Golden Harvest's Raymond Chow gets a low-key funeral
21 Nov – Unlike his illustrious career, the funeral service for Hong Kong film tycoon Raymond Chow Man Wai was a small affair, attended only by family members and close relatives.
As reported on Mingpao, a quick trip to the funeral ceremony by the media showed no notice in the hall about a service for Chow, and no family members seen outside the premise. It is said that it was Chow himself who requested for it to be a private affair prior to his death.
At 4pm, a floral arrangement with the words, "Mr. Raymond Chow will be remembered forever" was reportedly sent to the funeral parlour by Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau. However, the staff of the parlour declined to accept it and asked for it to be taken back to the florist.
The Federation of Hong Kong Film Workers Associations, alongside 11 other major associations including Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild and Hong Kong Movie Production Executives Association recently issued a eulogy to express deep sorrow over the loss.
The statement read, "Through his great energy and unique insight, Mr Chow has written an exciting and brilliant chapter for Hong Kong movies in Southeast Asia and even internationally since the '70s, enabling Hong Kong to enjoy the reputation as the 'Eastern Hollywood'. Mr. Chow's contributions for this era deserved the credits!"
"However, because Mr. Chow's funeral was a private ceremony, we were unable to bid our final farewell. The Federation of Hong Kong Film Workers and its 11 affiliated organisations are representing all members with this eulogy and send our sincerest condolences to Mr. Chow's family."
The Golden Harvest founder, who produced some of the biggest stars of the martial arts film genre, including Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, passed away on 2 November.
He was 91.
(Photo Source: ST Headline)
