Shing Kei Li (27 Jun 1940 - 21 Jul 2022)

In loving memory of Shing Kei Li who sadly passed away on 21st July 2022.

Shing Kei Li was born in Hong Kong in 1940. He visited his Grandmother in a village in rural China as a child, but during one of his visits, he was locked out of the border during the Cultural Revolution, unable to return. He was left to be brought up by his Uncle who was a kind teacher, but was extremely poor. He barely had enough money to eat when he attended secondary school, but he studied hard to make his Uncle proud..

When he eventually made his way back to Hong Kong, he found a good job in a shipping company and attended English evening classes. However his father bought him a ticket to the UK in the 1960s (the best he could afford was in the engine room of a cargo ship) And so he travelled to find his fortune with just £8 in his pocket.

He was extremely hardworking and overcame countless obstacles to eventually set up Basildon's first ever Chinese takeaway. With his business acumen, hard work, drive, determination and unconditional support from his loving wife Seow Lun Li, his one business rapidly expanded to 5 takeaways making him an extremely successful businessman.

He had 5 children and his hard work and success meant he could give his children the life and education he never had. He was extremely proud to have put them through university, watch them graduate and go on to become successful in their chosen careers.

He read extensively and always loved to learn. Many people who had crossed his path respected him and often asked for advice - which he readily gave. His favourite hobbies included Chinese Calligraphy, Acupuncture, Law, DIY, Photography and music - in particular Jazz. He loved all of his grandchildren and the buzz in the house when family got together - he would laugh easily and loved to tell the colourful stories of his past to those who took the time to listen. His favourite past-time in his retirement was gardening, where he would spend hours tending to every day - weeding, digging the soil and trimming his plants to perfection.

We take some solace in that he passed doing what he loved, in the place he loved the most, whilst he was able-bodied and in good health. He was loved by so many, and will forever be remembered for his kindness, strength of character, determination and wisdom.

Shing Kei may have left this earth but he touched the lives of many. His strong spirit, laughter and words of advice will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and those who knew and loved him. He will be missed, gone but never forgotten.

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In his later years, Shing Kei Li found Buddhism and helped raise money for the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation. They are an international charity and have a Hospital in Taiwan, which relies on volunteers and donations to give aid to those who cannot afford medical care.

In lieu of flowers, please could you make a donation to a charity that Shing Kei Li was extremely passionate about. To make donations please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shingkeili