Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1991

Memorial Service for Dr. Choh-Ming Li Mo re than 300 people gathered i n the Sir Run Run Shaw Hall on Saturday, 11th May 1991 to pay their last respects to the founding vice-chancellor of The Chinese University: Dr. Choh-Ming Li. D r . L i passed away on 21st A p r i l i n Berkeley, California, after a lingering illness. He was 79. Mrs. Sylvia Li, w i dow of Dr. Li, made a special t r i p f r om the States to attend the memorial service. She was accompanied by her eldest son, Mr. Winston Li, and other family members. Sir David Wilson, chancellor of the University, was on an overseas trip and sent his aide-de-camp to convey his condolences to Mrs. L i on his behalf. Other guests included Dr. Li's close friends and ex-colleagues, University members, representatives f r om local tertiary institutions, government officials an d community leaders. The wreaths they sent were laid against the stage of the hall, which was decorated with rows of white daisies. A t the centre of the stage were a huge portrait of Dr. L i and an epitaph written i n Chinese. A l l guests sat quietly while the organist played background music. The service formally began a t 3.00 p.m. w i t h an organ prelude. Mr. Thomas H . C. Cheung and M r . K. Ma represented the Federation of A l umn i Associations of the University and the Student Union to present wreaths. A l l present rose to bow to Dr. Li's portrait and observe a minute's silence in memory of the late vice-chancellor. Eulogies were then delivered by Sir Yuet-Keung Kan, pro-chancellor of the University; Sir Quo-wei Lee, chairman of the University Council; and Prof. Charles K. Kao, vice-chancellor of the University. Prof. Ambrose Y. C. King, pro- vice-chancellor, gave a detailed account of Dr. Li's life and work, praising his monumental contributions to the University. A choir made up of over 30 students and alumni of the University sang two anthems: Lord, for Thy tender mercies' sake and The Lord bless you and keep you. A soprano solo rendition of the Pie Jesu from G. Faure's Requiem was given by Miss Clara Yip, an alumnus of the University. Hearing the end of the service, Mr. Winston Li represented the bereaved family to give a vote of thanks and talked about Dr. Li's role as a father and a family man. The function ended at around 4.15 p.m. w i th an organ post- lude from C. Penfield's Messe Gr é gorienne. A memorial fund w i l l soon be set up by the University to give permanent recognition to Dr. Li's contributions to the University. • In Memory of Dr. C. M. Li | 2