Eulogy for Gino Feng (May 2007).
When I moved to Gauteng in April 2004, I went to a paddling session one Sunday afternoon. I think it was at Florida Lake on the West Rand, but it might have been Wemma Pan; it doesn't matter.
GDBA were about to sit and discuss something (it doesn't matter either) but Gino invited me to join in. I sat down on the grass under a tree and listened to the issues the committee were facing at the time, and thought dryly how similar they were to the issues facing WCDBA. As it turned out, it was because of that chance meeting that I joined Chung-Wah as coach and derived great benefit from a relationship with Bridget and Aiden Ah-Ling and the Chung-Wah regulars, but which also ensured further interactions with Gino and GDBA.
What struck me was the basic sincerity in his invitation to sit down. He was relaxed, smiling and munching on some of that East-Rand biltong he loved so much, he hardly knew me from a bar of soap, but everything about him said "if you have a contribution to make, which I think you might, please sit down and contribute". I am so glad I did, because the rewards I have reaped, and inspiration I have derived have been extraordinary.
For instance, I recall vividly the torrid time our crew had at the hands of the Taipei midsummer heat, humidity and cuisine, but when someone shouted "GINO!" in the middle of the race, just as the crew was flagging, there was a stirring and immediate surge in the boat. You see, Gino was such a man that to associate his name with underperformance was unacceptable. His person, contribution, ethics and dedication spoke to the soul within each of us.
When I have lived my life, when I have achieved what I have set out to achieve, when I have worked and toilied and triumphed, let them compare me to Gino Feng, who was humble enough not to seek comparison, but let his actions and words speak for themselves.
Labels: Gino Feng
