Message from Mark Katsouros

Sukij,

You were such a kind and inspirational person. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to work with you, get to know you, and call you a friend. You lived every day with zeal and inspired others to do the same. I was listening to some old music the other day, including this old David Wilcox song. It immediately made me think of you, like so many other things that will undoubtedly continue to cause your friends and family to have “Sukij” moments…

Sunshine on the Land

(by David Wilcox)

I went to see an old friend
Who was soon to pass away.
He said, "My life has been so good to me.
Now I still got one more day."

Now he said that as he watched the morning sun
And then he smiled my way.
Because he said that every morning,
He lived his life that way.

He said, "I am the sunshine.
You are the sunshine.
We are the sunshine.
Help me understand.
We are the sunshine on the land."

He said this day is like a life you live,
It's never here to stay,
Because your time is always runnin' by
Like the sun across the day.

But it's like lookin' at the sunshine from the earth.
The light does come and go.
But when you're lookin' at the earth shine from the sun,
It's quite a different show.
He said it's time you know.

That I am the sunshine.
You are the sunshine.
We are the sunshine.
Help me understand.
We are the sunshine on the land.

Now I'm thinkin' of the things he said.
We're walkin' toward the grave.
And I haven't lived a life like his
But I still got one more day.
Now you could say it's only flesh and bone

The life that's in your hands
But I like to think it's something more
Like the sunshine on the land.

I am the sunshine.
You are the sunshine.
We are the sunshine.
Help me understand.
We are the sunshine on the land.
We are the sunshine on the land.

Sukij, you provided lots of sunshine, and a real sense of thankfulness, in many people’s lives. Rest in peace, my friend.

-Mark Katsouros

Message from Sukij

Sukij wanted to share this poem with all of you. He asked that I wait until he was in Heaven to post it.

To Those I Love

If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the Silent Way,
grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk
of me as if I were beside you there.

(I'd come-I'd come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)

And when you hear a song or
see a bird I loved,
please do not let the thought of me be sad...
For I am loving you just as I always have...

You were so good to me!
There are so many things I wanted still

to do—
so many things to say to you...
Remember that I did not fear—
It was just leaving you that was so hard to face...

We cannot see Beyond...
But this I know:
I loved you so—
'twas heaven here with you!

~Isla Paschal Richardson

Sukij's Star Certificate Has Arrived

We would like to thank Norma Hayward and Jane Manturi for purchasing a Star Certificate for Sukij Yongpiyakul. The certificate has arrived and it is wonderful! Norma and Jane, you are so thoughtful and creative.

Matt will be so pleased to learned that a star is named after his favorite uncle. He drew a picture of stars for Sukij last week, claiming that he loves his uncle as "big" as the universe!

Yongpiyakul Family

Sukij's Memorial Service

A memorial service for Sukij will be held on Thursday October 9 at 7:30 PM, Bangkok time, in Thai.

We are also preparing a booklet and will give limited copies out in the service. We will include parts of your words about Sukij in the booklet. Regretably we can't put everything in, but we will encourage everyone to read this blog. We believe that everyone will be deeply touched by this blog as we are.

It's an honor to be Sukij's brother, to know that you love him as much as we do, and to learn so many life lessons from him through all of you.

With loves and warmest regards,
Chankit Yongpiyakul

Dear Yongpiyakuls

Dear Yongpiyakul Family,

Sukij was a great, great man. As many others have said, thank you all so much for sharing him with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and Sukij.

Though sorrow at his passing is entirely unavoidable and appropriate, it must be said that his happiness, his goodness of heart, his vivacious joy at living is so overwhelming that even in this moment of undeniable sadness our spirits are all still lifted by his example. We hope this heavy load is somehow lightened with the knowledge that he lived such a full life, with such a good heart.

Our sincerest condolences,

The Anderson Family (Eric, Kitty, Isabella and Peter)

And Sukij...may God bless you...

Until We Meet Again

Sukij,

Although I may not know all of the people in this blog, I feel like I do. We all share the benefit of having known you and experienced the wisdom you imparted over the years. We all share the kindness and the encouragement you provided to each of us in our time with you. I also remember the many times when I would talk to you that I could see you pondering my words and then you would say, "have you ever met...?" and you would share their stories with me. Many of the names in the blog are familiar and as I read their stories I remember moments you told me about, that you shared with them. You always seemed proud and thankful for your friends, judging from the entries in this blog, you should be!

I will miss our lunches, but your spirit and your voice still exist in my thoughts. Your enthusiasm of life and belief in me was often what I needed to hear. As a christian, I needed a mentor like you to remind me of the reward of a life committed faithfully to the lord and the importance and value of servanthood. You were always a wonderful role model to me and I would imagine many reading this note. You were one of a few select people that I can remember thinking, "no matter what, I cannot lose touch with this person." I am sure many of the others on this blog know exactly what I am talking about.

Soon you will know (like you could probably never grasp in this world) of the amazing "ripple effect" you had on the world.

I will miss you, but as you said to me before you left for Thailand, we will see each other again!

Jon

Even Angels Wear Glasses

I wonder how many fish Sukij's caught in his lifetime,
or the biggest one he's ever hooked.

How many management classes he has taken,
or First Class flights Sukij has sat in.

How many hundreds of computers he has fixed,
or servers he has tinkered with.

What I do know is that at least one angel wears glasses,
and is looking down at all the people he's touched,
and whose hearts he eternally lives in.

A Prayer for Sukij Yongpiyakul

Dear God,
Thank you for sending Sukij into my life. He has made me a better man, and I want to thank you for that. I have always believed very deeply in my soul that it was your plan to have Sukij be my personal angel, coach, and guide. There was always such a strong power of Christ in Sukij and that is why I know that you sent him my way - and there are only a precious few in this world that I can say that about.

Sukij,
I will strive to live out your legacy and do you proud, buddy. You will always be my brother. Thank you so much for all you have done for me, my wife, my family, and our family of friends. God bless you Sukij. You are the best damn friend a guy could ever dream of finding. As a general rule, men don’t go around baring their hearts, even to their closest of friends. Well, Sukij, you were such a powerful exception to that rule. We truly danced as though nobody was watching and we sang as though no one was listening! I found 2 quotes from Jack Kerouac that seem to sum it all up my friend:

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes "Awww!”
- Jack Kerouac

“I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life, but that great consciousness of life.”
- Jack Kerouac

Until we meet again on the other side my brother,

Joelman

To Sukij's family..... Thank you

Thank you for letting us know that Sukij is now safely and comfortably moved on.  Thank you for bringing him into our lives and thank you for being there at his side now.  Thank you for loving him, caring for him, and keeping us all informed.  My thoughts, prayers, and heart are with you.  

Fondly,  Peggy Phillips

God Has Taken Sukij

At 12:33 AM on October 3, 2008, Bangkok Time, Sukij left us to join Lord Jesus in Heaven. His funeral will be arranged on Saturday.

October 2, 2008

Dear friends,

This morning, we have decided to sedate Sukij and started increasing morphine to the level that will keep him unconcious, calm, comfortable, and painless. In effect, Sukij will sleep peacefully, awaiting the time when God calls him home, probably in a few days or so. For the past night, he was suffering from both hallucination and pain, so we have decided to take the necessary measure to ensure that he spends his last few days comfortably and peacefully.

This is a difficult time for us, although we are sure that we will eventually meet again, perfect in flesh and soul, but it is still hard to see him leaving us soon.

For the past few days, he had been trying unsuccessfully to summon all his strength to say good-bye to all of you on a video. We are sorry that you will not be able to see it.


Will keep you updated.

Sukij's Family

Message from Julie Bilinkas

I check Sukij's blog site every day to keep apprised of his health and spirit and because I find it incredibly inspiring to see the impact he's had on so many people. Robert Louis Stevenson once said: "Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant". The blog entries from Sukij's family and friends, reinforce just how many seeds Sukij has planted. They illustrate the magnitude of his kindness, his selflessness, his genuine concern for others.

I was fortunate enough to get a sampling of Sukij's warmth and compassion on a business trip to Denver. Sukij had the ability to turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary one. When my LAN connection at the hotel did not work, he came to my room and fixed it. When the airline cancelled our flight home (in the middle of the night while we were sleeping) he called my hotel room at 4:00 am to say "if we leave right now, we can catch the last flight home, otherwise we will be snowed in for a couple of days". When we got to the airport, he went to the President's Club and asked that I get upgraded to First Class as his traveling companion. I remember thinking how lucky I was to be taken care of by such a kind man (and wishing I could pack him in my suitcase each time I traveled thereafter). I can vividly remember his sweet voice, his warm heart, his sharp mind and his infectious laugh.

Thank you, Sukij. You have blessed the world with your existence.

-Julie Bilinkas

Weekend in Dublin

It is so wonderful to read all of the stories of Sukij. He has been such a great friend and it is amazing, although not surprising, how many lives he has impacted with his wisdom and kindness. Whenever we are together, Sukij and I always talk and laugh about our experiences during our travels with Avaya.

In Rome we saw such beautiful places and enjoyed visits to the Sistine Chapel as well as wonderful private tours in the Vatican arranged by John Rooney. But we never talked about Rome without a discussion of "the heist". We were all staying at the Excelsior and I commented several times how much I liked the glasses they used to serve everything from juice to wine and I said I was going to try to find a way to buy some. That didn't work out but Sukij showed up at my desk the first day we were back at work and gave me two of the glasses that he had managed to "acquire". We all know how honest he is so it seemed very funny but as he said, he left an extra tip to make up for it. During a visit the following year to the UK we had a great time doing a tour of Windsor Castle and every time we saw a display of china used at various royal dinners, I kept reminding Sukij that while I admired them, I really didn't want them. Of course he managed to find some glasses in their gift shop and when we were back in the office, he gave them to me assuring me he had paid for them.

But the trip we always talk the most about was a weekend in Dublin. With other Avaya friends, we did a tour of the county around Dublin and enjoyed a couple of nice dinner with good friends. Sukij and I also did a tour of the city and after many hours we wanted to find someplace for a little rest and lunch. We thought we'd found a nice place but after being seated we realized it was much fancier than we'd had in mind. We were both looking at the menu and when I looked up, Sukij was looking at me with such a disappointed look and he said, "no fish and chips?" Although we felt a little funny, we tried to neatly refold their linen napkins and we ran for the door. We then found a nice little pub where they had a fireplace and some great fish and chips. Any time with Sukij is special and I'll always treasure our memories. We are all so fortunate to have him as a friend!

Sukij - hugs to you!

Sue Frerks

Message from Pam Lee for Sukij

Dear Sukij,

We met while I was an undergrad at UMCP. You were an unforgettable mentor and friend to me and those in our project group! I remember randomly dropping by your office just to say hello or to share about my (trivial but at the time monumental) trials. You always were encouraging and supportive, always offering to be a sounding board and helping wherever you could.

After I graduated and moved to NYC, we completely lost touch. I wondered how you were and what you were up to...but I knew you would be busy with one project or another...and finally our paths crossed only a few months ago in LinkedIn! ahhh...the wonders of technology. I was so glad to connect with you and catch up with you...and most importantly share with you my ideas about technology, education, china, and spreading the word of Christ. I already knew you would be so excited for me becuase of your passion for technology, education, and God.

Well when the time is right and I do pursue the project...I will remember you as a source of inspiration. I only hope I can be such a mentor to others. Thank you.

I will see you again after we both meet the Big Guy Up In The Sky. You are in my prayers.

Love in Christ,
Pam Mon Lee

Leave a Trail

Sukij...do you remember how many trips we made to Basking Ridge to convince Lucent Technology they needed to hire JTS Communications, LLC to Change the Lucent Technologies World? I believe it was around 11 trips. I added some of our PowerPoint slides from those presentations.

Those trips changed you and I...not Lucent Technologies. Dave Johnson believed the vision and was so supportive. We loved Avaya, as Dave did and wanted to see Avaya fulfil the needs of their higher education customers. I love Dave's quote: "The Future is Possible, but not Given"



Sukij...you really did Invent the Future...you always have and you have lived the quote you came up with so many years ago..."Do not go where the path may lead, but go where there is no path, and leave a trail".



Sukij...you have left a trail!!! and what a trail...just look at this Blog...can you believe how many people you have touched. How many people you have shared the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm convinced that as our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 25:21, He will say to you, Sukij..Well done, good and faithful servant!

Thanks Sukij...for sharing the trail with me, Christine and all the other great friends you have!! --Tom Heacock

A Dinner with Dave Johnson

Sukij wanted to treat Dave a dinner. Since the doctor didn't allow him out, Our family happily took over. We had a very good time, at Bangkok Marriott Seafood Buffet.






Dave and Sukij's Mom



Dave and Matt, Sukij's favorite nephew

Sukij the Professional

There are so many aspects to our friend Sukij and certainly the “cup” of this blog “runnith over” with cherished memories of the love he’s shared and how much he means to each of us, his adopted American family. We all also all know how brilliant that he is!! I had the amazing opportunity to be both his friend and his boss (sometimes we wondered who was leading who) during his years at the University of Maryland and I wanted to share with his family and friends some of his truly amazing professional accomplishments. It was an honor to work alongside Sukij!
--Dorothy Chrismer

The excerpt below is a compilation, taken from several documents on file at the University, that only begin to touch the surface of the tributes he deserves for so many remarkable endeavors.

Sukij had been affiliated with the University of Maryland College Park beginning in 1982 where he began as a promising engineering student. Wanting to supplement his academic experience, he obtained employment in the Department of Communication and Business Services. Although working part-time and attending school full-time, he became a valued employee while remaining an excellent scholar. Sukij was an outstanding employee in the Department of Communication and Business Services (CBS) and an active member of the campus community.

Sukij graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park. He also had a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (with a minor in Computer Science) from Columbia Union College where he was awarded Highest Honors. Sukij is listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 1986-87.

CBS had witnessed the demonstration of Sukij’s knowledge, capabilities and expertise as well as his professional growth. He provided outstanding engineering and technical expertise in the support of complex voice and data communication systems. His contributions included planning, design, engineering and project management support for the installation of the campus-wide telecommunications system. In addition, he had been responsible for directing the operations of one of the largest, single-sight telecommunications systems in the world! This system was crucial to the University’s research, teaching and academic missions.

Sukij effectively applied his knowledge and skills to utilize technology to serve the University’s faculty, staff and students. He had been instrumental in implementing new media such as video teleconferencing and collaborative software which had been successfully incorporated into academic programs as instructional tools. In addition, Sukij had developed systems to support other important functions of the University. For example, he served as a technical liaison with the University Police Department for telecommunication matters. As a result of his excellent service to the Police, he had been the recipient of several awards such as the Citizen Appreciation Award for 1991, 1993 and 1994, and the Certificate of Appreciation in 1992. His accomplishments were recognized by the Governor of Maryland in 1994 when he was awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Merit for Crime Prevention.

In conjunction with the University’s research mission, Sukij had primary responsibility for several inventions! He was awarded the 1992 Outstanding Inventor/Invention of the Year for “The Connect Family of Innovative Voice Response Applications” from the University of Maryland Graduate Research Office of Technology Liaison. In addition, the University received the NACUBO 1993 Cost Reduction Incentive Award as a result of developments created under the direction of Sukij.

Due to his knowledge and skills, Sukij had earned the respect of his colleagues and peers and he had become nationally recognized as a telecommunications resource. He was often required to represent the University on telecommunications matters and frequently spoke at local and national conferences. In 1995, Sukij served as the Eastern Region Director for the AT&T Global Definity User’s Group. For his outstanding service to the User’s Group, he had been the recipient of numerous awards including the Leadership Excellence Award and the prestigious Eagle Award.

Sukij’s dedication to his profession matched his commitment to the University community. As an active staff member, he was involved in many aspects of campus life. For example, he had served as an Advise 5 advisor for Letters and Sciences for several years. In that role, he was a mentor and friend to college students needing assistance with academic decisions. He also served as host to campus faculty, staff, students and guests who toured the University’s telecommunication facility. In that role, he was an instructor sharing his knowledge and experience.

As an advocate of personal growth and development, Sukij continually strived for self-improvement. He had participated in many campus sponsored programs and completed the Office of Executive Programs’ course in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In addition, Sukij had participated in extra-curricula programs to enhance his skills. An example of his many successes is the receipt of the Highest Award for Achievement from Dale Carengie and Associates in 1996.

And so, it was with great pride and pleasure to all of us that Sukij was nominated to the President’s Committee for the Associate Staff Award in 1996! He exemplified all of the qualities specified in the award criteria as well as many other outstanding traits. With his record of exceptional performance, leadership and service to the University of Maryland at College Park, Sukij deserved the honor to be represented by the Associate Staff Award. He was a most worthy candidate for consideration!

--Dorothy Chrismer and Linda Hosey