John Victor Morais

Dec 18, 1910 – March 6, 1991.

The family gathers to bid farewell as Victor Morais leaves for a tour of the United States with a group of South East Asian journalists in 1958.

Today is the 35th anniversary of the day my father got wings. Perhaps it is right that I just happen to be reading the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store this week. That’s how one of the characters in James McBride’s novel describes the passing of the mother of his little nephew: “Thelma got wings.” And thus became an angel.

My father was no angel. But he was a bearer of good tidings and practical help to many who crossed his path. His desire to venture beyond the confines of his birthplace in Trivandrum, Kerala set him on a flight path to a career in journalism and publishing in Malaysia. Still a teenager, he pestered his older brother, Manuel Morais, a Normal-trained teacher who had already emigrated to British Malaya to allow him to study English and finish his schooling in Ipoh, Perak. He become a cub reporter and rose to the position of Managing Editor of the Malaya Tribune at the age of 27, succeeding the out-going British editor.

More importantly, he took so many under his wings during his long and productive life. Starting young relatives on their careers, coaching and mentoring, welcoming nieces, nephews and others to stay with us while they tackled the challenges of school or career, or weathered a crisis.

In these apocalyptic times, when new wars are being started for no good reason, when cruelty and power seem to choke out compassion and decency, I long for the wisdom and grace of my parents who weathered the Japanese Occupation and colonial rule in the Federated Malay States with both faith and fortitude. I remember my father’s belief in a benevolent America and the pride he took in joining other SouthEast Asian journalists on a tour of the United States in 1958. I know he would mourn the folly and the futility of politics in which lies and hypocrisy are welcomed as useful tools for advancement or control, not shunned for the shameful betrayal of public trust that they represent.

Most of all, more than three decades after he left us, my siblings and I remain deeply grateful for the lessons he left us of how service, kindness, and integrity are rewards in themselves because they allow us to realize our full humanity and our connection to our neighbors. Before we too get our wings.