I was in Algeria when I learnt about Professor Lee's
passing. I didn't believe right away what I read through the hotel's Wi-Fi
service because I'd always joked with Prof Lee he'd live to well beyond a
hundred on account of his longevity gene. The teasing came about after
Prof Lee arrived quite late to CUSA's Annual Dinner one
year. " How come you're so late ? You're normally punctual so we
got worried that something might have happened to you !" I asked him.
" Well, my mother couldn't find a taxi after playing mahjong with her
friends, so she called for me to drive her home." I was astonished.
" How old's your mother ?" " She's 103 !"
The day I arrived back to Hong Kong from Algeria was the day
of Prof Lee's funeral. I'd been travelling non-stop for 18 hours, but I felt
compelled to show my last respect despite being bone-tired. What the
world sees as an eminent and highly accomplished doctor and leader in Public
Health, CUSA and I see as a staunch friend and adviser. Much have
been written about the long and distinguished career of Prof Lee,
more certainly should be said about the humanity and extraordinary
personal magnetism of this kindly old gentleman. Everytime I ran
into Prof Lee , either in CUSA functions or medical meetings, I
was always struck by his big warm smile and genuine care - Prof Lee had
the knack of instantly putting people at ease, even those who
might ordinarily be intimidated by his fame and status .
Soon after Prof Lee joined the Chinese University in the
1990s he's taken an interest in CUSA and how we could better spread health
messages to the CU staff , but only in 2004 that we had the good
sense to officially invite him to be CUSA's Honorary Consultant. Prof Lee was
particularly zealous about integrating HK-China medical care and arranged
for CUSA to visit Clifford Hospital in Panyu the same year. Prof Lee
never missed any of CUSA's
Annual Dinner ; he's at his most relaxed during such informal gatherings
and often showed the fun side of his character. At our 25th
Anniversary Dinner, Prof and Mrs Lee were so enchanted by the singing of Miss
Irene Ryder they did an impromptu dance, much to the delight not only of
the CUSA members, but also of the restaurant staff !
Prof Lee's passing is an immense loss to CUSA, both on an
official as well as personal level. Words cannot express our deep respect and affection for this great man that
we've had the good fortune to know and the privilege to count as one of our
own. Our thoughts and codolences are with the family, but our association does
not end here. Just as I whispered to Mrs Lee at the funeral : If there's
anything we can do to help, drop in at CUSA anytime, our door's always open to
you.
CUSA never forgets
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photo 2012
