I've only recently learned of Melissa's passing and I am so heartbroken to hear this. Melissa was a kind person who was always smiling. She was a hard worker and enjoyed problem solving situations. In her student peer role at UBC, she absolutely glowed. I always enjoyed the time I got to spend chatting and joking around with her. I'm sending my deepest condolences to her family. Wishing you warm memories and reflections. 

I had the pleasure of working with Melissa at UBC Arts Academic Advising for many years. Melissa was such a bright spirit in the office and we worked together on many projects. I appreciated her enthusiasm, laugher and quick thinking. We often discussed dogs and the political hot topics of the moment and shared many laughs. My heart goes out to her family, I am so sorry for your loss and heartbreak. Melissa had the best smile and was so full of energy, I know all that have known her will miss her deeply. 

I had the pleasure of getting to know Melissa when we worked together in the Faculty of Arts at UBC. Melissa was a tremendous student and such a caring colleague. My condolences to the Tan family for your incredible loss. Please know that Melissa had an enormous impact on so many of our lives.

Melissa was one of the first friends I made at UBC. There was an icebreaker at Walter Gage commons one evening and I was standing around not knowing who to approach. Melissa was with another girl called Aya standing in one corner of the room. I went over to greet them and we started chatting, and gradually, our little group started to grow bigger as the evening proceeded. I can’t say I knew Melissa very well but I remember she was bubbly, bright and always displayed a big smile. It was upsetting to hear of her passing.

My condolences to her family and friends.

Rest easy, Melissa. 

I first met Melissa in our Honours History seminar at UBC. I remember that she and I almost immediately connected over the similar histories of the places that we both hailed from. She was an exceptional thinker and an outstanding scholar. I also considered her a friend with whom I could share not only my happy moments, but also my problems. I adored her wisdom.

I will cherish our memories and remember her fondly. I will miss her dearly. I express my deepest condolences to her family and to anyone who got to know her awesomeness. 

I met Melissa at Arts Advising in January 2018. She was a wonderful friend and colleague who made me feel welcomed when I was new and she was a senior Peer Advisor. I remember pairing up with Melissa and spending countless hours preparing for registration tutorial workshops with her as part of our project work. We had great fun doing those presentations.  During weekly team meetings, we spent more time eating snacks than anything else! Outside of working hours, I enjoyed getting updates from her about her aunt’s schnauzer who loves blueberries and is super naughty, but of course, she loves him anyway. Melissa also came to celebrate my graduation with me in 2019. Melissa, you were a great friend and I’m glad that we had many happy times together. Rest In Peace. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten. 

I met Melissa at Arts Advising when she was assigned to train the new peers at the front counter. She introduced herself as the “grandmother” of the peers and I knew instantly that she was a kindred spirit. As luck would have it, we were assigned the same work schedule and spent the summer at the front counter sharing random weekend updates, taking turns for Starbucks runs, talking about school, and laughing. That is what I will remember most about Melissa, she always had a story to share. Whether it was during our shift, our walk to the Nest or to the bus loop, Melissa always had some sort of amazing everyday adventure to tell. Even when she completely lost me in her discussions on politics, I am grateful for the time we spent getting lunch and working together. You are missed, Melissa, and we will never forget you, your stories, or your laughter. 

A dear classmate since the Setia days, Melissa was a girl like no other. Someone who dares to speak up, someone who dares to correct one's wrongdoing (that's why she's a pengawas back in the days xD). I admit we were not close, but I still miss the memories of us being classmates, having fun together, life was easy back then. If only we could turn back time...

Rest well Melissa, I believe you are in a better place now. A place where there's no suffering, no pain...

We'll always miss you Melissa...

Aya: Melissa was the first friend I made at UBC, having just moved into Gage and she being my roommate.
She always spoke to me in Japanese, asking me “Genki?” in such a kind and cheerful voice. Her Japanese was much better than my English to be honest. She was one of the brightest people I’ve met at UBC, and I had so much respect for her. No matter how bad my English was, she was very patient with me and showed interest in hearing me out. First-year of UBC wasn’t easy for me, but she was there for me. She was such a caring, patient, friendly, and smart friend who played a significant role in my first year of UBC. Because of her, I met my now husband Alex who shares a similar background with her, and the three of us shared memorable moments during our first year.
She gave me a pretty pink pendant when I graduated. Despite her busy schedule, she visited the UBC rose garden to celebrate my graduation. She told me that she is proud of me, and it made me so happy to hear from someone I started the UBC journey with, and look up to.  
Melissa - I wish I had stayed in touch more even after we moved out of the dorm, after graduation. I miss you so much. Thank you for being my friend.

Alex: I met Melissa on the second day of JumpStart Orientation at UBC, where she was with my now wife, Aya. We bonded over our SEA experiences and she was a close and valued friend during my first year at UBC. I remember she would let me know when she had Indomie in her room and offer it to me. She truly was one of the nicest and smartest people I have ever met, and helped make my transition to Canadian living a lot more pleasant. I honestly can say that I owe a lot of what I have in my life to her, as she was one of the main reasons why I was able to get close to Aya, and eventually fall for her. It will be hard to forget someone who gave me so much to appreciate and remember in my life.

I first met Melissa when she had helped in my transition into the CCR assistant role. She was definitely referred to by all as a very important and amazing individual. Bright and full of life, she will definitely be missed by all.

I am saddened and heartbroken to hear of this news. I will be keeping Melissa in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincerest condolences to the Tan family. Rest well. 

I first met Melissa while working on a project on local elections in Malaysia together with two other UBC students from Malaysia under the supervision of Professor Kai Ostwald in 2018-19. During that time, she shared so many great ideas on Sarawak and the Malayan Emergency with me as I was just a first-year MA student. Since then, we kept in touch and she was one of a few friends I could discuss Malaysian politics with. Most recently, she motivated me with my thesis, and I probably would not have graduated and would still be in the writing stage without her support. I miss her and I hope she rests in peace. My deepest condolences to her family. Selamat jalan kawan

Melissa was an inspiration to her juniors in SMK Batu Lintang. She was wise, determined and kind. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Melissa's family.

I met Melissa in first year of university and as we shared our experience as a "third culture kid", growing up in an environment and culture different to our country of origin, we quickly became friends. We bonded over our shared passion for social justice and advocating for the marginalized and oppressed population. We made a great team and brought 2 events on a pressing global issue to a success. Melissa was my close friend who I could talk to about our love for K-pop, food and cafes and she was my partner and colleague who constantly inspired and encouraged me to do my part to address the injustices in the world. Being in the social justice field can often take an emotional toll on you but it was thanks to Melissa that I was able to stay motivated and sane. Melissa taught me the value of patience and resilience. She is the most intelligent and passionate person I knew who could withstand difficult situations, handle adversity, and remain calm in unexpected situations.  She made such a big impact in my personal life as well as my career trajectory. I am so thankful and lucky to have had her in my life and I am going to miss her a lot.

I had the good fortune of working with Melissa while she was at Arts Advising. I appreciated so much her intelligence, her commitment, and her care for students and friends. She was exceptionally good at making friends and connecting with people.  In my role I am in and out of the office a lot, and don't always have many points of contact with the peers, but I have such fond memories of talking schnauzers with her because she made the connection with me around dogs and kept it up. I missed her once she stopped working with us. I can only imagine the impact of her loss on her family and close friends. My sincere condolences to the family. 

Melissa was one of the first friends I ever made at university, right on the day of First Year orientation. In our orientation group, with a bright and bubbly smile Melissa was the first to reach out to me to say hello and ask me what my name was. That day was the the first day I left behind the only world I knew that was my hometown, exchanging it for a new unfamiliar one. Little did she know her kindness was so infectious enough for my introverted self to open up, not only on that day but through the years with the countless number of peers turned into friends I made thanks to her. I will forever be thankful that fate put Melissa in my path that day, placing a friend into my life I could rely on any time and pick up where we left last no matter how much life had changed and time had passed. 

Although our upbringings, worlds and hobbies couldn’t have been more different, I always found comfort in her presence. Some of my fondest memories of undergrad include her, a personal favourite being introducing her to the concept of a ‘Soundcloud Rapper’, something all to familiar in my upbringing but foreign in her world. We shared many laughs, stories, complaints (the most frequent being about political essays and how it’s hair washing day) and many more countless memories I will forever cherish even as the years go by. 

From helping me with school (seriously… I owe probably a chunk of my degree to you) to giving me advice about on how to act regarding dramatic stories of my other friends— thank you for everything Mel! I’m so happy I got the chance to have someone like you in my life. Not only are you the smartest person I know, you are the kindest soul too. I have and forever will admire the courageous person you are, and try to be just a little bit braver even when it’s difficult like you. 

Rest easy until we meet again 💕

I met Melissa in a Chinese history course at UBC during second year, and over the next few years, we became friends; she became one of my closest friends at UBC. We shared many classes in history together, and after class, we spent many hours bonding and commiserating over Blue Chip cookies and coffee. 

She was always thoughtful, passionate, well-spoken, and one of the kindest people I've had the privilege of meeting. I will always remember her love of dogs, cats, and animals. I miss her immensely.

My sincere condolences to the Tan family. 

I worked with Melissa for years at Arts Advising.  I remember one of her favourite days on the job was when she told me about her experience participating in e-recruitment where she had an opportunity to interview the associate Dean.  So many people told me she did a wonderful job interviewing, and it was clear how proud she was and how much she enjoyed it!  Melissa always did exceptional work, and enjoyed helping others.  I am glad I had a chance to work with her and to know her, and my deepest condolences go out to her family during this heartbreaking time. 

Melissa was the first person that changed me a lot since middle school, with her candid personality that was never afraid to speak the truth plus stood for those she truly cared for.  

During free periods, she would always told me about her neighbor's German shepherd, best pals from tuition classes, good books she had read, and her favorite singer back then, Adam Levine. Not to forget her neatly written History notes with shades of highlighted points, that's the reason why I picked up the habit of note jotting till today, thanks to her. 
Even after we had graduated from high school, the three of us (Melissa, Shirley and me) still kept in touch, shared fond memories from the past over occasional chats. Summer holidays were the best time where we spent our whole night gossiped over cups of milk teas and shaved ice, back in our hometown. 

More than 10 years of friendship, losing her feel like losing an important fragment from our lives. Live goes on but memories will remain forever. No matter where you are, you will always be our most precious friend. Don't lose your smile and always be that happy pill as you did in the past. 

To the Tan family, I would like to express my deepest condolences and may you all find the strength and courage to get through this difficult time. 

Lastly to my dearest friend, Melissa, 
May your soul rest in peace. As always, bon voyage! 


I first met Melissa five years ago and we became very close friends. We had all of our history honours seminars together. Melissa was a very caring, kind, and compassionate person. She had a brilliant mind. I cannot adequately express my sense of loss. I will always treasure the memories I have of her. I would also like to express my condolences to the Tan family. 

I have worked closely with Melissa for only less than a year but the bond that developed between us was as if we had been friends for a lifetime. We shared so many things in common that it was like we were twins, from our shared OCD tendencies to our love of food and travel and shopping. I will truly miss talking with her, seeing her smile, hearing her laughter. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Melissa was a colleague of mine who eventually became one of the closest friends I met at UBC. Melissa and I quickly bonded over our shared love for dogs and good food. I fondly remember the many stories she’d tell me about  a mischievous dog named Lucky, a neighbour’s dog back home, whom she and I would spend countless after class coffee dates gossiping about. 

Melissa had a generous heart. She’d be more excited for me than I was over my own accomplishments, and she would shower my interests and passions with more enthusiasm than I often felt they deserved. It’s truly so rare to meet someone who's so full of love, and I feel so lucky. It’ll be difficult to forget the pureness of joy that Melissa gifted to all she’s cared for throughout her life. She loved so much and so well. I think that is what I will miss about her the most. 

I will be forever grateful to have known Melissa, for the memories that we shared, and to have called her a friend. I will miss her dearly. 

My deepest condolences to the Tan family. May she Rest In Peace. 

Melissa was a student in my History classes at UBC.  I only had a few brief chats with her, but she was so full of enthusiasm, joy, and decency that I still remember her very clearly.  

My most sincere condolences to the Tan family.

Melissa and I were classmates during secondary school. I will always remember her as someone who was smart, brave and outspoken. She was never afraid of raising her hand to ask questions or to voice out her opinions reasonably in class, even when it seemed against the teachers sometimes, which most of us were hesitant to do so, truly respected that.  She was a friendly and nice person whom I'm grateful to have met.

Deepest condolences to the Tan family, may peace and strength be with you all at this difficult time, and may you rest in peace, Melissa. ❤🌷


I met Melissa in high school. Though we were never classmates, but we will always see each other during prefect duties. She was a great friend, a very charismatic person and brave. I’m devastated to hear about her passing & to have lost another good friend. Nevertheless,  I’m blessed to have known Melissa all those years. I will cherish her in my memory. Rest & farewell, my friend. 

I knew Melissa in high school, we were classmates for three years. She has always been an outstanding person, full of courage and a nice friend to talk to. We had a little chat a few times last year too. It is really sad to hear about this. Rest in peace ❤

We were classmate for 3 years in high school. even when we were at that young age she always one of the bravest girl to voice out her opinion and never afraid to stood up for what she believe in where all of us were .  Rest in peace, Melissa. 

Feeling sad to see such a young and potential former student passing on.
Heartfelt Condolence and Deepest Sympathy to her family.
May her soul rest in peace.
from Cikgu Matthew 
(1986 - 2016 in SMK Batu Lintang  Kuching)

A sweet , hardworking and responsible student.  My deepest and heartfelt condolences   . May she rest in peace

I am honoured and blessed to have known Melissa. We have been friends since childhood and were schoolmates in high school. She was a charismatic, compassionate and fierce warrior who had always stood up for what was right and wanted to make the world a better place. Thank you for everything. May your soul rest in peace, my dear friend. 

To the Tan family, I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Melissa was my senior at secondary school. She was also among the first senior 'pengawas' who I viewed as a mentor and a friend. She was smart, courageous and very outspoken for the cause she believed in. 

May your soul rest in peace, Melissa. 🌷


As one of her classmates for 3 years, I will always remember Melissa as someone who was courageous. She had always been vocal of what she stood for and I respect that. May she rest in peace.

I have known Melissa since we were in Form 1 until we graduated high school in Form 5. She was a very courageous and outspoken girl with great thoughts and directions of what she aimed to achieve. She was a very special girl that we all respected and loved to chat with. I remember the last time me and Melissa chatting was around this March through Instagram as we were both watching the same Chinese variety show: Youth with You Season 3. We both supported the same contestant from Malaysia in this show and it was really unfortunate to realise it was my last conversation with her ever since. Rest in Peace, Melissa ❣️

Melissa was a classmate & schoolmate of mine during secondary school.  I remember the first time she contacted me via Facebook after so long. Although our conversation was short, it was meaningful. The last time we got in touch was a few months ago. We talked about an issue which was quite popular at the time. Throughout the conversation, it was evident that Melissa was a very passionate & understanding person. She also possessed a keen sense of willingness to learn more.  I was very touched because she was the first to do so. 

Lastly, condolences to her family during this time of sorrow. May her soul rest in peace. Melissa will always be remembered in my heart & memory.

The first thing I noticed about Melissa was her courageous personality. She was never afraid to speak up for herself and always did whatever she thought was right. I remembered back in 2009 when we were both junior ‘pengawas’ and the senior 'pengawas' peeps would typically pair you up with another ‘pengawas’ each week, just to gauge how well you work with others, I guess. I was paired with Melissa one time, and I remembered my experience working with her. I was a person who tried to not get into much trouble so occasionally, I would avoid some of the troublesome-looking people. But not Melissa, she’d stop anyone who was breaking the rules in his/ her tracks. And I admired that personality of hers.

She was also an intelligent, knowledgeable, and socially aware person, and it was never a dull conversation with her. We’ve had conversations about social issues and historical events that transpired around the world, and I have learned so much from her. We may not have been the closest friends, but I am proud to call her my friend and am grateful to have met her. She will be dearly missed and always remembered by us. 


OBITUARY

Melissa Tan Ying Yu

July 22, 1996 – November 9, 2021

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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