HE was known as the friendly character, who used to say hello while on his daily walks but not many could tell you about Chok Ming Chan’s (Billy) life before he came to Port Macquarie.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 81-year-old died on October 10 in Port Macquarie Hospital after being found lying on William Street with serious injuries on October 4.
An autopsy has been conducted and identified that there were no signs of physical assault.
The police investigation has established that Mr Chan suffered his injuries after a fall from the kerb at the intersection of William Street and Short Street.
Police said there were no persons of interest around the victim at the time he fell and all available evidence indicates the fall was not suspicious in nature.
Mary Choi Ho was family friends with Mr Chan for the last 20 years.
She said that he was like an uncle to her and had a heart of gold.
Mr Chan was born in China, before moving to Hong Kong and then to Sydney, Australia in 1975.
He worked as a chef for about 15 years in Chinatown and lived in the suburb of Burwood.
Mrs Choi Ho met Mr Chan when he came to work in her mother’s restaurant Sun Hing in Port Macquarie.
He was known as being incredibly hard working, who had a talent for making roast duck and chicken.
Mr Chan never had any children, but Mrs Choi Ho said he has a niece in Sydney and a brother who lives in America.
After working throughout his life, Mr Chan retired in Port Macquarie about the time he turned 60-years-old.
He loved the town because he was interested in fishing and would gift fish whenever he had some to spare.
“He was always giving to people, which was probably why he was so popular around town,” Mrs Choi Ho said.
Whenever she was sick, Mrs Choi Ho said that Mr Chan would bring her soup and gifts.
Mrs Choi Ho is organising the funeral to be held next week, with the exact date still to be confirmed.
If the public would like to make a contribution please email marychoiho@aol.com
