From CHENG Tai Pui (Class of 64)
My first encounter with Mr Thomas WT Chow was somewhat similar. He once
taught me Geography. But that was all until he became my football coach.
It was Mr Chow who scouted my talent in soccer. He drafted me into the
school team, when I was barely 5 ft 3 in tall and playing in B grade.
Because of Mr Chow, I had the privilege of joining the rank of Roger
Poynton, Steven Chow, Derek Turner, Paul Tam, Wong Chi Teng and Shanghai
Guy in a star studded line-up.****
****
As school year ended in 1964, I left DBS and lost whatever contact with my
teachers and classmates. Never for a moment had I expected to return for
matriculation. I had no idea Mr Chow had arranged for a match against DBS
old boys boarding at ****St John’s****, led by Fu Hung and Reginald Wahab.
The old soccer pitch at Pokfulam was within walking distance from my
shanty home in ****Kennedy** **Town****. Having failed to contact me by
phone, Mr Chow sent Albert Yeung for me. I was not home and hence I missed
that match. Ching Sik Fan who too lived nearby was called up to fill my
place. Because of Mr Chow, my most miserable living condition at that time
was exposed before the eyes of my classmates.****
****
By virtue of our close relation in school, Mr Chow was one of very few
teachers who could well remember my name. Every time we met, he was as
genuine and friendly as ever. Then on a bright sunny day in late 1970’s, I
went back to DBS and played a football match on the same pitch which was
then open for use by old boys. Mr Chow dropped by. He asked to join in.
During my school team years, Mr Chow used to play alongside his boys. He
gave me the impression that he was just an ordinary player. This time I
was awfully wrong. He proved himself to be a very skilful play maker. It
was then that I came to appreciate his real talent in soccer, just as he
had discovered me sometime ago.****
****
Mr chow’s passion for football is life long. But it was on the venue of
his most favourite sport that he lost one of his children. As could be
imagined, it was hard to take for a man of his age. I sent him my deep
condolences, and he replied with a note of thanks. ****
****
The last time I talked to Mr Chow was at the memorial service for Mr
Lowcock. He gave a speech that touched the heart of all alumni. Then on
the lawn right in front of the school entrance, we were served with
refreshment. I went over to Mr Chow, shook his hands, and congratulated
him on a presentation well done. In a jovial mood, He then talked about
his dream of pulling all members of his school teams together, a dream that
we now know will never come true. ****
****
On the day of this year’s homecoming concert, Mr YW Fung called and invited
me to be his guest. During the intermission, I walked past a familiar face
under dimming light. It looked like Mr Chow, but I was not so sure. When
I bent over to greet him, the usual warmth and tenderness so characteristic
of his personality were totally lacking. His hands were cold, and he was
never so quiet. I sensed something had gone wrong, either with him or with
his attitude toward me. At the sad news of his passing now, the reasons
come to light. Our teacher was in failing health. I regret having missed
the chance to offer my get well wishes in time. ****
****
RIP Mr Thomas Chow Wai Tong.
