Ernie So Chak Chiu
(K67) Letter In Reminiscence of Bro Dennis
Dear SFX boys,
I was just reading this e-mail from Michael Law Man Yau and learned
about the passing of our dear Bro. Dennis two days ago. I am sure
everyone of us would sadly miss this great teacher, particularly myself
who was so lucky and priviledged to have been taught by Bro. Dennis.
I was in Form 1B together with Vincent Wong Pak Kin, Luke Tao Lap, and a
few others. Bro. Dennis was the one who taught us English, I still
remember he was such a hard working teacher that he would never want to
waste one minute of his class time, he was always early showing up for
the class usually 5 minutes before his class, he would be standing and
waiting outside our class room so that he could rush in the moment the
other teach leave the class room. That was why if we were not able to
complete his home work assignment, we would never have a chance to
finish before he came into the class room.
Everytime he came to the class room to teach us English, he would carry
with him that 'heavy, heavy' tape recorder, the old fashion one with
rolling recording tapes, I think the brand was 'Telefonkin' or 'Grundig',
it would weight at least 25 - 30 LBS, but this guy would bring it to our
class everytime, (its so silly looking its just like a piece of luggage)
so that he could tape our reading, and making sure our pronunciation is
correct, if not he would replay many times on that old recorder to show
us, how we made our mistakes ! I don't think we can see this kind of
teacher any more !
Personally, Bro. Dennis helped me and my family three times in his life
- besides being my great teacher.
When I got married in 1982, I went back to Hong Kong and had the
Catholic ceremony in St. Teresa's Church, the one at the corner of
Waterloo Road, and Prince's Edward Road. (By the way I was an altar boy
at that same church when I was 10 years old) Bro. Dennis who was very
good with playing the organ, came to play the wedding songs for us.
When my late wife passed away in 1998, my family had
a memorial mass at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Shekkepmei, Bro.
Dennis came to play the music for the hymns during the mass.
When my late mother passed away in 2003, my family had a memorial mass at
the St. Teresa's Church, and again Bro. Dennis came to provide the music
for our mass.
I met him numerous times when I went back to our SFX school, and of course
many of us also saw him during our school's 50th Anniversary in December
of 2005, when he was being pushed in a wheelchair and all of us were
surrounding him and Bro. William singing all the favorite songs they
taught us before. We all had fun that evening.
Last time I met Bro. Dennis was when I went to visit him at his retirement
home in Fanling together with Vincent Wong. He was so happy to see us, and
we took some photos with him at that retirement home. Vincent, if you can
still find those photos, please share it with all our friends via e-mail.
He, liked all the other Brothers at SFX, devoted his entire life
teaching and bringing up all the boys whom otherwise may not be able to
receive a good and proper education. We ALL should be very grateful, and
thankful to all the SFX Brothers.
Please join me to pray for the soul of Bro. Dennis, and the good health of
all our other SFX brothers !
Ernie So (So Chak Chiu K-67)
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