'Charles Ching embraced life. He was a good and true man'

Judges, lawyers and senior government officials packed St John's Cathedral yesterday to pay tribute to Mr Justice Charles Ching, who died last week.

The funeral service was held close to the Court of Final Appeal, where Mr Justice Ching, 65, ended his 41-year legal career.

In a eulogy to the man renowned as one of Hong Kong's best cross-examiners, Mr Justice William Stone said: 'Charles was of the generation which had the advantage of turning, with equal felicity, both to civil and criminal work, and of his many forensic skills his ability as a quick, incisive and, when necessary, ruthless cross-examiner shone brightest. This was what made his name.'

Mr Justice Ching was the youngest of five siblings of the late Henry Ching, an editor-in-chief of the South China Morning Post for 33 years. The judge, who officially retired on October 6, the day before his 65th birthday, died on November 30.

Most magistrates and District and High Court judges attended the ceremony, along with Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang, Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan Fang On-sang and Financial Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen.

'Charles Ching embraced life. He was a good and true man in the full sense of the words, devoted to his family and loyal to his many friends,' Mr Justice Stone said. 'He had a remarkable career. His was a benchmark of excellence.'