Choi Chiu-wing has held funerals for nine elderly people in the 10 years he has been a volunteer. He chose their coffins. He paid tribute at their graves.
There was no one else to do it.
'They were alone when they were alive,' said Mr Choi. 'I hope their families will visit their graves some day.'
Mr Choi and nine others received Outstanding Elderly Volunteer Awards yesterday from the Hong Kong Society for the Aged.
With a humble look and a kind smile, the 62-year-old says he doesn't fear death - a traditional Chinese taboo. As a volunteer for the Banyan Elderly Services Association, he pays home visits to the elderly living alone.
Since he retired as an electrician, he has held funerals for elderly people without families. He regards himself as their brother or son just so they can die with dignity.
Mr Choi said bodies not identified by any relatives are taken to Sandy Ridge Cemetery, where the epitaphs in the grave area are identified by numbers rather than names.