Thomas Chow Wai Tong 周偉堂 (Class of 1954)
It is with deep sorrow and regret we inform you that Mr. Thomas Chow Wai Tong 周偉堂 (Class of 1954) passed away on Sunday, 8 September 2013.
Chow Sir entered DBS in 1946 soon after the end of the World War II as a fifth-grader. He was captain of football team, a first generation Boy Scout, member of the school choir and cricket team. His talent in football earned him the nickname “李惠堂”, the then-football legend in Hong Kong. He graduated in 1954 and returned to DBS to become a teacher in 1960. His nine years at DBS were fondly remembered as one of the most popular teachers and Sports Master. Chow Sir left DBS in 1969 to join TVB and his teaching post was succeeded by his wife, Mrs. Kathleen Chow.
Old Boys by and large are indebted to Chow Sir as it was the efforts of him and a few other Old Boys who kept the DSOBA alive during the 70’s by maintaining regular Old Boys’ gatherings. As a consultant and trainer in the tourist industry, Chow Sir travelled extensively and took every opportunity to participate in the Old Boys’ gatherings around the world. He was a member of the Old Boys’ Choir and performed in the most recent Homecoming Concert.
Chow Sir served the community compassionately. In 1964, while being the teacher at DBS, he formed the Rural Service Group which led a group of 20-30 students each month to visit the New Territories and helped carry out work for farmers. In more recent years, he was Honourary Advisor of “Care and Concern Action”, a Hong Kong registered charity which subsidises education in remote regions of China. Many boys and teachers in the Primary Division were certainly inspired by his passion and drive in community work when Chow Sir joined them in two recent service learning trips to Cambodia and Shanghai respectively.
Chow Sir will be sadly missed as an inspirational leader, loyal Old Boy, respected teacher, chirpy tenor and a great friend to all of us.
Details of Mr. Thomas Chow Wai Tong’s memorial service will be announced soon. In the meantime, a section has been set up in the DSOBA website for Old Boys and friends to leave their thoughts and memories of Chow Sir. Kindly send your messages to chowsir@dsoba.org.
DSOBA
September 2013
