I've come into acquaintance with Ko Kwai Fun since high school years. She was one of the gentlest and kindest persons I've known. She was soft-spoken and even-tempered. She was very knowledgeable and intelligent, yet she was ever so humble and always kept a low profile. What impressed me most was her filial piety. In the late 1980s, she quit her job in Hong Kong and flew to Toronto to take care of her mother. When her mom was hospitalized at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, now a Rehab Centre next to Mount Sinai Hospital. She was at her bedisde everyday. I was a volunteer at Mount Sinai then. Many afternoons we met at her mom's hospital room and I was deeply moved by the tender loving care she gave to her mom. I believe that besides me, K.F. must have touched the lives of many other persons in her quiet and kindly ways. Thanks for your friendship, K.F. Rest in peace now
See Ying
Thursday, October 29, 2009
From 胡文聲 & 潘承芬 (Woo Man Shing & Pun Shing Fan)
高桂芬大家懷念你
高山流水性溫清
桂子三秋悲落英
芬芳依然盈友輩
大洋彼岸嘆同聲
家家爭傳書墨寶
懷璧得以憶舊情
念憐坎坷浮生苦
你心悠然魂安寧
- 胡文聲 潘承芬 同悼
高山流水性溫清
桂子三秋悲落英
芬芳依然盈友輩
大洋彼岸嘆同聲
家家爭傳書墨寶
懷璧得以憶舊情
念憐坎坷浮生苦
你心悠然魂安寧
- 胡文聲 潘承芬 同悼
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Eulogy From Sin Chung Yu
Alas, the news of your untimely departure is so shocking and alarming
Why should it ever occur to a lady so noble (Ko Kwai) and charming?
You always treat your friends with a smiling face
Why did you leave us so suddenly in a distant place?
We shall deeply miss you in our bi-monthly luncheon meetings
Where can we continue to send you our heartfelt greetings?
We cherish the days of our tutorial class
Yet, regrettably, I'll be unable to attend the Memorial Mass.
By Sin Chung Yu
Why should it ever occur to a lady so noble (Ko Kwai) and charming?
You always treat your friends with a smiling face
Why did you leave us so suddenly in a distant place?
We shall deeply miss you in our bi-monthly luncheon meetings
Where can we continue to send you our heartfelt greetings?
We cherish the days of our tutorial class
Yet, regrettably, I'll be unable to attend the Memorial Mass.
By Sin Chung Yu
From Agnes Chan (Wong Pik Chong)
詠五十多年來伴我成長的摯友:
才而不傲
勞而無怨
柔而不弱
天上人間稀有之
-汪-
I’m one of the few lucky people who have known KoKwai for over 50 years. During all those years, we kept in constant contact since we were both History majors, held research assistantships in the History Department, taught History and had a couple of mutual best friends. Her passing was devastating. I can only take comfort in the fact that she is resting in peace in the company of her mother.
Agnes Chan (Wong Pik Chong)
才而不傲
勞而無怨
柔而不弱
天上人間稀有之
-汪-
I’m one of the few lucky people who have known KoKwai for over 50 years. During all those years, we kept in constant contact since we were both History majors, held research assistantships in the History Department, taught History and had a couple of mutual best friends. Her passing was devastating. I can only take comfort in the fact that she is resting in peace in the company of her mother.
Agnes Chan (Wong Pik Chong)
From Bonnie Siu
'Ah Go’ – this was what we used to call her at St. Paul’s College. At the call of her name, she turned, smiling. This was how we used to remember her. But there are more to remember than just a smiling face. We remember her kindness, generosity, readiness to listen and to help.
In the staffroom, Ah Go was always working quietly. Though it was not her habit to crack a joke, she shared our fun. Though she might not raise her opinions often, she was ready to share her views which were unbiased and well-reasoned. Though she might not be an active organizer of any staff activities, she participated in them in good fun. She was a friendly, trustworthy and considerate colleague who was a joy to be with.
For over twenty years, Ah Go remained a good, caring and responsible teacher. The junior students found Ms.Ko a most friendly, kind-hearted and understanding teacher who seldom got angry with their occasional acts of mischief which were never signs of disrespect. The senior students sitting for public examinations were deeply impressed by her conscientiousness and the meticulously well-prepared teaching materials. Her serious and thoughtful way in helping them excel in examinations was greatly appreciated.
Ah Go would be sadly missed for the person she was – a very nice friend with a warm heart and a gentle spirit who never uttered a word of unkindness or untruth. A friend who was easy and comfortable to be with; someone who cared and listened and someone who seldom said no to any request. I could well remember how she used to give us lifts after school. Her car was always full of happy and chatting passengers in a hurry to get to somewhere !
A smiling Ah Go – it was the same Ah Go who met me at her office in a retirement estate in Toronto in 1996 before I migrated to Perth. Despite the long working hours and the demanding nature of the job, she was, as always, ready to do her very best. She was well-liked and respected by her colleagues and the residents there. She remained unchanged in her sincere attitude towards her friends and work despite the passing of time.
Ah Go, you will always be cherished and remembered with fondness by your friends, colleagues, students and people who happened to cross your path.
In the staffroom, Ah Go was always working quietly. Though it was not her habit to crack a joke, she shared our fun. Though she might not raise her opinions often, she was ready to share her views which were unbiased and well-reasoned. Though she might not be an active organizer of any staff activities, she participated in them in good fun. She was a friendly, trustworthy and considerate colleague who was a joy to be with.
For over twenty years, Ah Go remained a good, caring and responsible teacher. The junior students found Ms.Ko a most friendly, kind-hearted and understanding teacher who seldom got angry with their occasional acts of mischief which were never signs of disrespect. The senior students sitting for public examinations were deeply impressed by her conscientiousness and the meticulously well-prepared teaching materials. Her serious and thoughtful way in helping them excel in examinations was greatly appreciated.
Ah Go would be sadly missed for the person she was – a very nice friend with a warm heart and a gentle spirit who never uttered a word of unkindness or untruth. A friend who was easy and comfortable to be with; someone who cared and listened and someone who seldom said no to any request. I could well remember how she used to give us lifts after school. Her car was always full of happy and chatting passengers in a hurry to get to somewhere !
A smiling Ah Go – it was the same Ah Go who met me at her office in a retirement estate in Toronto in 1996 before I migrated to Perth. Despite the long working hours and the demanding nature of the job, she was, as always, ready to do her very best. She was well-liked and respected by her colleagues and the residents there. She remained unchanged in her sincere attitude towards her friends and work despite the passing of time.
Ah Go, you will always be cherished and remembered with fondness by your friends, colleagues, students and people who happened to cross your path.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Chinese Poem From Frieda Ling
念桂芬
三載同窗如陌路 零柒聚舊喜相逢
慈顏美德印象深 贈詩厚意銘心頭
善良篤實世鮮有 親朋戚友齊稱頌
一年一度多城轉 桂芬音容麗晶候
可嘆來日再歸時 斯人已去席成空
生者情誼益珍重 莫等逝後追憶濃
麗徽 (Frieda) Phoenix, AZ
三載同窗如陌路 零柒聚舊喜相逢
慈顏美德印象深 贈詩厚意銘心頭
善良篤實世鮮有 親朋戚友齊稱頌
一年一度多城轉 桂芬音容麗晶候
可嘆來日再歸時 斯人已去席成空
生者情誼益珍重 莫等逝後追憶濃
麗徽 (Frieda) Phoenix, AZ
Monday, October 26, 2009
From Fong-ying Yu
My Memories of Ko Kwai Fun
It was a BPS reunion that brought Ko Kwai Fun and Poon Shing Fan to Vancouver some years ago, and that’s when I met Ko Kwai after many years. We had a dim sum lunch together with Woo Man Shing and Chan Yin Ling. I knew she’s teaching in Toronto, as a sort of supply teacher. I teased her to get a piece of her calligraphy. I vaguely remembered her promising me one in Hong Kong many many years ago. In her self-effacing way, she begged me not to pursue the subject, and I let it go, thinking I might give it a better try on her home ground when I go to Toronto. Alas, that is not to be.
Looking at the recent sample in Remembering KoKwai, I feel the loss even more, for the calligraphy is the person. Hers, I feel, is a beauty exquisite but unasserted yet with a steady strength (温潤如玉, 穩重如盤).
One year her senior in the university, I hung about the Chinese Society for three years (1963-66) doing this and that. Ko Kwai -- that’s how her friends all call her, punning but with real respect because of the aptness of it -- studied Chinese and history, I think. She was an executive member of the society for some years, so we met, in working for or going to the functions of the society. Smiling a lot of the time, she was a humble and considerate person, dependable, thoughtful, able to hold her own. There was no mistaking that she was a serious person too, in her studies and in her attitude to life. She soon emerged as a sort of big sister to whom problems were brought and solutions sought. After graduation, we met but rarely amid the hurly burly of Hong Kong life, but we were both in the field of education.
I have a diminishing train of friends who share common backgrounds: a Catholic education, similar university education, love of Chinese and Chinese culture, the teaching profession, common friends, common values. With her passing, I cannot but feel diminished too.
Ko Kwai, may you rest in peace!
Fong-ying Yu
Vancouver, October 26, 2009
It was a BPS reunion that brought Ko Kwai Fun and Poon Shing Fan to Vancouver some years ago, and that’s when I met Ko Kwai after many years. We had a dim sum lunch together with Woo Man Shing and Chan Yin Ling. I knew she’s teaching in Toronto, as a sort of supply teacher. I teased her to get a piece of her calligraphy. I vaguely remembered her promising me one in Hong Kong many many years ago. In her self-effacing way, she begged me not to pursue the subject, and I let it go, thinking I might give it a better try on her home ground when I go to Toronto. Alas, that is not to be.
Looking at the recent sample in Remembering KoKwai, I feel the loss even more, for the calligraphy is the person. Hers, I feel, is a beauty exquisite but unasserted yet with a steady strength (温潤如玉, 穩重如盤).
One year her senior in the university, I hung about the Chinese Society for three years (1963-66) doing this and that. Ko Kwai -- that’s how her friends all call her, punning but with real respect because of the aptness of it -- studied Chinese and history, I think. She was an executive member of the society for some years, so we met, in working for or going to the functions of the society. Smiling a lot of the time, she was a humble and considerate person, dependable, thoughtful, able to hold her own. There was no mistaking that she was a serious person too, in her studies and in her attitude to life. She soon emerged as a sort of big sister to whom problems were brought and solutions sought. After graduation, we met but rarely amid the hurly burly of Hong Kong life, but we were both in the field of education.
I have a diminishing train of friends who share common backgrounds: a Catholic education, similar university education, love of Chinese and Chinese culture, the teaching profession, common friends, common values. With her passing, I cannot but feel diminished too.
Ko Kwai, may you rest in peace!
Fong-ying Yu
Vancouver, October 26, 2009
From Manying Ip (Sung Man-Ying)
I met Ko Kwai Fun totally by chance. I asked her the way to the HKU dental clinic and she took me there. Thereafter, we became such close friends that many of our contemporaries mistook me for one of the Belilious Girls--because i followed her and joined most of the activities she took part in.
We took the same papers through our three years at HKU, and I joined the History Society, participated in the Chinese Society--all because of Ko Kwai Fun. In our 2nd and 3rd years of our BA course, the two of us met up regularly in the City Hall garden and studied history books together, sharing notes and exchanging ideas. Long after our graduation, and after my migration to New Zealand, we met up again in 1988, and went for a nostalgic visit to the City Hall garden--to revive the memories of our undergrad days.
The two of us went hiking quite often, with my younger brother in tow. We enjoyed the reservoir catchment areas, and the various trails around Vistoria Peak.
Ko Kwai was a very filial daughter, and decided to keep her mother company to move to Toronto. Somehow the family's decision was to move in April (?) 1988, before ko Kwai's teaching duties in St Paul Boys' School finished. She was responsible for the history teaching duties of many classes, from Form 2 right up to Form 7. I was on sabbatical leave and based in HKU, so she asked me to take care of her classes, which I gladly did.
------------------
After her migration to Toronto we kept up regular but infrequent correspondence. I visited Toronto three times in the late 1990s and then 2004. Both times Ko Kwai was my first visitor, and her delight in seeing me again was over-whelming and very touching.
She took me to visit the museum, and then we tookwalks in the park. She was still her own quiet and modest self--low key, self-effacing, and extremely considerate. After all these years, she still remembered my birthday, and gave me special little presents to celebrate the day.
--------------------
Right now I'm in Vancouver, and I've brought with me the 'swan brooch' and little 'opal ring' which are both gifts from Ko Kwai. I intended to ring her from here, not knowing that she went to Washington.
Ko Kwai's calligraphy also graces my home in Auckland, New Zealand. Right now, one 'ci' poem hangs in my sitting room, and another couplet hangs in my bedroom, both with her signature and seal.
She was one of my very best friends from University days, and I shall miss her for a long long time.
Manying Ip (Sung Man-ying) currently in Vancouver
We took the same papers through our three years at HKU, and I joined the History Society, participated in the Chinese Society--all because of Ko Kwai Fun. In our 2nd and 3rd years of our BA course, the two of us met up regularly in the City Hall garden and studied history books together, sharing notes and exchanging ideas. Long after our graduation, and after my migration to New Zealand, we met up again in 1988, and went for a nostalgic visit to the City Hall garden--to revive the memories of our undergrad days.
The two of us went hiking quite often, with my younger brother in tow. We enjoyed the reservoir catchment areas, and the various trails around Vistoria Peak.
Ko Kwai was a very filial daughter, and decided to keep her mother company to move to Toronto. Somehow the family's decision was to move in April (?) 1988, before ko Kwai's teaching duties in St Paul Boys' School finished. She was responsible for the history teaching duties of many classes, from Form 2 right up to Form 7. I was on sabbatical leave and based in HKU, so she asked me to take care of her classes, which I gladly did.
------------------
After her migration to Toronto we kept up regular but infrequent correspondence. I visited Toronto three times in the late 1990s and then 2004. Both times Ko Kwai was my first visitor, and her delight in seeing me again was over-whelming and very touching.
She took me to visit the museum, and then we tookwalks in the park. She was still her own quiet and modest self--low key, self-effacing, and extremely considerate. After all these years, she still remembered my birthday, and gave me special little presents to celebrate the day.
--------------------
Right now I'm in Vancouver, and I've brought with me the 'swan brooch' and little 'opal ring' which are both gifts from Ko Kwai. I intended to ring her from here, not knowing that she went to Washington.
Ko Kwai's calligraphy also graces my home in Auckland, New Zealand. Right now, one 'ci' poem hangs in my sitting room, and another couplet hangs in my bedroom, both with her signature and seal.
She was one of my very best friends from University days, and I shall miss her for a long long time.
Manying Ip (Sung Man-ying) currently in Vancouver
From Matilda Kwok
Kwai Fun was the one rare soul that remained simple and uncontaminated to the end. To me, she was the sister I never had. I shall always cherish fond memories of our time together. She taught me to be a better person and brought so many dear friends to me. Much as I mourn her passing, I take comfort from the thought that she is in a happier place, reunited with her mother she had so dearly loved, and in the embrace of God.
Ah Go (that's how I called her), Rest in Peace! I shall always miss you! Thanks for giving me so much caring and love throughout!
Matilda
Ah Go (that's how I called her), Rest in Peace! I shall always miss you! Thanks for giving me so much caring and love throughout!
Matilda
Remembrance of Kwai Fun, from Elsie Sze
Our memories of a loved one often come in recollections of episodes we connect with him or her, those moments in time that together become a celebration of a life that had touched us in different ways. As we all try to come to terms with Kwai Fun's unexpected and untimely exit from our world, our lives, and grapple with our deep loss, I want to share one such moment with you....
In the autumn of 2005, I was at one of the author’s events for my novel Hui Gui at a Chapters store in Markham, a weekday afternoon, not the best time for a reading. A few minutes to the start of the program, but where was the audience? It was disheartening to see so many empty chairs. Then, just before I was to begin, I saw two familiar faces which lifted my spirit: that of my youngest son, Tim, who had rushed to the bookstore all the way from the university downtown after class, and that of Kwai Fun, taking a seat quietly in front, and giving me an encouraging smile. I started to read from my book, feeling reassured and confident, knowing I was reading to two special people, my own son and Kwai Fun, strangers to each other, but who in that instant had joined forces to boost my hurt morale, and put me on a pedestal when my pride was suffering. I am crying now as I think of Kwai Fun at that moment in time, when her presence meant so much to me. Thank you, Kwai Fun, from the bottom of my heart.
I miss you very much, KKF. My prayers and love. Rest in peace.
In the autumn of 2005, I was at one of the author’s events for my novel Hui Gui at a Chapters store in Markham, a weekday afternoon, not the best time for a reading. A few minutes to the start of the program, but where was the audience? It was disheartening to see so many empty chairs. Then, just before I was to begin, I saw two familiar faces which lifted my spirit: that of my youngest son, Tim, who had rushed to the bookstore all the way from the university downtown after class, and that of Kwai Fun, taking a seat quietly in front, and giving me an encouraging smile. I started to read from my book, feeling reassured and confident, knowing I was reading to two special people, my own son and Kwai Fun, strangers to each other, but who in that instant had joined forces to boost my hurt morale, and put me on a pedestal when my pride was suffering. I am crying now as I think of Kwai Fun at that moment in time, when her presence meant so much to me. Thank you, Kwai Fun, from the bottom of my heart.
I miss you very much, KKF. My prayers and love. Rest in peace.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
From Hin-Shing Wong
Kwai Fun liked to listen to some traditional Cantonese opera music. In particular, she liked listening to 任劍輝+白雪仙's 帝女花. If you like to listen to Cantones opera, please join me:
I would also like to dedicate this hymn - "Nearer My God to Thee" - in memory of Kwai Fun:
Hin-Shing
I would also like to dedicate this hymn - "Nearer My God to Thee" - in memory of Kwai Fun:
Hin-Shing
This Chinese Calligraphy was written by Ko Kwai in 2007 for the HKU 40th Reunion held in Toronto, Canada.
This Chinese calligraphy was written by Ko Kwai in 2007 for the HKU 40th reunion head in Toronto, Canada.
From Carol (Chen Leung Bing) and David Lee
小別竟千秋
悲嘆良朋成幻夢
高談猶昨日
可憐弱女喪花旗 (By Carol)
桂子滿梢頭
此去三秋驚蒂落
芬芳盈友輩
今逢二豎竟香銷 (By David)
悲嘆良朋成幻夢
高談猶昨日
可憐弱女喪花旗 (By Carol)
桂子滿梢頭
此去三秋驚蒂落
芬芳盈友輩
今逢二豎竟香銷 (By David)
By Frieda Ling
I, too, am saddened by the shocking news of Kwai Fun's sudden passing.
I did not know Kwai Fun at all until the 2007 reunion dinner in Toronto. I was immediately impressed by her aura of serenity and warmth, and have come to associate her with kindness, the very quality so many of you have singled out as her hallmark. Ever since, when I had a chance to join in the lunch gatherings, I had looked forward to her presence with her welcoming smile.
You will also agree that she was a gifted calligrapher of a calibre rarely achieved by overseas Chinese of our generation (and as far as I am concerned, by any Chinese in any generation). I will forever treasure her generous gift of the poem adorned with her exquisite penmanship. If any one who was not at the dinner wants a copy, I will be happy to scan it for you.
Please let me know when the memorial service will be. I will try my best to join you in spirit.
I also have a request: Will anyone who knew her well be willing to write an "in memoriam" in her honor? I will offer my service to do the editing.
Frieda from Arizona
I did not know Kwai Fun at all until the 2007 reunion dinner in Toronto. I was immediately impressed by her aura of serenity and warmth, and have come to associate her with kindness, the very quality so many of you have singled out as her hallmark. Ever since, when I had a chance to join in the lunch gatherings, I had looked forward to her presence with her welcoming smile.
You will also agree that she was a gifted calligrapher of a calibre rarely achieved by overseas Chinese of our generation (and as far as I am concerned, by any Chinese in any generation). I will forever treasure her generous gift of the poem adorned with her exquisite penmanship. If any one who was not at the dinner wants a copy, I will be happy to scan it for you.
Please let me know when the memorial service will be. I will try my best to join you in spirit.
I also have a request: Will anyone who knew her well be willing to write an "in memoriam" in her honor? I will offer my service to do the editing.
Frieda from Arizona
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.
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.
Remembering our dear friend - by Louella Szeto
I've built this blog to remember our dear friend, Ko Kwai Fun, whom we always called her as Ko Kwai. She was such a wonderful person and a classy lady, during our school days and up to the day she left us. She had a kind heart and a kind soul and she was always smiling. I miss her already and will always remember her as a dear friend.
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