Sui-jeung CHAN (aka SJ) [1933-2018]

Submitted by David on Wed, 01/31/2018 - 11:57
Names
Given
Sui-jeung
Family
Chan
Alias / nickname
SJ
Sex
Male
Status
Deceased
Born
Date
(Day & Month are approximate.)
Died
Date

Michael Broom writes:

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of long time RASHK member Mr Chan Sui jun (SJ) who died on Saturday 27 January at Queen Mary Hospital following an accident.

Mr Chan wrote the book East River Column: Hong Kong Guerrillas in the Second World War and After.

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Comments

I knew SJ, having served with him for many years on the board of the Jewish Historical Society of Hong Kong.  We used to joke that he was an honourary Jew because he was so knowledgeable about the Kaifeng Jews. (He wrote a monograph in 1986 entitled "The Jews in Kaifeng: Reflections on Sino-Judaic History".) He will be sorely missed.

I first met SJ and his wife May in 1971, when I lived in Hong Kong teaching English for a summer.   I extended my stay , began learning Chinese, and they were kind enough to take me into their home for a time, as I convalesced from a back injury.  Since then, SJ and May became dear family members, visiting me and my family in the US over several trips, and hosting me , and an ever growing family of mine who came knew that if they visited  Hong Kong, they have to meet SJ and May.He kept in touch, corresponded with us all - a mind like a steel trap, he could always remember the day, meal , type of wine, and weather of a long ago meeting, and kept an encyclopediac memory of modern Chinese history.    A great story teller, (lousy squash player), great lover of wine, and devoted husband of May, he was for me and my family a great friend.  Their kindnesses and graciousness were invaluable to me , my family , and the many, many, many others whose lives he  touched.  We will miss him,  and send our very warm regards to our dear friend May.    

From the HK Civil Service, forwarded by Henry Ching:

Mr Chan joined the Government in 1960 as an Executive Officer.  He then joined the Administrative Service in 1968 and retired in 1994 at the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade C.  During his career in the Administrative Service, he held a number of directorate positions including District Officer for Sai Kung and Tsuen Wan as well as Assistant Director at Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.  He was a treasured member of the Service and had made valuable contributions to Hong Kong.

S.J. and I worked together in the Tai Po District Office in the early 1970's as fellow Assistant District Officers. We shared the same staff quarters called the White House which he talked about a lot to his American friends. He and his wife May were good neighbours and he was a good colleague in the office with a great sense of humour and good judgement. It is sad to learn of his passing. S.J. you will be missed.