encouraging of everyone to speak up and to share views and welcomed all differing viewpoints, I will miss him greatly.
Vivienne Lim
We Will Miss You
A good partner, a good friend, a good classmate. We will miss you, Adrian.
Doreen & Cavinder Bull, SC
Integrity, Humour & Passion
I will always remember Adrian for his integrity, his gentle humour, and his passion for encouraging and inspiring young lawyers.
Mavis Chionh, J
Unfailing Sense of Humour
Thank you for your unflappable and unfailing sense of humour. Thank you for being a mentor and a friend.
Koh Chin Chin
Remembered For Generations
You have left a legacy and will be remembered for generations to come.
Derek How
Thank You
Thank you for your many contributions. You will be sorely missed. The good Lord grant you eternal repose in His heavenly kingdom.
Tan Cheng Han, SC
He Will Be Missed
Dear Angie,
"He will be missed" is a cliché, but like all clichés it is still true. Your loss is ours to share, and I hope that makes it a little bit easier to do so. He will be missed, so much.
Terence Chua
Deeply Cherished
Adrian was dear to me from pupillage days. I will always cherish the times we had in practice.
Murgiana Haq
Rest In Peace
Your Highness, King of Singapore
You will always be remembered for your wit, writings and most of all, your compassion and care for your "subjects". I will miss your pronouncements & keen insights, my dear old friend.
Rest in peace, you deserve your time to prepare for eternity
Sue Lynn Neoh
Heartfelt Condolences
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Adrian's passing is far too early and he will be missed by many in the legal profession and beyond.
Ng Wai King
An Authentic Life
You truly are a legacy to many. You've touched the lives of many; living an authentic life. You will be remembered always. Thank you for being you.
Ivy Chia
Big Personality
Adrian, we won't forget your big smile, your big heart, your big personality. God Bless you.
Tan Su Shan
Huge Loss
Adrian is such a huge loss to the community, his friends, family and so many others who were lucky enough to know him and all the kindness and warmth he shared so generously with all of us.
David Zemans
Remembered Fondly
Adrian's The Best! He's one of the reasons I was proud to be a litigator! He will always be remembered fondly. Deepest condolences to Mrs Tan and family.
Talitha Shim
Prolific LinkedIns
For being a serious writer but showing why that didn't mean you had to be serious all the time! For the reflection, humour and truth you brought with your talk and prolific LinkedIns!
Mohan Pillay
An Indelible Personal Memory
From the time we met as a second year law students whom you were a mentor to, until we were colleagues, your wit and kindness have remained an indelible personal memory. Every rainbow will remind me of you.
Farhana Sharmeen
A Life Well Lived
Your compassion, wit, and love for life and your fellow human beings will always inspire those of us you left behind. Thank you for a life well lived.
Mary Wong
Deepest Condolences
I will miss you, Adrian. We have shared many moments together and I will always treasure your bravery and support. My deepest condolences to Angelina and your family.
Shashi Nathan
Fond Memories
I will always hold fond memories of our time in ACS and the joys you brought to an otherwise mundane secondary school life. Deepest condolences.
Kenneth Mak
Greatly Missed
You'll be greatly missed by all of us in the IP community. You are greatly adored by us all. It has been an honour to work with you all these years.
Tasneem Haq
Voice of the Arts
Thank you for being the voice of the arts and literary scene in Singapore, Adrian! Gratitude to you for supporting The Arts House Ltd. You'll be sorely missed.
Lee Mun Ping
A Great Loss
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mr Adrian Tan’s passing, and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family.
An extremely passionate alumnus and a wonderful speaker, Adrian delivered the Commencement Address at our Commencement Ceremony exactly a year ago. He was very much a part of the NUS Law family and always found time to support us in initiatives for our students.
Just a few months ago, Adrian readily agreed to moderate a Fireside Chat for the NUS Law Alumni Mentor Programme.
Adrian’s passing is a great loss to Singapore’s law fraternity as well as to future generations of lawyers and law students.
Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore
We Miss Him
It is sad to hear that Mr Adrian Tan has passed on. I personally have worked with him since I joined SAVH in 2014. I attended meetings for discussions when he met up with SAVH President and Executive Director. He was SAVH’s Honorary Legal Advisor for 11 years from 2010 to 2021. SAVH benefitted immensely from his professional advice and guidance to the constitutional, legal and governance matters.
We miss him. Rest in Peace, Mr Adrian Tan.
Kan Teck San
Rest In Peace
We did not have an opportunity to meet. While my written words might not reach you, I hope my feelings and wishes will.
While I cannot speak with the same fervour as many whose lives you touched or inspired, I always read your messages on social media as I found them to be intelligent, witty but having a spirit and a message.
I pray to almighty to give your soul a resting place and strength to your family, friends and colleagues to cope with this huge loss.
Manishi Pathak, India
His Gift To Me
We spoke of life. We spoke of death. But mainly, we laughed.
Adrian Tan was sent off on 12 July, having spent a full life helping others directly as a friend and lawyer, and indirectly as a writer, speaker, teacher. He led a busy life but made time to catch up with friends. Maybe because we always managed to see the lighter side of things.
My interview with Adrian for www.silverstreak.sg was wide-ranging and covered more serious topics. Living with cancer forces a sense of perspective. Maybe he knew his days were numbered. He didn't let on. But he was still the same, sharp-minded, witty, cheerful Adrian I had known for close to four decades.
That was his gift to me, and the best way to remember him.
Kannan Chandran
A Personal Touch
About a year and a half ago, my previous firm moved to a new office at 11 Beach Road from Paya Lebar Quarter. We were still a small firm, relatively new, but saw this as a bit of a milestone for us.
I put up a LinkedIn post celebrating this. It got a few likes and congratulatory messages. One comment stood out, from the then President-elect of the Law Society, who took time to congratulate a relatively junior lawyer, in a small, fledgling law firm, on our new office. He also commented to say we could contact him if we needed any help.
I have never had the privilege of meeting him face to face, but miss him all the same.
Rest in Peace, the King of Singapore.
Jevan Li
