Ricky Tan was born in Penang, Malaysia, to Robert and Vivian. He has a younger brother, Danny. His early studies were in St Xavier’s primary and secondary schools, where he was very active in extra-curricular activities. It was a happy and hectic time for him, including his days as Head of the Red Crescent Society. He left school with cherished memories. Later, he studied at Inti College in Nilai, Malaysia, and then at Iowa State University, USA, where he graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering. It was in Iowa that he met Sheue Lei and they were married in 2007. He was very happy to have joined Microsoft and loved his work there. Ricky and Sheue Lei settled down in Redmond, Washington State and were surrounded by loving friends who always supported each other.
Ricky will be remembered as a filial and loving son by his parents. His easy-going, good and cheerful nature and helpfulness endeared him to his friends. To his wife, he was a loving and faithful husband, and to his company, a loyal and hardworking employee.