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SCMP Reporter

THOUSANDS paid tribute to Diaoyu activist David Chan Yuk-cheung as his two-day funeral service began yesterday.

 More than 3,000 people had paid their condolences by the time the service at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in Quarry Bay ended at 11 pm, including Chief Justice Sir Ti Liang Yang and Executive Council convenor Rosanna Wong Yik-ming.

 The mourning hall, bedecked with yellow silk and white chrysanthemums, was crammed with banners and wreaths reading 'Patriotic hero Chan Yuk-cheung will be remembered forever' and 'His life started with Diaoyu protection and ended with Diaoyu protection'.

 Three small wreaths, one in the shape of a heart, represented Chan's wife Lau Shun-hing, their daughter On-yin, 11, and son On-lap, 10.

 Other wreaths arrived from Governor Chris Patten, Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xinhua and Taiwan's quasi-official Chung Hwa Travel Agency head, Cheng Anguo.

 Chan died after leaping into the sea near the disputed islands from his protest boat, Kien Hwa No 2, on September 26.

 Condolences committee spokesman Ma Fug-kwok said he expected many more people to have paid their respects by the end of today.

 Chan's elder sister, Chan Lai-ying, said her brother's 'patriotic will has passed to thousands of people'.

 Among the mourners at the hall were former Chinese soldiers Chan Shing-hin and Yeung Shi-yin, both in their late 70s.

 Primary student Lo Yu-tung, eight, a friend of On-yin and On-lap, said more than 30 members of their boy scout and girl guide groups had signed a card reading: 'We care for you. Don't feel so sorrowful.'  Chan's body will be cremated at Cape Collinson Crematorium this afternoon.



Thousands mourn 'hero' Chan