My Lamma Forums

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:31 pm Post subject:

Photos submitted by Mr DickStock. He writes:

"He was my role-model for growing older with grace..."

Tavis · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject:

I think we ought to find a good spot and build the 'Jenks Memorial Lily Pond'.

taipengsan · Joined: 30 Oct 2003 Posts: 22

Jenkins Hiles, an ex-army officer who passed away peacefully on Thursday night (19 November) after a losing battle against cancer, was one of a kind: an old-world gentleman who was a Lamma landmark.

The lily pond he lovingly nursed in the valley adjoining the farm on the pathway to Taipeng village now lies buried under mounds of construction rubble that broke Jenks' heart. The closure and eventual disappearance of Spicy Island on the island's main drag where Jenks was a landmark fixture must have been ominous harbingers of what was coming next to the man in the rakish straw hat.

The cats on the walk from Taipeng village to Yung Shue Wan Main Street patiently waited each day for their diet of Whiska chow Jenks religiously doled out from his grocery bag. Though someone else has taken over the chore, Jenks, no doubt, will be sorely missed by his feline admirers.

There must be countless others who must miss the dry wit and humour of the irrepressible Jenks. With fond memories here is doffing my fedora to a Lamma legend who is no more.

Taipengshan
Cool

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:55 pm Post subject:

From Steve Cray:

"I am very sad to hear the Jenks has left us.
He ordered postcard size copies of this photo for his family, saying it was his favourite portrait of his senior years.
I took other photos of him but I like this one too, so posting it here is my way of honouring and remembering him. RIP."

foreign body · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 4:26 am Post subject:

He passed away peacefully in his sleep, what a nice way to go, perfectly in tune with his gentleness. I didn't know him , but i clearly remember he would sit on the stone wall near the waterworks building to catch his breath, before climbing up to Tai Ping, his dogs running ahead of him. We would smile at each other...not something you do too often in this town. I noticed he had lost a lot of weight recently, and i feared for his health, as he looked increasingly frail.
The memory of him sitting outside Spice Island, with his straw hat and his dogs, is forever etched on my mind. RIP Jenkins.

Nancy · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:38 am Post subject:

Great picture Steve; thanks. Tavis, I like your suggestion of a memorial lily pond. Jenks would be pleased. Anyone have the space?

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 3:13 pm Post subject:

That's a really great idea!
What about using that nice little pond in the Tai Peng Community Garden, it's a smiliar size to the original Lily Pond.

Wouldn't that be a very suitable location, not far from Jenks home, easy to find and access for his friends and it would fit in very well with the wonderful spirit of the Community Garden! And in no danger of being filled in by construction waste any time soon!

Marilyn · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:09 pm Post subject: Lara and Waldo

Having been asked several times whilst walking through the village this morning "Oh you are taking care of Lara?" and further to Tiggers' message this post is to reassure everyone concerned that both dogs are being well taken care of. Lara by me and Waldo by Kate, ably assisted by her team of friends so he is never without company (or food!!!). Don't have a picture of Jenks with Waldo but I like this one of him with Lara.

Lokkanat · Official Court Storyteller Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Posts: 142

Indeed a great guy and and a perfect gentleman. I shall miss his sense of humour. I think a lily pond memorial would be most appropriate.

defensive tulip · Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 32

a lily pond sounds wonderful, I think the tai Peng gardeners would be up for it, they're a friendly bunch!

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 4:38 pm Post subject:

Picture from Ian Watson:

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:07 pm Post subject:

News from Pia:

Amy, Jenkins's sister-in-law, wife of his brother Richard, living in Central, is wondering how many people would come for the funeral in St John's Cathedral in Central on Friday, 1pm?

She is also trying to organize a reception at Hong Kong Club from 5-7pm on Friday and wondered how many people might come from Lamma?

Who would want to speak in church - who could also speak about him at the reception. (or do a reading)?

You can contact Amy directly as she doesn't know Jenkins's Lamma friends personally yet: 9038 8468

An obituary will be placed in the South China Post on Tuesday, tomorrow.

juparka · Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Posts: 72

my sincere condolences to his family and friends. He's such a kind and gentle soul. I fondly remember him by the lily pond most mornings/afternoons removing any obstructions to live water feeding into the lily pond.

May you RIP Jenkins.

Marilyn · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:54 pm Post subject: Dress code at Hong Kong Club

As I would hate to have anyone turned away by the staff of The Hong Kong Club their dress code is:

Smart Casual

Not permitted: collarless shirts, denim (including jeans) and sports shoes/trainers

High Plains Drifter · over 100 messages posted Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 111

So Jenkins is gone, but his gentleness and love will always remain. A wonderfully caring human being. Remembering him now brings a smile to my face...

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:47 pm Post subject:

SCMP today, Nov 24, '09:

gargoyle · over 300 messages posted Joined: 15 Jun 2003 Posts: 307

Rest in Peace, Jenks. You will be missed.

Ahmee · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject:

Very sad to hear the news. I will always remember his warm greetings to me and my doggies whenever we met on the way. Me and my doggies will all miss him. May Mr. Jenks rest in peace.

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2009 4:08 pm Post subject:

Emails from Elaine, Jenks's ex-wife. I've forwarded them to his family, as requested:

"I was married to Jenkin for several years and only today did I learn of his passing. This e-mail is the only means I have of any communication with his family.

All of the posted comments are true - his love of animals, of family and of his worldwide community of friends was heartfelt. No matter what the circumstances might be at any given time he was a gentleman!

Please pass this on to Richard, to Amy and to Paul with my deep sympathy and genuine affection for them. I would love to hear from them.

Additionally, the following might be of interest to Jenkin's many friends. Especially the younger crowd.

As we all know, Jenkin was an exceptionally intelligent though very private man. He was a voracious reader - discussing books with him was always a learning experience.

During his school years he consistently broke athletic records in numerous events. He was a strong tennis player and never would he have cheated on a line call. Ditto as to his game of golf. I am originally from Montana - we shared a home there at a year round resort where we skied, hiked and rode horses. While at Sandhurst, Jenkin played polo. Watching him ride was a wonderful sight. His horses seemed to sense his affection for them.

Listening to his recall of his childhood in Kenya, complete with a beach home on Mombasa, was magical. The stories of Jenkin's young life there with his uncle, Judge Hugh Mills-Owens, his wife, along with Richard, Paul and Grandmother Rosamund told of a life none of us will never know.

Surely his new residence is allowing him to continue to be excessively kind. It is bright and sunny and he is in complete peace, tending to his beloved friends, animals and plants and flowers.

Thank you for considering this. I am with all of you in my heart today.

Sincerely,
Elaine Wakefield (nee Hiles)"

Lamma-Gung · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject:

Email from Alene and David Freidenrich, former HK residents:

"It is sad to realize that dear old Jenks has passed on. I can remember the "old days" when you could not walk into the Captain's Bar at the Mandarin Oriental when you would not see Jenkins there always so graciously offering to buy you a drink. He had a very generous streak in his "salad days".

"Then, there were the days of playing tennis with him at the Ladies Recreation Club when he never lifted a racket to practice, but always had a lethal stroke on the court.

"We are glad that he passed on in peace with friends surrounding him."

	My Lamma Forums Forum Index -> Lamma Oldsters	All times are GMT - 8 Hours Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next
Page 1 of 3