KUCHING: Liew Tho Jin’ family members held a funeral without tears sending off the 107-year-old centenarian on Wednesday.

Liew’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren — close to a hundred of them — were all dressed in red T-shirts, a symbol of happiness in accordance with the Chinese tradition for a “cheerful funeral”.

The Chinese hold such funeral for one who has passed away at a very old age, signifying that he or she has lived life to the fullest.

Born in Bau, Kuching, Liu passed away peacefully at the age of 107 at his house on Sunday.

He had been bed-ridden three months before his death, and took only chicken soup and fish porridge as he was no longer able to swallow solid food.

An avid traveller, he only stopped going out a year ago due to his declining health.

At 100 years old, Liew was still very healthy with a sharp mind and he hardly fell sick, according to one of his sons, Lian Foh.

He did not drink nor smoke. He loved chilli very much and could swallow the whole chilli!

Yong tau fu (stuffed tofu), tau kua (bean curd) and greens were his favourites, but he stayed away from river fish and fatty meat.

He only took lean meat, white pomfret, chocolates and coffee with sugar.

Liew was a labourer and farmer when he was young.

He also pedalled his bicycle to sell tau fu fa and ice cream.

At the age of 70, he still cycled to collect bottles for recycling.

Asked about the secret of his longevity, Lian Foh recalled that his father was a friendly and contented man without temper, and had many friends.

From the age of 70 to 90, he still travelled with friends.

He lived his life without worries and was very easy-going.

“My father never scolded any of us as far as I can remember,” said Lian Foh.