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| Insider's View of the Funeral Proceedings. Translated by Nicole Tan The funeral ceremony of superstar Leslie Cheung was the most tearful in years. While inside the funeral parlour, more than 400 relatives and friends were raining tears. Outside, thousands on fans were sobbing their hearts out. A close friend of Leslie who witness all this said, "Leslie's life has not gone to waste". |
| Daffy Tong (Leslie's Long Term Partner) was referred to throughout the ceremony. One of Leslie's niece who went on stage to offer her last words told him, "Uncle Daffy, I represent my Uncle to thank you. I feel that he is so blessed to have you." The ceremony began yesterday at 11.10am. While Tong and Leslie's family were arrived at 8am to make the preparation. Donning a black suit, black tie and a yellow rose on his lapel, Tong sat in the first seat of the front row reserved for family. Sitting next to him was Leslie's elder sister. Tong sat very straight up, with a sorrowful expression on his face, would occasionally whisper into Leslie's sister ear in return she often patted Tong's shoulder gently. At times, Tong would stare at the portrait of Leslie, which he choose, lost in thought. |
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| At 11.10am, the ceremony began. HongKong DJ So See Wong went on stage and recounted the life of Leslie. After each section, a short interview of Leslie was played. When Leslie's voice first emerged, many gasped followed by a deep silence, as the participant wanted to hear his voice, to hang onto his words. |
| When Leslie "related" his painful early showbiz years, Tong who did not cry previously in public, took out some tissues and dabbed them at the corner of his eyes. Leslie's voice continued, "When I first started showbiz, my monthly pay is $1,000. I paid $500 for the rent and I gave $300 to my mother. There was a small clothing allowance. The rest I used the rest for myself. Sometimes, I would even save a few tens at the month's end!" As the ceremony progress, DJ So said, "Leslie met Tong on 9 Dec 1982 at Regent Hotel. At 2 Jan of the following year, the two started their 20 years relationship." This was also printed on the ceremony card. Leslie and Tong were at Hong Kong's frontier, being the first openly gay couple. And at the speech end's so said, "And in April 2003, Leslie passed away," Tong had to look for tissues once again. Leslie's good friend, Jacky Cheung, Tsui Hark (director), James Wong (1941-2004 )(lyricist), and niece took turns to make their farewell speeches. Each time, Tong's tears could not stop falling, many times, Leslie's sister had to help him look for tissues. Those speaking often mentioned Tong. Jacky Cheung praised Leslie for being brave enough to love and to express himself. |
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| Leslie's niece forthrightly told Tong, "Uncle Daffy, tenth uncle treasured your relationship. He said that you once lent him a few month's worth of salary to help him tie over the difficult period. For the past year, I have also witnessed what real love is. You have never forsaken tenth uncle who was suffering from depression, taking care of him day and night. Uncle Daffy, I represent my Uncle to thank you. I feel that he is so blessed to have you!" This was followed by photos of Leslie, coordinated with Leslie's song "The Wind Kept Blowing". First, it was Leslie with his first girlfriend, Mao, followed by pictures with Maggie Cheung, Anita Mui and others. And then, there were many photo shots of Leslie and Tong together. The last photo was of Leslie, walking into a forest alone. Throughout, Tong longingly stared at the screen, not wanting to miss any of Leslie's shots. But when the song played to the part "You are already in my heart, no need to asked remembering whoÉ". Tears flowed again and someone had to give him another box of tissue. |
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| As the ceremony was ending and it was time to say goodbye. Tong could only stand, his body could not withstand the sorrow and pain. Two of Leslie's assistant had to help him walk away. Leslie's twin nieces carried Leslie's portrait, followed by Tong's behind. This time, they played the song "The Moon Represents My Heart". In which Leslie expresses his love for Tong. At the crematorium, Tong had to face the most difficult job. It was he who had to send Leslie on his way by pushing the button for incineration. He cried out out loudly. While others sobbed, "Gor Gor Ah! Gor Gor Ah!" Later, at lunch, Tong was able to get a few words out when someone asked after him. He said, "I am like a cloud, not knowing where to float to". The friend quietly consoled him saying he had to take care because there is still a long way to go. Tong replied, "I know." |
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