By Julia Wong (Kwong)

Friends call her Ko Kwai – a very fitting description of our friend who passed away. She was a noble lady, but not in the worldly sense of the word. She did not care for the material things in life. Diehard pragmatists may label her impractical or even naive. She was simply out of this world. She led a frugal life - dressed simply, lived simply, and spoke quietly. She was so gentle and self-effacing that she could be easily overlooked. Anyone who did that, however, is sadly mistaken.

Ko Kwai had a good brain. She was a top student at Belilios Public School and graduated with honors at the University of Hong Kong. That’s not because she was just one of those students who knew how to study for the exam. She knew more than what’s in the textbooks. She was an intellectual. She was well versed in Chinese history and literature. You referred to some event in history; she would give you a clear description and analysis. You mentioned a novelist; she would tell you what he or she has written. You asked a remote question on calligraphy; she would give you an answer. And of course, she was a good calligrapher. She was a favorite student of Au Kin-gong or what the Chinese would call “in-room student.” Her works were in great demand and treasured by all her friends.

She was capable, responsible, and helpful. For all these qualities, she was her teachers’ favorite and appreciated by all her peers. She had always been a student leader both in high school and in university – class prefect, member of the debate team, student organization executive, editor, and held many other such positions. She took on these duties not because of the publicity that came with these official positions; but because she genuinely liked to contribute and to work for people. She was a generous person. She actively went out of her way to help people when they were in need; and took up responsibilities without being asked. She was the unofficial organizer of the HKU class of 1967 in Toronto. She got the alumni together to meet every month; and organize gatherings when friends came in from out-of-town.

Her warmth and humanity were not easily surpassed. These qualities were felt in many ways and many times by her family and friends. She gave up her teaching position at St. Paul’s College to be in Toronto with her mother in her last years – a sacrifice that many would hesitate to make. Without local training and working experience, she was not able to get the employment that her education and ability would deserve. She moved from job to job. It must be hard for her; but she kept her spirits high and never complained. Her siblings and friends appreciated her special qualities; and gave her every support in these difficult times.

Ko Kwai Fun was indeed a noble person; and a sister and friend hard to find anywhere anytime. She would be missed by all.