Part 10/12:
Research into the family’s history reveals that Robert was a pioneer educator and, unexpectedly, also worked as an undertaker to supplement his income. The school where Robert taught, one of Malaysia’s oldest, indicates his dedication to education despite modest pay—only about $75 a month—prompting him to moonlight as an undertaker during hard times influenced, possibly, by events like the Spanish flu.
The Hidden Struggles and Personal Stories
Learning about Robert’s role as both teacher and undertaker humanizes his story, revealing the resilience and adaptability required for survival in colonial Malaya. His work as an undertaker, regarded as somewhat taboo and modestly respected, underscores the complexity of his life—a man balancing his convictions with economic necessity.