Hong Dun Gin

I often wondered what had become of Hong. He made a lasting impression on me. Then I saw the funeral notice last week. I couldn't make it as I had a previous appointment. Hong was my 1st boyfriend, at High Street school. In standard 6. He gave me my 1st 45 record, "24hrs from Tulsa" by Gene Putney, for my birthday. He was 2 months older than me to the day. We lost touch through teenage years until I started working at The Dragon Cafe at age 18 ish, and we caught up again. I was part of the crowd which Philip George mentioned at the funeral, which I've just watched on line. I remember he had a red Damlier Dart, and the family lived in the corner of Preston Crescent. Rest in loving peace you amazing man. 🌹🚗

I quote some lyrics of a song written by the awesome band KANSAS which Hong and I both identified with and he would fingerpick the melody on one of his guitars. You did it so well Hong. Dust in the wind. I close my eyes only for a moment and the moments gone. All my dreams pass before my eyes in curiosity. Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind. Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea. All we do crumbles to the ground tho we refuse to see. Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind. Don't hang on nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky. It slips away and all your money won't another minute buy. Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind. I have cried for you and laughed at the crazy antics we got up to over the years. I will mourn for you a little longer my dearest friend and then I will let you go to dance in the wind... Vicki.

Sorry to hear the sad news of Hong's passing. I played age grade soccer with Hong during the 60s' and I will always remember the interschool games between Kings High School and Otago Boys High. I left Dunedin in 1970 but on my many trips back I often thought about how could I reconnect with those guys and a couple of times I was able to do so. Hong was a very good player and a top person. Very sad. - Graeme Boomer, now living in the Wairarapa.

My sincere condolences to Hong's family. Hong was a lovely man, I always enjoyed our chats when we would meet. Our paths crossed many times over many years. I am thinking of you all. With warmest regards, Joanne.

Some of the most enjoyable times of our life were spent living in Dunedin. Twilight golf with Hong and Wayne, Playing billiards at Hong's place. He was a great player along with his many other talents. Lots of laughs with Jean and the kids. Oh, if only we could dial back the years, teasing Melina and Larisa, they were always up for a laugh! or having a beer on the 9th with Hong, if only..... Rest in peace Hong.

A legend has left us but his memory is eternal. Hong was my very good mate for many years. Our motorbike rides, guitar jamming sessions and general partying were a highlight of my younger years. My mum Victoria Boyes wanted to put on the stereo when Hong and myself got our guitars out, I don't think she was a fan of our music. Hong was a master of lead guitar playing. Everything improvised. Hong certainly had a great feel for guitar. He had alot of style with his dress, his cars and other things. He was always the life of the party, his presence was always noted. Farewell Hongi rest in peace my friend.

It saddens me to hear of the passing of Hong. We all are grateful that he is now in a better place after suffering that horrific accident some 11 yrs ago. Hong, as I knew him, was a ‘man born out of time’. Growing up in a predominantly conservative city like Dunedin, he always stood out, not only amongst the small Chinese Community there but to all and sundry who lived there. He was a ‘trendsetter’ in many ways who always stood out amongst his many friends and/or in a crowd. He visualised things that others would never have thought of and with his talent of making or altering clothes that was just one of his many talents. Some may of thought him as eclectic or even eccentric but that was the Hong whom we all loved and admired. He was also gifted with ‘hand to eye’ coordination and excelled in any sport he participated in, particularly when he took up golf late in life. I believe he had a handicap close to single figures in a very short time with no formal lesson at all. His love for golf even endeared him to ‘make’ his own clubs by changing club heads with different shafts. Now that’s talent! It goes without saying, that Hong was also a good cook having learnt his trade at his family’s restaurants, Dragon Cafe in Rattray St and later as a chef at the University of Otago. You will be sorely missed Hong. Rest in Peace my friend. Until we meet again! William

So sad to hear the passing of Hong. My commiserations to his family, whanau and friends. Hong was a key member of the University Union Team. His dry sense of humour and his amazing prowess in producing amazing meals from the Wok were legend. Memories of the Monday morning chats hearing about his golf game over the weekend was a great way to start the week. He will be fondly remembered by our team and by literally thousands of his customers over the years. R.I.P Hong. I'm sorry I can't attend his service on Wednesday.

Sorry to read of your brother passing. Virginia l went to high school with you. You would remember me as Lynne Shepherd and the dress l knitted you. Would be lovely to catch up.. it’s sad losing a sibling my brother passed away in 1999 at 40. Still miss him.

Dear Molly and family, Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Love Peter and Rosie

So sorry to hear of the passing of Hong,I know he will be sadly missed by you all , Thinking of you all at this sad time . Judy x

I remember Hong from Otago Boys High. Hong was the fashion man - he used to tailor the school uniform so that the trousers were stovepipe and he wore shoes that wern’t standard uniform. Hong was a man I caught up with from time to time when I returned to Dunedin. God bless you Hong. Wonderful man.