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Hong Kongers young and old packed St John's Cathedral yesterday to commemorate the life of Lady Jane Akers-Jones, who died on October 6, aged 74.

She was remembered not only as the wife of former chief secretary David Akers-Jones but as a mother, friend, hostess, long-time supporter of Hong Kong and leading light of the Girl Guides.

Those who paid their respects included Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, tycoon Li Ka-shing and action film star Jackie Chan.

Lady Akers-Jones also touched the lives of more humble folk, such as the Girl Guide leaders who broke down in tears as they saluted her coffin, which bore lilies and a guide uniform scarf.

Reading the eulogy, Ombudsman Alice Tai Yuen-ying said Lady Akers-Jones had worked as an actress, secretary and teacher before becoming a colonial wife.

Sir David was a student at Oxford University without money or prospects when he met his future wife, she said.

The couple came to Hong Kong in 1957 and she performed many duties as Sir David rose from district officer to chief secretary and also stood in as governor for a period after the death of Sir Edward Youde.

'Throughout their life together, Jane had been a tower of strength in support not only of David, but our community,' Ms Tai said. 'The many close friends they have made from all walks of life reflect the breadth of their involvement with Hong Kong and, of course, their warmth for and positive attitude towards people.'

One of Lady Akers-Jones' proudest achievements was her contribution to the Girl Guides, which she joined in 1940s wartime Britain.

Her association with the guides in Hong Kong started in the 1960s and she later became chief commissioner between 1983 and 1993.

Ms Tai fondly remembered many parties hosted for district officers and their families by Sir David and Lady Akers-Jones.

A recent party was more poignant as Lady Akers-Jones smiled her way through the considerable discomfort caused by her cancer, at a bash to celebrate Sir David's Grand Bauhinia Medal and their 51st wedding anniversary.

'Jane only complained that the whisky, combined with the medicine, did not taste so good,' Ms Tai said.

Lady Akers-Jones continued her duties as Sir David's self-appointed personal assistant to the end, making plans to help him revise the manuscript of a book just a fortnight before she died.

'Jane will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, gentleness and quiet strength of character,' Ms Tai said.

If one of the anecdotes Ms Tai told is anything to go by, Lady Akers-Jones will also be remembered for a sense of humour.

Girl Guides staff were offered the use of the grounds at the Akers-Jones' former private residence at Island House in Tai Po for training.

They arrived and there was no answer to the door bell, but two European gardeners were spotted hard at work.

Thinking the couple must be wealthy to hire foreign gardeners, the Girl Guides asked the gardeners how they should be addressed and were told: 'Fa Wong Chungs' which means 'Gardeners Akers-Jones'.



Friends say farewell to Lady Akers-Jones