Hong Kong politicians and business heavyweights delivered speeches in tribute to the late, renowned patriotic businessman Charles Ho Tsu-kwok during his encoffining ceremony and funeral procession on Sunday.
Ho, a former committee member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), passed away on June 11 at the age of 75.
The memorial hall at Hong Kong Funeral Home was adorned with white flowers in a simple style. A plaque inscribed with "Forever Remembered" was displayed, while Ho's portrait stood at the center, flanked by floral wreaths from his wife and children.
Ho's son, Kent Ho Ching-Tak, along with his daughter-in-law, Emily Lam Tim-yi, and Ho's daughter, arrived early at the funeral home to oversee arrangements, stepping out of the memorial hall around 10am. The couple expressed gratitude to reporters at the venue, noting that the family preferred a simple ceremony, emphasizing their priority on organizing the funeral smoothly.
The encoffining ceremony was held at 11am, followed by the funeral procession at noon.
A number of political figures attended to pay their respects, including Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his wife.
Prominent business figures included Albert Yeung Sau-shing, founder and chairman of Emperor Group; Peter Wong Tung-shun, chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC); chairman of Early Light International Francis Choi Chee-ming, and chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Peter Lam Kin-ngok.
Leung Chun-ying, Peter Lam Kin-ngok, Paul Chan Mo-po, Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen and Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai were among the white-gloved pallbearers.
"I won't deceive you."
Several of Ho's family and friends reminisced about his unique approach to life while honoring his contributions to both China and Hong Kong.
Pansy Ho Chiu-king -- also a CPPCC National Committee member -- spoke about how Charles Ho had been both her mentor and confidant throughout their 40-year friendship.
She revealed that he bluntly referred to her as "a very foolish person" during their first encounter, explaining that the remark exemplified his unique ability to read people.
"What he truly meant was that I was very naive, which is why he never stopped looking out for me over the past four decades," she added.
Pansy Ho also praised the businessman for his unwavering principles, recalling his catchphrase: "Just listen to me; I won't deceive you." She admitted that he had guided and supported her during the most challenging moments of her life and through many personal struggles.
Despite being considered strict by others, Ho was profoundly kind-hearted, virtuous, and respectful toward talent, truly the greatest of bosses and partners, she added. "He might have seemed nagging, constantly questioning and pushing," she continued, "but this actually reflected his genuine sincerity."
"He was always willing to mentor and support those around him without expecting anything in return, and he always followed through on his words with immediate action."
She reflected that Ho's "unconventional" ways earned him a unique place in society, making his contributions irreplaceable.
"Charles, we will always remember you," she said. "You were a rare legend in Hong Kong's political and business circles, a miracle who inspired us to uphold the Hong Kong spirit and strive for an even better Hong Kong."
"surrounded by a wide circle of friends in the afterlife"
Peter Wong Tung-shun, chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), expressed sorrow over Ho's passing, describing him as a patriotic, family-oriented, and sociable man.
Wong recalled Ho's kindness, noting that he urged the public to quit smoking even during his battle with cancer. He also highlighted Ho's wide social circle and frequent gatherings with friends from various sectors.
Wong added that Ho often called him for long conversations, discussing ways to contribute to the nation and Hong Kong, as well as helping friends.
He remarked that Ho was "warm-hearted beneath his reserved demeanor" and would continue to be surrounded by a wide circle of friends even in the afterlife.
Strict outside, generosity within
Kent Ho delivered a speech in English, expressing gratitude to the friends and family gathered to honor his father's memory. He said their presence brought comfort to the family and eased their sorrow during this difficult time.
He described his father as a patriot who deeply loved the nation and Hong Kong, serving as a former member of the CPPCC National Committee. His father also reshaped Sing Tao Daily into a trusted media voice in the city with vision and determination, Kent Ho added.
Beyond his public achievements, Kent Ho noted that his father never hesitated to speak up with his fearless spirit—a courage he brought not only to his work in government and media but also to his friends and family.
"Beneath his strong appearance lay a generous heart—a man who loved to help, share good stories, laugh wholeheartedly, and always offer sincere advice," he said.
In closing, Kent Ho praised his father for teaching him the importance of resilience and independent thinking—lessons he vowed to cherish and pass on to his own children.
"He taught us not to be restricted by rules or swayed by others' opinions," he said. "What matters is listening to your inner voice and standing up for what's right—even when it's hard."
Born in 1949 into the illustrious Ho family, Charles Ho was the grandson of Hong Kong Tobacco Company founder Ho Ying-chie.
After receiving his early education at Diocesan Boys' School, he pursued higher studies in the United States before returning to Hong Kong in the 1990s to assume leadership of the family's business empire.
Ho served as chairman of Sing Tao News Corporation for decades before divesting his holdings in 2021.
(Updated at 7.03pm)
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