In the time I got to know Chow Wai Tong, I can say he represents DBS in the finest tradition. A gentlemen, friend to all, eloguent, graceful poise, you know he can only come from DBS. He loves the school, loves the tradition, loves to help build up DBS more, in whatever way he can.
We will miss you.
Daniel Ma (’76)
Dear Chow Sir ,
I got to know you, personally, only recently at those Homecoming Concert rehearsal sessions, but as we sat together quite a lot, we did chat for a great deal. I am thoroughly intrigued by what a life journey you’d had – the devotion to DBS (first as a student, then as a teacher, then your efforts in reviving the DSOBA), your career at TVB and Cathay Pacific, the numerous charity efforts you were involved in, and also as a pioneer into the mainland China at the very early stage of its Reform and Opening (via your beloved sport). What you have achieved are the epitome of DBS Spirits – to serve and to lead – across so many different fields in our society. You are an inspiration to us all (as DBS 師弟). Rest in peace.
Yours sincerely,
Ryan Chan (1994)
Goodbye – Chow Sir, Uncle, 師兄 – Henry Chan – Class 87
When I was a kid, I never understood why my parents called Uncle Chow “Chow Sir”. Could he be a police? I never asked. I thought “Sir” must be someone highly regarded. Or perhaps someone really kind.
I entered DPS and became a good friend of Arthur, Uncle Chow’s youngest son. We played numerous illegal football matches in his parking lot without me knowing probably the best DBS footballer ever was actually the master of the house. Of course, lacking the same technique and precision, attempts to shoot without hitting any cars were mostly unsuccessful.
We reconnected at the DSOBA AGM in 2011 when I ran for office. It was a strange feeling to sit down with him first time ever as fellow old boys. I didn’t know whether he voted for me that evening or not but at least he seemed to have brought me luck. Uncle Chow was very supportive of my first major project for DSOBA, the publication of Next Steps. Then we were singing together in the Old Boys’ Choir. He told me many DBS stories of his times. I wish he were there when I was at DBS so I could learn more from him how “to serve and to lead”. Yet the most inspiring aspect was his strong drive to help the poor and deprived. He was physically in China all the time, delivering cash and materials to the needy in remote areas where most of us would never dare to go. “That under Thee we may possess man’s strength to comfort man’s distress”. Yes, Chow Sir had indeed selflessly put that into action.
Thank you for all your kindness and inspiration, and Goodbye
– Uncle, Chow Sir, 師兄
Henry Chan
Class of 1987
Tribute to Chow Sir
拔萃是周Sir一輩子的事。很榮幸能夠有機會與周Sir一起在台上為母校高歌。周Sir RIP。
In memory of Thomas Chow Wai Tong – Horace Chan
Indeed with extreme sadness to acknowledge the passing of a
dedicated teacher, a dear freind and a supper supportive Old Boy.
Chow Wai Tong was my Geography teacher from Form 3 to Form 5. We were very
used to address by his full Chinese name …strangely no nick name for
him….it’s rare ! He then became a dear freind after my graduation in
the late ’60.. Fast forward to early July this year…. after my drinking
in HM Terence Chang’s party he kindly offered a ride home for me & my
wife. It seems just like yesterday. Life is so fragile & vulnerable !!!
Chow Sir’s DBS lineage is incredible. His father was a cook in the Sargent
era and as such he apparently was one of the very few current old boys who
had actually met HM Sargent. He was also one of the very few Old Boys who
could claim to also be a DGS student as he did participate in the short
operated ” DGS co-ed programme” initiated by HM George She in the 1950s.
His wife, Mrs.Kathleen Chow, was a DBS teacher in the 1970s.
After retirement Mr.& Mrs.Chow had relentlessly been performing community
services in China. He himself has continously been an anchor character in
our Old Boys community. His very latest participation with DSOBA was
becoming the most senior member of our Old Boys Choir. Typically him…he
seldom missed rehearsals. In the upcoming mid October Asia Pacific Choir
Games in Indonesia our Choir shall inevitably have to compete with Thomas
Chow in our hearts. Our Choir is looking forward to sing in his honour
in the Memorial Service.
Chow Sir will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs.
Chow and his Family.
God Bless !
From Raymond Chu
Chow Sir,
Rest in peace in the Heaven.
Thanks for your support to the DSOBA Dragonboat Team.
We will miss you.
Raymond Chu (’84)
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.
From Darwin Liu (Class of 84)
Dear Mrs Chow and Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you for the passing away of
Chow Sir. Chow Sir was a very nice gentleman and we had shared a very good
friendship.
May God bless his soul to rest in peace.
Love in Christ,
Darwin Liu
DBS Class ’84
