Twenty years after I left DBS, if there was any superior during my days that I still pause and think about every so often with great fondness, it would definitely be Mr. S.J. Lowcock.
During my years, I only knew him as the ex-headmaster. But he was still very attached to the school, its activities and its people – most famously his attachment to the Athletics team, of which I was glad to be a part of.
While most teachers impressed me with any combination of their shrewdness, stern demeanor, or humorous nature, Mr. Lowcock seemed everything of that and more. He would drop by at track meets or practices, and would strike up conversations with us in a manner that is uniquely “him”. Exactly what he would talk about I don’t recall, but I definitely remember the feeling – it was down-to-earth, humorous, warm, and showed a sense of fatherly care.
During the early years, he would invite the Athletics team to his place (I went to one such gathering) to just hang out, eat and chit-chat. Again, all this was very vague in my memory, but I remember it was a kind gesture for him to host us.
What left my indelible respect for him is during my last year in Form 6. I was fortunate to be named one of the co-captains of the Athletics Team (with Barry Tsui). While I was elated, I had always thought of myself as a really shy, skinny kid who wasn’t especially accomplished and wouldn’t stand out (I never even won a medal in any inter-school individual event). Even so, Mr. Lowcock would, in a few occasions, deliver me personal, hand-written notes, offering advice, observations of the team, and usually generously giving his encouragement or compliments. I can’t tell you how much it boosted my confidence and self-worth.
Somehow, he also found out that I was the chief editor of Steps that year. That year, it got published so late that it literally went to press after I left HK for school abroad. While most everyone was focussed on how slow it was, a few weeks later, I was absolutely taken by surprise to receive a two-page, hand-written letter from Mr. Lowcock, telling me his thoughts on it, making very detailed observations about its content, and generally, being very complimentary and encouraging of the editors’ efforts. I still keep that letter to this day.
I don’t presume to know Mr. Lowcock very well, but yet, I feel I do. I don’t even know if he remembers such a person as me. Now that I’m all grown up, I understand that for someone of his stature to connect to his students in such a private and commanding way speaks volumes to his character. He is willing to spend significant time connecting with his students, knowing he had very little to gain, but simply to build them up.
Mr. Lowcock: Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. The life lessons I learnt from you is so much more than anyone had taught me. You taught me that words and actions
make a difference, and to see the good in everyone. At times these are difficult lessons, but I know they are the one of life’s best lessons. Rest in peace, Mr. Lowcock. You deserve the best and I always keep you in my heart.
Eric Chan
(class of 1992)
