Grieving employees remember Lee Shau-kee's paternal leadership

Members of the public gathered on Monday for the public memorial of the late property tycoon Lee Shau-kee, with emotional tributes pouring in from longtime employees who credited him with shaping their careers and lives.

Despite overcast skies and heavy rain, crowds gathered at a large tented memorial area opposite the funeral home in North Point to pay their respects to the 97-year-old philanthropist, who passed away last month.

Lee's remains will be transported to his ancestral hometown of Shunde in Guangdong province for burial, with the family selecting an auspicious date for the interment.

"He raised me up"

Chiang, a 38-year veteran of Henderson's sales department, fought back tears as he described Lee as "the best boss" who remained devoted to his company even after retirement.

"From youth to old age, you could say the boss supported me through my entire life," said Chiang. "What other tycoon in Hong Kong would hand out HK$10,000 red packets to staff so many times? Only him. If there's a next life, I'd work for him again – he'll always be my boss."

The mood turned philosophical as Chiang noted the fittingly somber weather: "The heavens are moved too."

Hands-on leadership legacy

Mr. Kam, a 40-year employee of Towngas, another Lee-founded company, said the property mogul's work ethic left an indelible mark.

"He taught us to handle everything personally – you must take that first step yourself before anything else can follow," Kam recalled, calling the company "the best service provider" under Lee's leadership.

The tributes highlighted Lee's uncommon accessibility for a billionaire. Yip, a former frontline worker at Henderson, remembered encountering Lee at corporate events.

"He had such a kind face and treated everyone warmly," the septuagenarian said. "When he knew people were in need, he truly helped."

A legacy of compassion

Beyond business, attendees emphasized Lee's philanthropic spirit. Yip noted how many had benefited from his charity work, admiring that "he wasn't someone who clung tightly to everything."

Her simple wish for her former benefactor: "May he find peace and freedom wherever he goes."

Lee's coffin will make its final journey to Shunde, leaving behind employees like Chiang, who represent a living testament to his corporate philosophy: "Entering this company felt like committing to a lifetime career. We just never thought he'd leave us so soon."

(Marco Lam)