In Loving Memory of My Father
By Tanya Fung (馮頴之), elder daughter
Even as a child, I remember feeling proud that everyone seemed to love my father. As I grew older, I came to understand why.
To many, he was "Fung Sir", a university professor, Warden of Old Halls, author of numerous books, and a lifelong supporter of Diocesan Boys' School. To me, he was the father who encouraged me to pursue every interest, spent countless weekends playing sports and sharing adventures with me, bailed me out whenever I found myself in a difficult situation, and loved me with a gentleness that never wavered. Only later did I realize that the qualities which made him
such a respected educator were the same qualities that made him such an exceptional father.
Growing up, I thought every father stayed close to his former students. I thought it was perfectly normal that they visited, celebrated life's milestones together, and remained lifelong friends. Only later did I realize how extraordinary that was. My father didn't simply teach his students - he cared
about them as people, and those relationships endured for a lifetime. My father was a man of endless curiosity. Chess was one of his lifelong passions, taking him to international competitions as a member of the Hong Kong Chess Team. He loved to cook and entertain. He also loved maps and could happily spend hours studying them before every family trip, once even publishing an
atlas. I know I inherited his love of entertaining, his fascination with maps and travel, and his curiosity about the world. More than anything, I hope I inherited the kindness and compassion that defined the way he lived his life.
As I continue through life, I find myself appreciating him more with each passing year. I will always be proud to be his daughter.
My Father, My Teacher
By Winnie Fung (馮允寧), daughter
To the world, my father was a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, an advisor, and a chess player.
At home, he was the same. He was the consummate teacher.
He was a father who taught through thoughtful, practical lessons, examples, and modelling. He wove life skills into our daily routine. A toy allowance became a lesson in budgeting. My pocket money translated to Bookkeeping 101. Putting away dinner leftovers was a practice in estimating volume. He also encouraged us to climb trees, hang upside down from monkey bars, jump off ledges, challenged us to ride our bikes hands-free, and prompted us to invent
new games with random kids from the playground. He believed that play is learning, and that knowing how to accept challenges, overcome failures, and how to get out of a bind are essential life skills. He equipped us with the tools to face life’s challenges. He nurtured our self-confidence and independence, developed our problem-solving skills, and taught us critical thinking and the ability to question assumptions.
A few months ago, he mentioned in passing that we were alike in personality. I initially rejected this assertion outright, but upon reflection, what makes me me, and what I hold to be important, I did learn from my father. I am grateful for how my father shaped my formative years. I am grateful for the person I have become. I am grateful that he afforded me the freedom and support to pursue the life I wanted, without judgment. I owe him my career in non-profit management. I owe my worldview, my sense of justice, my sense of right and wrong, my sense of duty, and how to be a decent person to my father.
My Father-in-Law
By Kevin Shively, son-in-law
My father-in-law was one of the most honest people I ever met. He had thoughts about everything, and he wasn't afraid to share them. They were always impeccably reasoned and never sugar-coated. Anyone who met him immediately knew where they stood. As I grew older, he would greet me by saying, "You've gained weight."
Some might have been offended at such a statement, but I knew what he was really saying. It was his way of telling me that he cared about me. He was also a great friend to my parents, and they cherished the time that they spent with him and my mother-in-law. He was a great man, and he will be missed by many, which is ultimately the best measure of a person.
Remembering Gung Gung
By Julian Shively, grandson
Gung Gung was a man I deeply admired. He was incredibly knowledgeable about many things and always had a clear perspective on each issue. I greatly respected his drive and commitment to teaching and guiding others. I would hear about frequent visits from his old students and colleagues into his old age because of the impact he made on them.
He initially introduced me to chess, a sport he deeply loved. I am so proud of his mastery over the game that I never miss a chance to brag about him to my friends whenever the subject comes up. He inspired me to play occasionally as well!
I will always remember him as a man who held his principles and was generous with sharing his knowledge. He cared genuinely about the betterment of others and the world, and I strive to follow his example.
My Admirable Gung Gung
By Alison Shively, granddaughter
Gung Gung was, in a word, impressive. I wish I had more opportunities to become close with him - every new detail I learned about his life deepened my respect for him. From growing up as the youngest of 21 children, to traveling the world for chess tournaments, to earning such adoration from his students, I take comfort in knowing that he truly lived his life to its fullest.
In the time I did get to spend with Gung Gung, I've known him to be kind, strong-willed, and rational. If he wanted something done a certain way, it was because that was simply the best way to do it. I'm grateful to have visited him so regularly, despite living on the other side of the world. I'm proud to be the granddaughter of such an extraordinary man.
Family photo taken December, 2008
From Left: Kevin, Julian, Yee Wang, Mary, Alison, Winnie & Tanya.