Biography
As posted by OBA President, Bernard Kong: Condolences Posted by: Bernard Kong (76) Date: March 30, 2007 03:49PM Just receive sad news that Edward Lau (73) passed away this morning. Edward Lau is Senior Vice President and General Manager, Hong Kong, Manulife (International) Limited (MIL), responsible for the overall development of Manulife’s business operations in Hong Kong and Macau, including insurance, provident funds, and mutual fund businesses. May his soul rest in peace and let us pray for his family. Bernard Kong LSCOBA
Biography
Our beloved Lasallian, George Lau (Class of 67), aged 74, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2023.
George loved our school and was an active Old Boy. He would attend all San Francisco Chapter events: lunch gatherings, golf outings, spring dinners, etc. He would gladly drive out from his home in the city to even faraway places to join his fellow classmates for a nice time. Not to mention he joined every LSCOBA global reunion in different cities throughout these years.
George was always cheerful and supportive. We could always expect a great smile and warm greeting from him every time we met. He would support every La Salle-related charity and merchandise whenever they were available from our chapter, and would proudly wear them out in all our events.
He brought us so much great memories, and will always live in our hearts.
Thank you, George!
May you rest in peace in God’s embrace.
Obituary
George K. Lau, (74), of San Francisco, California, passed away on August 12, 2023. He was born to Joseph Ching Lau and Anna Yan Lau on September 17, 1948 in Hong Kong. He worked for the City and County of San Francisco for over 27 years prior to retiring as an accounting manager with the Department of Public Health in June 2010. He served as President of the San Francisco Fire Commission in 2008, Vice President of the Fire Commission in 2011, and President of the Fire Commission in 2012. George organized grassroot efforts to mobilize and raise civic awareness within the Chinese community. His commitment to civic engagement was reflected in his participation in numerous local organizations. George is survived by his wife, Amy Lau, his two children, Stephen and Sandra, and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Anna Yan Lau, and his sisters, Lai Ming Ma, Angela Lee, Agatha Mak, and Agnes Lau. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Ching Lau.
Biography
Dear Lasallians, I am sorry to inform you that Lau Ka Hung, Francis (劉家雄) from Class of 1981 has passed away recently. Francis was a very loyal Old Boy of LSC and he will be surely remembered by many. Our prayers go to Francis and his family. For those who wish to get in touch with Francis’ brother, John, please call 23362985 or email to: secretary (at) lscoba.com. The following are the details of the Requiem Mass and funeral arrangements: 劉家雄 追思彌撒 : 九龍玫瑰堂 日期 : １１月２３日 (星期一) 時間 : 晚上７時正 守夜日期 : １２月２日 (星期三) 地點 : 紅磡世盛殯儀 (地下永寧堂) 出殯日期 : １２月３日 (星期四) 出殯時間 : 上午 10-11 時出殯 May our Father receive Francis’ soul and let him rest in peace. Willie Wong Hon. Secretary of LSCOBA 2009-2010
Biography
Brother Dositheus Le Du was born on 17th February 1889 in France. He was transferred from St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong to La Salle College in 1938. He died in Malaysia.
Biography
Father James Lea, of the Hong Kong diocesan clergy, died at his home in the early morning on Tuesday, 13 July 1993, just two days after celebrating his 60th birthday. Father Lea was born on 11 July 1933, in Dublin, Ireland. In September of 1946, he entered the minor seminary at Longford to begin studies for the priesthood in the archdiocese of Dublin. While a student at Longford, he also enrolled in the faculty of philosophy at University College, Dublin where he eventually obtained his B.A. degree. In October of 1954, he was sent by his archbishop to the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome for theological studies. While there, he met a Hong Kong seminarian from the Beda College, Francis Hsu, who later became the first Chinese bishop of Hong Kong. This relationship helped spark an interest in Hong Kong and in November of 1957 while still a deacon, he was incardinated into the Hong Kong diocesan clergy. Father Lea was ordained a priest in Rome on 21 December 1957 and after the completion of his studies arrived in Hong Kong on 28 October 1958. The next two years were spent at Sedes Sapientiae House in Cheung Chau where he studied the Cantonese language. For the nest twelve years, Father Lea ministered as associate parish priest in Rosary Parish, Kowloon, the San Po Kong parish and Christ the Worker Parish in Jordan Valley. During this time he also acted as chaplain at La Salle College in Kowloon. In 1970 he began a long ministry as chaplain at the Kai Tak International Airport. At the same time he continued to both teach and act as chaplain at La Salle College and played a major role in the Hong Kong Legion of Mary. During the course of his years of ministry, Father James Lea made many friends who held him in very high regard. He will be deeply missed by all of there as well as by his fellow clergy in Hong Kong. His funeral Mass was held on Friday 16 July at St. Margaret’s Church in Happy Valley. Cardinal Wu was the main celebrant assisted by fifty concelebrating priests and many of his friends. His co-worker at the airport, Father Patrick O’Regan, SVD, paid fitting tribute in his eulogy to Father Lea’s years of service in the diocese. After the Mass, burial took place at the Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley. *Birth in Ireland: [11 July 1933] *Ordination: [21 December 1957] *Death in Hong Kong: [13 July 1993] *House of Studies, Cheung Chau: [1959] *Rosary Church, Kowloon: Vicar Cooperator [1960], [1961] *La Salle College: Assistant [1962], [1963], [1964], [1965], [1966] *Mother of Good Counsel, San Po Kong: Assistant [1968] *Christ the Worker’s Chapel, Ngau Tau Kok: Assistant [1969] *La Salle College: [1970] – [1977] *Sacred Heart Chapel (R.A.F.Chapel), Kai Tak: [1970] – [1993] Information obtained from http://archives.catholic.org.hk/memory/J-Lea.htm Father Lea’s grave is located in St Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley. The remains have been exhumed and are now placed in the wall behind the Chapel (outside the Chapel).
| Contributed by: | Ignatius Wong (1981 F7) 2006-03-13 05:33:15 |
| Description: | Father Lea’s command of the English language was very inspiring. At Form 6 and 7, he was our Ethics teacher. One day he came into the classroom, greeted us and was greeted by us, and then proceeded to write two words on the blackboard: “facetious”, and “abstemious”, and asked us to find the similarities between them. We quickly turned to our dictionaries and all other means possible, but to no avail. At the end of the class, he pointed out the obvious: that the two words contain all the vowels, a-e-i-o-u, and in order. “Now,” said Father, “try this on the DBS boys.” Another time during Ethics class, he spoke softly about an incident that had happened at school, the details of which I can’t remember. But what he did say I remembered for life. “Don’t curse the darkness, but light up a candle.” These words have been my guiding star for many years to come. Thank you Father. |
| Contributed by: | Tommy Chan (77) 2005-12-30 17:52:22 |
| Description: | Father Lea always like to ask us funny questions during English lesson , eg,”What is LOYAL ?” Of course,no one knew or had the guts to answer his question in English . After moment of silence and all our heads kept down,he would give us the answer with his usual similing face , “LOYAL is LOYAL !” We have learned this simple way or trick of answering from him. Whenever any of us had the guts to use this simple way to answer his funny questions,he always seemed to be contended with his usual smiling face. I miss Father Lea !! |
| Contributed by: | Victor Cheung (89 AL) 2004-12-25 22:51:16 |
| Description: | It’s rattlingly sad to learn that Father Lea has passed away. He will always be remembered for his sense of humour and pleasant personality. A lot of funny memories are still sticking in my mind and I will certainly treasure them in my life. His jokes and smiling face will always be remembered by all those people who knew him. |
| Contributed by: | Mark Huang (85) 2004-06-29 23:37:23 |
| Description: | At Form 7, classmates were busy burning the midnight oil for readying themselves for the coming A-levels. Often students would fall asleep at ethics class, resting their head on the desk. Fr Lea never raised his voice (and he was kind of understanding). He would very gently say, “Anyone who would like to read the next passage, please put his head on his desk.” Then at final / mock exams for A levels, most students did not use their precious time to revise for the ethics exams. Many learnt the trick to pass the exam: once the test paper is received, the students would dictate the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be continuously for the duration of the exam. No student every failed that test when writing the exam like that. It’s well known Father Lea’s English was impeccable. Once he saw a student using a dictionary that was, in his views, not of a very good standard. He went to the boy, held up his book and said: “This dictionary is not so good. Maybe you should find a DBS student, and hand it to him and nicely say to him, “送俾你” (soong bei lei) (A gift for you)”. Fr Lea said it in his rarely used Cantonese, and I can still remember the broad cheeky smile on his face, clearly enjoying his own joke as much as we did. May God be as gracious to dear Father Lea’s soul as he was to us! RIP, Father Lea. We miss you. |
| Contributed by: | David Hsu (1973) 2004-06-29 13:37:12 |
| Description: | Father Lea was our form master of F3A of 71-72. His English vocabulary is astounding and whenever he introduces new vocabularies, we have to raise our hands and ask him to explain the meaning. As those English words are just not in the lexican dictionary there is no way we could get the meaning. He is kindhearted and never did spank any students except asking the student to stand on the chair for first offence and to stand on the table if of more serious offence. Can you visualise standing on the table and Rev Bro Casimir doing the routine walking the corridor exercise. It is the most scarry mind boggling treat. |
| Contributed by: | Lee Fong 2004-06-28 18:41:18 |
| Description: | I think Father Lea used to teach at a girl’s school before joining LSC. He said girls were very emotional so he preferred to teach boy’s school. |
Biography
Bruce entered La Salle College in September 1951 at the age of 11, reading Class 8 (equilivant to Primary 5). [La Salle Primary School was non-existant then] La Salle College was then located in Perth Street, as the school building was taken over by the British Government. Bruce left La Salle in June 1956. Therefore Bruce never studied in the La Salle Road campus, which the school returned to from Perth Street only in 1959.
| Contributed by: | Chan Yuk Cheung (1958) 2004-12-23 11:44:59 |
| Description: | Brace Lee was the first person I had a fight in my life. I gave him a black eye!!! When I told my friends that I gave Bruce Lee a black eye nobody believe in me! Indeed I did. It happened about primary 5 or 6 at that time. I was playing marbles with a group of friends while he was doing shot put. The problem was he tried to throw his lead ball right into our marble ring. We moved to a new area of the football field and he followed us throwing his heavy lead ball right into the middle of our marble games. We pleaded with him not to spoil our game but he refused. Eventually I got so mad that I attached him physically, the first time in my life. I had never fought anymore fight in my life! Knowing Bruce Lee’s past behaviour in school (I thought) the principal did not punish me at all. His brother, Lee Chung Sum my classmate was not angry with me and I continue to be his and Bruce’s friend especially within the Boy Scout 17th Kowloon. I suppose that his father got him to learn Chinese boxing after that incident. See my contribution to his bright future! Ha! Ha! Ha! I remember visiting his home or where he was practising his Wing Chun Boxing(?) with a type of wooden stilt and a few branches extending out from the main wooden post. I also remember him presending good acting during our normal campfire evening during the Scout camping nights. I was impressed with his acting as a monkey trainer getting his monkey to dance with a rope around its neck. Later on I tried to imitate that particular act with serious flop. “Wor Chun Kiang Si Dai Li Nai (I bring you all the way from Kiang Si to do the dancing etc…)” My acting skill was far behind his that nobody in the audience laughed at all! Bruce was a good actor and fighter in his earlier years. I gave him a black eye only because he had not started learning his Kung Fu. I miss him and all the fine time together during the Scouting contact. |
Biography
A Requiem Mass for Mr. John Richard Lee, our beloved teacher and loyal old boy, was held on 10th December 2003. JR Lee, as he is usually referred to, passed away on 21st November 2003. The requiem mass was attended by Mr Lee’s family, Brother Thomas, Brother Patrick and over 30 old boys in the School Chapel. A special Memorial Book with 73 messages from old boys all over the world was presented to his family.
| Contributed by: | Brian Ho 2014-01-22 10:34:58 |
| Description: | Mr Lee was my formmaster of 5S2 in 1973. Every day, he delivered a nice short story to the class first thing in the morning. Many stories were about life, in addition to augmented English instruction. Mr Lee stressed that, if he did not teach us the proper way, other people in the workplace would laugh behind us instead of correcting us. |
| Contributed by: | Edwin Kwok 2009-11-16 17:57:55 |
| Description: | “STUDY YOUR SPECIAL BOOK AND YOU WILL GET CREDIT!” I FOLLOWED HIS INSTRUCTION AND I GOT THE CREDIT IN THE EXAMINATION. LEARNING FROM HIS ENTHUSIASTIC WAY OF TEACHING, I GOT MORE CREDITS IN MY LIFE. THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! |
| Contributed by: | Matthew WU 2007-06-23 11:18:05 |
| Description: | I echo K Leung’s description on Mr Lee. He has his unique and effective way of teaching English. He bought different items to class and taught us a new word. One stunning example of the items was an axe. The other thing is that, he taught us by our mistakes and asked us to write it down in a “Special book”. My “special books” are still well kept at home. Thanks Mr Lee. Class of 5D 1982. |
| Contributed by: | K Leung 2005-10-01 15:42:08 |
| Description: | John Richard Lee is the first teacher who really taught me how to make good use of a Dictionary. He always insisted that we should look up a dictionary when in doubt of the meaning, pronunciation or where the stress should rest…thus correcting a lot of our mistakes and most importantly, he taught us to how to learn for ourselves. Thanks again my teacher, I’ll always remember you as an insisting and enlightening teacher. Class of S.4 1978 |
Biography
Peter Lee (58), second from left
Peter Lee (58), the elder brother of Bruce Lee (60) and Robert Lee (66), passed away of a heart attack on 3rd September 2008 at the age of 69. Peter’s Chinese name was Lee Chung Sum. Peter is arguably one of the all-time greatest fencers of our school. He was the Hong Kong colony champion, and among other competitions, he represented Hong Kong in the Commonwealth Games in Wales, United Kingdom, in 1958. Quoting from the “Sons of La Salle” school history book relating to Peter and his fencing team: – quote – La Salle began fencing in the late 50s, and won the Championship in the first interschool Fencing Competition in March 1958. Peter Lee (58), the elder brother of Bruce Lee, was the Colony Champion-at-Arms, and represented Hong Kong on a number of occasions. Peter was both fencer and coach to the La Salle Fencing Team, which later started a streak of winning the Interschool Fencing Championship from 1968,, amassing eleven victories in the next thirteen years. – unquote – Peter was not only a top athlete, but also a scholar. He worked in the government as an Assistant Director of the then Royal Observatory. He later migrated to Australia. Peter also taught in La Salle College for a time in the 1960s. Peter had two brothers and also two sisters. May Peter’s soul rest in peace. In the fencers photo, Peter is the second student from the right. In the group photo of the staff of the Royal Observatory (1983), Peter is fourth seated person from the right, with a hallmark La Salle student photo pose of crossed arms. (Old Boys, please offer any additional information on Peter, as we currently do not have much more. 8th September 2008) PS: thanks to Clement Chan (87) for pointing out some errors in the information, which have been rectified.
| Contributed by: | djuro george madjarevic 2013-09-13 17:42:47 |
| Description: | please,i need more information about peter lee and bruce jun fan lee school days. and more true facts! thanks and heartly greetings from island of krk north dalmatia croatia europe |
| Contributed by: | Clement Chan (1987) 2008-09-11 00:18:05 |
| Description: | Two more photos of Peter can be found here: http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/news/2004/pre0218c.htm |
| Contributed by: | Clement Chan (1987) 2008-09-09 10:58:54 |
| Description: | According to the recent interview of his ex-wife, Mary Cheung, Peter was only Assistant Director but not the “Head” of the Royal Observatory. Another proof is as follows: http://www.hko.gov.hk/abouthko/history/directors_c.htm The Directors were all Britons during Peter’s serving period. But we can also locate him in this old photo as follows: http://www.hko.gov.hk/abouthko/history/photos/gp_1983.jpg The gentleman who sit at the fourth from right is obviously Peter. May he rest in peace. |
Biography
The following was shared by Paul Liu (87), posted by Constantine Au (87) on 23-Sep-2002 Dear All LaSallians, (especially those from class of 1987) Our dear friend, Li Siu Hung Gabriel (class of 1987), (also known as So Gwa Gwa) our Valedictorian (if we have that kind of a tradition, he would have been the one, as he is the one having 8As and 1B in HKCEE) passed away on 29th August, 2002. He was a Ph.D. Graduate in Applied Physics from Stanford University and have co-founded Bandwidth9 Inc. in Pala Alto. After suffering from Glioblastoma Multiforme (a form of Brian Cancer) for two years, God finally set him free and wanted him back in Heaven. May he rest in peace.
Biography
The following announcement was made on 10 September 2006: Dear All I just received an email from Brnadan Lim (84). I am saddened to share the passing away of Mrs Rosalina Lim, at the age of 94. Mrs Lim passed away peacefully in Baltimore, Maryland, USA on 8 Sep. She was 94 years old. Mrs Lim was exceptionally close to the La Salle family, and the Lim family is probably one of the closest families connected to HK La Salle. Besides being an LSPS teacher in the 60s and 70s, Mrs Lim was also the wife of Mr Benedict “Tiger” Lim, who was a teacher in our St Joseph’s Branch School, Chatham Road, TST (1917-1931), and he was one of the first teachers to teach in La Salle College starting December 1931. Mr and Mrs Lim had two sons, Oswald and Basil, who attended LSC in the 50s, and in turn, their sons also attended La Salle in the 1980s. The funeral will be held next Saturday in Baltimore, USA. However, the family does not plan to have any ceremonies or memorials in Hong Kong. Let us pray for the soul of Mrs Lim. Grant her, Lord, eternal rest. And let everlasting light shine upon her. Please grant peace and comfort to the Lim’s at this time of sadness. With sadness and warm regards, Mark Huang
Biography
Brother Sebastian Lim was one of the pioneer-staff of La Salle College. He devoted his life in educating the youth in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore for over 35 years. Brother Sebastian served as a teacher, Prefect of Boarders and supervisor of primary schools. He later became the Principal of St. Anthony’s School, Singapore in 1966. Then Brother Sebastian returned to La Salle College for a short while teaching Catechumen class, before he was forced to retire to Malaysia due to illness. He was a small man in size but had a big heart. Thousands of students were impressed by his devotion to education and his kindness. The school library of the old La Salle Primary School, Hong Kong was named after him. Brother Sebastian passed away in Penang on 8th October 1969.
Biography
Brother James Marcian, son of James Cullen, was born in Ireland on 31 August 1868. He never actually served in La Salle College, but it is believed that Brother Marcian composed the lyrics of the School Song. It is known that he also wrote the lyrics of many other Lasallian schools in Asia, including that of our sister school, St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong. Bro Marcian served two terms as Director of St Xavier’s Institute, Malaysia, the first was from 1912 to 1915, succeeding Brother James and the second for a brief period in 1917. Brother Marcian was greatly revered by many people as Novice Haster at the Novitiate in Pulau Tikus, Penang. He died on 2 September 1938 in Hong Kong at the age of seventy. See also: http://www.geocities.com/smi_ipoh_online/smi/history/Our-past2.html
Biography
Ronald Douglas Maxwell (aka Roy) was a student of La Salle College in the 1930s. Like many young men in Hong Kong in the early 1940s, he joined the Hong Kong Volunteer Defense Corps (HKVDC) to defend Hong Kong against Japanese invasion in December 1941. Roy was Eurasian, and belonged to No.3 Company, where many other Lasallians were posted.
During the battle against the invading Japanese, on 23 December 1941, Roy was with his company in Wanchai guarding a post, and he kept looking out for the Japanese invaders. Arthur Gomes (33) recalls that Roy’s fellow soldiers told him to keep his head down, as there were Japanese snipers around. Before he had a chance to listen, Roy was shot in the head by a Japanese sniper and died immediately.
Three of his fellow comrades, including George Roylance and William (Willie) Sprinkle (St Joseph’s OBs) carried his body to Club Lusitano in Central, and consulted the commander on what to do. On checking the records, it was Roy’s wish to be buried in a Church ground. The closest church was the St John’s (Anglican) Cathedral along Garden Road, and so they brought the body there. There they found a foxhole (a defensive fighting positions large enough for a soldier’s entire body and his equipment), and so they deepened the hole and lay Roy’s body to rest there.
After the war in 1945, Roy’s family was ask if they wished to relocate Roy’s remains to the Sai Wan Commonwealth War Cemetery. Roy’s mother did not prefer the relocation as she would be farther away from the grave and would not be able to visit it regularly. Her wishes were respected, and Roy’s remains stayed where they were first laid to rest.
Even though the grounds was an Anglican Church, Roy was in fact a Roman Catholic, like many of his Lasallian classmates. According to the Church, it is the only known grave there.
According to Arthur Gomes (33) a gravestone was prepared for Roy at Sai Wan Commonwealth War Cemetery, but since his remains were not moved, his grave there remained empty, and the grave stone there states that he is buried within the Cathedral grounds.
In the book, “Streets-Exploring Hong Kong Island”, author Jason Wordie shared the following:
Roy Maxwell’s grave
Within the grounds of the Cathedral, under a spreading tree and surrounded by low chain railing, lies the grave of Private Roy Maxwell, a local Eurasian serving in the Hong Kong Volunteer Defense Corps, who was killed in Wan Chai on 23 December 1941, two days before the British surrendered to the Japanese.
Maxwell was buried here shortly afterwards by three of his fellow Volunteers who were with him when he was killed. Surrounded by a low chain-mail fence, Maxwell’s is the only known grave in the Cathedral precinct. Maxwell has another gravestone at Sai Wan Commonwealth War Cemetery, which records that he is buried within the cathedral grounds.
End of quote
Here are details found on Maxwell in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
Son of Mrs. C.E. Maxwell of Kowloon, Hong Kong. Alternative Commemoration – buried in Hong Kong (St. John’s) Cathedral Grounds.
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Hong Kong Volunteer Defense Corps
Age: 22
Date of Death: 23/12/1941
Service No: 3176
Additional information: Son of Mrs. C.E. Maxwell of Kowloon, Hong Kong. Alternative Commemoration – buried in Hong Kong (St. John’s) Cathedral Grounds.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: IX. E. 21.
Cemetery: SAI WAN WAR CEMETERY
An anecdote from Arthur Gomes: although Roy was Eurasian, he had dark hair and had a Chinese look.
At the time of writing this section (13 December 2006), Roy’s elder sister, Gladys and younger sister, Nancy, are together living in the USA. Two other sisters, Kathleen and Connie, and Roy’s parents, have passed away.
Updated by Mark Huang (85) on 13 December 2006.
April 2010 update
The grave of Maxwell was redone in February 2010.
Source of Grave Stone photo:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maxwell_Tombstone.jpg
Biography
Brother Lewis McGiverin was born in the USA on 25th August 1864. He arrived in Hong Kong on 13th April 1934. He passed away in the USA in 1938.
Biography
Message from Charles Chan, President of LSCOBA 2009-10
Dr. William MONG, Man-wai RIP
Posted by: CHAN Kit Ying, Charles (77)
Date: July 22, 2010 05:07PM
It is with a heavy heart that I relay this piece of very sad news: Dr. William Mong Man-wai, loyal old boy, stern supporter and benefactor of La Salle passed away peacefully yesterday, 21st July 2010, with his family by his side. Known to many of us as William Si-hing or Uncle Mong, he studied in La Salle College from late thirties to mid-forties. He was a successful entrepreneur and benevolent philanthropist in every meaning of the words, having founded the thriving Shun Hing Group in the fifties as the sole agent of Panasonic (aka National) products in the territory and the charitable Shun Hing Foundation in 1984 which counts many educational establishments as recipients of his good deeds, with La Salle a special beneficiary, in Hong Kong and China. His keen business senses were legendary and in particular, his involvement in popularizing the electric rice cookers amongst the Chinese population is now folklore in the industry. I have met him on numerous occasions and he was always unfailingly humble, sincere and approachable, a true role model for all La Salle boys.
Uncle Mong was the first of three generations of Lasallian. One of his sons, David Mong Tak-yeung, is an OBA Past President and David’s son, is now studying in La Salle Primary. David is continuing his father’s good work, both in business and charities, and is actively contributing to the Lasallian community, financial or otherwise.
With Uncle Mong’s passing, we have lost a great Lasallian. May his soul rest in peace and may we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Charles K. Chan
President 2009-10
LSCOBA
蒙民偉以電飯煲起家獲頒鄉發金紫荊星章
21.07.2010
有”電器大王”稱號的信興集團創辦人及主席蒙民偉在養和醫院逝世，終年82歲；信興集團發出新聞稿指，蒙民偉因病在養和醫院留醫多月，各大名醫協力診治，辭世時甚為安祥，家人子女均在身旁。 蒙民偉在1953年成立信興行，銷售樂聲牌產品，他當時要逐家戶推銷電飯煲，亦因此被稱為”電飯煲大王”，信興經歷半個世紀發展，由一間原本祗有三人的小公司，發展成為目前有超過一千七百名員工的集團，他熱心支持內地及本港的教育等公益事業，多年來捐款逾超過5億元，北京清華大學、本地多所大學和中學都有大樓及設施以他名字命名，零六年獲特區政府頒發金紫荊星章。
The following report from Wen Wei Po (文匯報) offers some background to Mong’s life and philanthropy deeds.
熱心教育行善 捐款逾5億
【本報訊】除了被外界稱為「電器大王」外，蒙民偉亦積極參與公益事業。早在1981年，蒙民偉已出任「香港明愛基金」籌款委員會主席，1984至87年期間，擔任「香港公益金」理事。及後他在1984年成立「信興教育及慈善基金」，熱心支持內地及本港的教育、醫療、康樂、體育及環保等公益事業，多年來捐款逾5億元。
在各項公益事業上，他特別支持教育事業，這與蒙在求學階段正值日軍侵華，令其完成學業飽經辛酸有關。在第二次世界大戰爆發前，蒙民偉曾就讀於香港喇沙書院，日治時期他到廣州繼續了一年學業。1945年舉家遷返香港，蒙民偉於1946年重返喇沙完成最後一年高中課程，並參加清華大學入學試，獲取錄到北京選修航空工程，其後卻因戰爭而被迫中斷學業，並返港加入叔父的公司工作。
留學日本奠定貿易根基
1949年下半年蒙民偉被父親送往日本留學，雖然父母均能操流利日語，但由於日本侵華，中國人痛恨日本人，為怕被人誤會，兩人出外絕不會說日語，在家中大部分時間亦說粵語，而孩子們則全部使用粵語，故此蒙民偉剛到日本時連一個日本字母亦不會，寄居於父親三菱舊同事原清（Hara Kiyoshi）在東銀座的家中，年已22歲的他獲安排入讀千代田小學，被校內的小朋友稱為「大阿哥」（Oniichaman），僅用了1個月便唸完一年級，花了6個月便唸完小學課程，練得一口流利日語，並奠定了他與日本人做生意的根基。
對港高等教育貢獻重大
多年以來，信興教育及慈善基金對香港高等教育作出很大貢獻，在香港城市大學、香港理工大學、嶺南大學及香港中文大學校園內都有以「蒙民偉」為命名的大樓。
同時，基金亦向上海交通大學、北京大學、清華大學、南京大學、浙江大學、大連大學及英國劍橋大學等作出資助。他生前接受訪問時曾表示，「我很重視教育，所以用自己的名去命名，並非為名，而是希望鼓勵更多人對教育作出捐獻。」
蒙民偉是「喇沙仔」，但很少人知道蒙家三代均與名校喇沙書院有關。除了蒙民偉是喇沙舊生，其子蒙德揚及蒙德揚的兒子也入讀喇沙，故多年來蒙家上下對喇沙均十分支持，蒙德揚更曾於1997至98年擔任喇沙舊生會會長。
| Contributed by: | Peter T Cheung (81) 2010-07-23 11:51:33 |
| Description: | May Mr. Mong’s soul rest in peace. He is a legend. His name “Mong” and “National” & “Panasonic” will always be remembered in our minds. Deepest condolences and sympathy to the Mong’s family, especially to David who is so active in La Salle community. With sympathy, Peter Cheung (81) |
Biography
Brother Wilfred More was born in Savoy on 28th January 1886 and arrived in Hong Kong on 16th May 1933. He taught Class 6 in the late 1930’s. He left for Indo-China (now called Vietnam) in March 1943 and retuned to La Salle College on 20th April 1946. He died in St. Teresa’s Hospital, Hong Kong in July 1960.
Biography
Born in the USA on 5th December 1901, Brother Celestine Morin arrived in Hong Kong on 2nd November 1938. He taught Class 8. He passed away in Canada in 1975.
Biography
Old Boy Peter Ma (70) shared the following (excerpted): I would like to let you know that one of ours – Thomas Moy Chi Ming, MD, class of 1970 just passed away after loosing his fight with cancer on Sat. Nov 10 (2001). Dr. Moy was a Gastroenterologist practicing in ChinaTown, New York. He emigrated to NY City 1969 after completing Form 4 at La Salle College. He started La Salle as a Primary 1 student in the year 1959. He is survived by his parents, 2 brothers & one sister, his wife Fannie & his 4 yr old son William. Please join us to pray for our brother, Thomas’ soul, and for Thomas’ family, in particular his parents, wife Fannie and young son William. May his soul Rest in Peace. The Wake was held on Nov 15, 2001 at N G Fook Funerals Inc., 36 Mulberry St., N.Y. The Funeral Mass was held on Friday Nov 16, 10 am at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 29 Motts St, New York, N.Y.10013. The Webmasters of LSCOBA.com received the above message from Peter Ma Lun Yan, MD (1970) on 13 November 2001.
| Contributed by: | Stephen Lee 2006-08-11 05:21:53 |
| Description: | Tommy was a gentle soul, I remember him as a fun loving, free loving fellow scout in the mid sixties. Those were the days. As another fellow scout, also of his profession, said, on relaying to us the sad news several years ago: only the good die young. He will be remembered. |
| Contributed by: | Louis Kam 2004-08-25 09:46:25 |
| Description: | I miss “Moy Chi” also as a fellow boy scout in our 17th troop back in the 60’s. |
Biography
The following was offered by Clarence Ng (1969) in March 2010.
Mr. Nair was our Indian physics teacher, a blessed Catholic from the South Asian sub-continent. He graduated from an Indian university and taught high school in India for many years before he joined LSC in Hong Kong. He was very beloved by the students. Mr. Nair and his family lived in Kwun Tong, where he was among us. He presented a very gentlemanly appearance in a three piece suit, complete with cologne, gold rings, and gold watch.
Teaching physics in plain English was his specialty. He started by explaining physics terminology with simple English word definitions. First, he defined it, word by word together with English grammar, to create a meaningful sentence to the students. Afterwards, he interpreted the same English sentence using mathematics. Often in order to help every student to learn physics in the class, he taught English and mathematics along with physics. He said to the class more than once, “Teaching Hong Kong students is very similar to teaching Indian students. Both need help in English and mathematics to understand physics, because English is not your native language.” With patience and inculcation, he made a sophisticated subject into a simple easy learning idea.
While he was teaching at LSC, his son was attending La Salle Primary School. In 1966, Mr. Nair was running from the Majestic Dome to the primary school under the torrential rain to look for his son, after learning the primary school wall had collapsed. Soon, he came back, soaking wet with a smile on his face and showing a sign of relief. He said to the class, “The primary school wall collapsed, and I have found my son safe.” Then, with his hands wiping his face, he continued saying, “Now you have seen how much a father loves his son.” He was indeed a loving father.
I remember a particularly anecdote from an all LaSallian schools athletic event at Mongkok Stadium. Every attendee was wearing shorts, with the exception of Mr. Nair. As always, he wore a three piece suit. However, he did not look odd; in fact he looked good when he held the microphone calling the names of each participating students and announced the results of each game. He really looked like a sport commentator or news reporter on the television… Laugh out loud.
An article offered by an old boy recalls his encounters with Mr. Nair.
http://www.lscoba.com/news/articles/firstday.html
| Contributed by: | Raj Nair 2014-02-25 22:31:06 |
| Description: | Mr. P.S.B. Nair started his career as a teacher in the southern Indian state of Kerala, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in teaching at the tender age of 19. He worked at a local government school until the age of 32. It was during his time teaching in the government school in Kerala that he met his future wife in one of his senior classes. In fact, he ended up teaching all the siblings as well. After getting married and having two young boys, he was offered the chance to join his cousin in Hong Kong who had a successful business in textiles. Mr. Nair relished the opportunity of providing a brighter future for his family as well travelling overseas to an exotic locale to start his new job opportunity. Upon his arrival to Hong Kong shores in September 1962 and after working in the business field for a year, he became disillusioned with the harsh realities of the wheeling and dealing that takes place in a flourishing trading company and decided to pursue his original passion for teaching. He arrived with resume in hand at the general office of La Salle College and was offered a job teaching Physics by Brother Felix Sheehan. He was later to recount how the main thing that attracted him to take the teaching position at La Salle was the breathtaking beauty of the campus, especially our beloved majestic dome, which was reminiscent of the dome of the Taj Mahal to this homesick educator starting off on a new career trajectory. After teaching for a few years, Brother Felix asked him to teach a matriculation class Chemistry and Mathematics. Despite his initial reservations about teaching a subject that was not his forte, the Form 7 students under his tutelage attained outstanding results and this drew the admiration of the school management that hired him and led to him being promptly offered a permanent position among the staff. From that moment on, Mr. Nair devoted himself wholeheartedly to the school and students for the next 29 years, during which time he was given the senior post of Discipline Master of the school. This was a job at which he excelled since he was a very disciplined person and wanted the students to cultivate their own sense of responsibility. With a third son on the way, Mr. Nair wanted to provide for his family well and decided to supplement his income by teaching in an evening school three times a week. Despite the heavy workload, his strong work ethics and keenness to succeed enabled him to eventually purchase a home right next to La Salle College at 1 College Road. His three sons all graduated from La Salle College with the youngest becoming a doctor, the second a PhD graduate working in the corporate sector and his eldest son following in his footsteps by pursuing a career as a NET in a local government secondary school. All his life, Mr. Nair felt a strong sense of love and devotion to La Salle College and Hong Kong and he would always tell his friend and acquaintance about how Hong Kong is the best place to live in the world. However, after his retirement in 1992 at the age of 62, Mr. Nair felt it was his duty to return to his homeland in order to take care of his elderly parents and he stayed there until his demise in 2012 after his health had deteriorated. His felt great pride in seeing both of his grandsons enter La Salle College to continue their studies where he had devoted his career. |
Biography
The following was offered by Yee Sheung’s wife Mamie Kam-Ng. ~ July 2011
Yee went home to his heavenly family at age 57. He leaves his beloved wife Mamie, son John (Taneisha), daughter Anna, granddaughter Simone, four brothers, two sisters, and a large extended family.
Yee attended La Salle during 1964-1970 and was known for his Tai Chi expertise and taking top place in numerous bicycle races. He then went to the United State to study and received his BS degree in Engineering Physics from University of Illinois, MS degree in Electrical Engineering and PhD degree in Physics from Pennsylvania State University. Upon graduation, he accepted employment with Kodak. He has since held positions as Research Scientist, Chief Engineer, and Intellectual Property Manager. Yee was a Kodak Distinguished Inventor with 108 issued patents and several applications pending. His inventions are in areas of imaging and printing technologies.
He was a member of American Physical Society, New York Academy of Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, SPIE, IS&T and senior member of IEEE. Yee was active in International Standards and held positions in that organization as Project Editor, Convener, and Liaison Officer. For his professional achievements, he has received INCITS awards, IS&T Fellowship, and the Chester Carlson Award.
Yee had many interests in addition to an exceptional career. He was an avid cyclist and was second alternate on the Relay Cycling team that represented Hong Kong in the 1968 Olympics. He was a Cub Scouts den leader, Boy Scouts merit badge counselor, and was very involved in youth activities when his children were young. Yee stood out with his infinite high energy, sense of humor, and the ability to overcome challenges. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
May Yee’s life story from a humble secondary school student to a world class scientist be an inspiration to everyone affiliated with La Salle College.
PS1: Ng Yee Sheung’s official name was Ng Yee Seung (or Ng Yee-Seung)