Dr. Wai Yun Syn, at 81 years of age, gently passed away on May 24, 2013.  His heart finally gave out after carrying him for 25 years beyond what his colleagues estimated was likely. His passing was peaceful surrounded by his family.
Still here to celebrate his life are his loving wife of 25 years, Betty Syn of Columbus; (three children): Warren Wah Lun James Syn of Clairmont, Ga., Suelin Lilly-Ammons of Columbus, and Evelyn Lee Campbell of Conyers, Ga.; (two stepchildren): Dr. Robert Lilly of Columbus, Pamela Bach Tucker of Atlanta, Ga.; (five grandchildren): Angelina Lilly and Skylar Ammons, both of Columbus, and Nick, Nathan and Maxwell Bach of Atlanta, Ga.
Wai was born and grew up in Singapore, son of parents who were Chinese, Eng Kim Syn and Mabel Ho Syn.  In 1950, his foster parents, Warren and Evelyn Willis, sponsored Wai in coming to America, where he received his undergraduate degree from Florida University and his MD degree from Emory University Medical School in 1959.
Dr. Syn then went on as a doctor to do mission work in Asia, where he helped many who would not have otherwise received medical care. He then worked at DeKalb Hospital and in private practice in Atlanta as an internist for 40 years before retiring to Columbus.
Wai was an incredible inspiration to his many friends and family, and his smile and laughter will live long in our hearts. We have created a memorial website we hope you will visit to either see some pictures and videos of Wai, or perhaps to post a story or light a candle in memory of our friend, Dr. Wai Yun Syn (wai.syn.muchloved.com). There will be a Memorial Life Celebration in three to four weeks. The details will be posted in a few days on this memorial website.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trout Unlimited. Wai was an avid fisherman and loved all types of fishing.  He was particularly fond of Trout Unlimited (Pisgah Chapter) because of their mission: “to conserve, protect and restore cold water fisheries and other watersheds in the western North Carolina region.” If you feel inspired to donate in Wai’s name, please send your tax deductible checks to: Pisgah Chapter Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 841, Hendersonville, N.C. 28793. Please write “In memory of Wai Syn” in the check memo area.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Polk County EMS and the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department for their unbelievable efforts and competence.  In lieu of flowers or food, please also consider donating to the Columbus Volunteer Fire Dept. If you do, please send your tax deductible checks to: Columbus Fire Dept., 100 Peak St., Columbus, N.C. 28722.  Please write “In memory of Wai Syn” in the check memo area.