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Family, friends, former employees and associates yesterday packed the pews of the Catholic Cathedral in Central for a service celebrating the life of retired Swire taipan Peter Sutch, CBE.

Renowned for his warmth in relating to people great and small, Sutch died in Rome on March 6 at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer.

His younger brother, Benedictine monk Father Anthony Sutch, said the taipan had led a considered life which was not merely about progression through the ranks of management.

At critical points in his career, Sutch had talked to his brother about the Christian dictates of living a life of love and how to incorporate that in commercial and private dealings.

Friend Ronald Arculli told the congregation that Sutch would not only be remembered for his energy, enthusiasm and dedication but also for his warmth, friendliness, sense of fair play and humour.

'We all miss Peter, the son, the brother, the father, the lover, the friend and staunch supporter of Hong Kong very much,' he said.

Sutch was educated in Britain at Downside School and Exeter College, Oxford, where he flew with the university's air squadron.

He started his Swire career in shipping in 1966.

'Peter was not to be denied as he was transferred to aviation four years later, rising to managing director for Cathay in 1984 when he was still a baby of 39,' Mr Arculli said.

He became chairman of the Swire Group in 1992, a position he retired from in 1999.

'Perhaps it was his selfless devotion to his job and Hong Kong that took its toll on his health,' Mr Arculli said.

As well as his Swire roles, Sutch was also father to three sons and one daughter and took on more than his fair share of public and community service.

Awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2000, Sutch was involved in the Hong Kong Sevens, the Community Chest, the Council of the University of Hong Kong, the Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Chief Executive's Commission on Strategic Development, the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and various campaigns to support Hong Kong.

Mourners were asked to make donations to the Sunnyside Club, a charity run by the Aircrew Officers' Association for handicapped children, instead of sending flowers.



Friends, family celebrate life of ex-Swire taipan