JIMMY LOWCOCK
Although I was a close colleague with Jimmy for only four year during my time as school chaplain at DBS in the 1960’s I have long regarded him as one of the great influences on my life.. When I last saw him in 1998 he was still the same Jimmy.
After being a refugee in the war years he returned to Hong Kong to witness the dire poverty on the streets when refugees from the mainland arrived in great numbers. His mentor at that time was Bishop R.O. Hall whose compassion-in-action contributed so much to Hong Kong’s recovery. Jimmy like R.O. had an enormous heart for the poor. When Hong Kong lacked much of a middle class he established a fund which gave free places at DBS for some of the poorest boys who later proved their worth. He hated all forms of hypocrisy. Self-righteous Christans were branded as ‘Pharisees’.He used to say that few understood his own brand of Christianity, least of all himself, but in retrospect I believe it was close to that of St. Francis in his humour and love of life and total lack of self-regard. His remarkable sculptures in wrought iron portrayed the Christ whose suffering he deeply felt and understood.
Distant as I have been from him across the world and beyond the gap of years I deeply grieve the loss of one who changed and envisioned me as he did countless people who for a while were privileged to walk with him. But I give thanks to God for dear Jimmy and both pray and believe that he will be surprised by heaven.
Canon David C. Ellis, DBS School Chaplain 1965-69)
