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| Tribute to Vincent Heywood |
Brian Hodgson:
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| Vincent was a tremendous inspiration to many of us at Victoria Toastmasters Club and was a gentleman and a scholar. He had a passion and love of speaking and he will be dearly missed by all. |
Vincent at Victoria's 50th Anniversary, with Martin Wray (left) and Oliver Davies (right)
Roy Low:
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Vincent is no longer with us but his style lives on and I suppose as he continues with his Toastmastering upstairs I hope he will cast an eye downwards.
Farewell Vincent and happy speaking amongst the clouds. |
Karen Chow:
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My connection with Vincent Heywood is slightly different from many of you. Below is some more information about a Football Musical titled "Field of Dreams" as recommended by Vincent in Aug 08. At that time I got a chance to promote it to my friends in the hiking circle with over 400+ members. What's more, I went there to appreciate the Musical and be part of it to witness what Vincent had contributed to Hong Kong.
On that night, he elaborated further how he aroused the interest of the government people and Anthony Chan, the Artistic Director of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, to bring his research materials into performing art. One important tip is that he resorted to a decent letter instead of just calling up the TOP people or sending emails. Hard to deny that I learned a lot from his perseverance in realizing his dream.
"How nice! You have contributed to this glorious part of the Hong Kong History." I exclaimed.
To supplement Roy's recollection of Vincent Heywood, Vincent was our General Evaluator on 6th Feb 2007 when Lorin Kong was the TME.
I remember one day I met him early in the mornng around 6:15am on a bus no. 208 when both of us were heading towards Tsimshatsui for some morning exercises. He was going to a swimming pool at Sheraton Hotel while I went to TST for yoga. Taking this great opportunity, I invited him to be our GE on 6th Feb 2007.
Vincent has a very high standard in toastmasters. Once he, as GE, mentioned that Victoria would DISSOLVE soon..... because that particular meeting was one of the WORST meetings ever run.... nearly everything was in a mess. I still remember his CANDID comments after so many years.
..... the exchange of emails between Vincent and I around that time. When I dug them out from my old file, like a flashback, it seems that all just happened yesterday. |
Martin Wray, Vincent, Oliver Davies, and Ruth Benny
Lorin:
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| Yes, Karen is right. I was the TME while Vincent was the GE. I still remember that I called him before the meeting to confirm his attendance. He answered the phone with nice manner and provided information for me to introduce him. When I first saw him in that evening, his face shone with smiles and friendliness. He brightened the evening with his delicate comments. The next time I met him was in the Victoria 50th anniversary dinner but I missed the chance to talk to him. Too bad, I don't have chance to talk to him again! I miss him very much even I only met him twice. |
Gladys Ma, Oliver Davies, Martin Wray, and Vincent
Jace Au:
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| When I first joined VTC (long before 1997), Vincent was still quite active. I must admit that he scared me with his stern face at first glance. But once he started to speak, you knew you have joined the best public speaking club. He was so scholarly and English... |
Vincent singing the anniversary theme song with the rest of the Toastmasters
Jennifer Yung:
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| I just had a brief conversation with Mr Vincent Haywood during the VTC 50th anniversay and I could feel his passion for music and love for people. Hope that he could rest in peace in Heaven with music and friends ... |
Vincent at Victoria's 50th Anniversary, with Jennifer Yung
Rose Allender:
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A Tribute to Vincent
This is the second time I am writing these words “A
Tribute to Vincent”. The first time was in 2004 when
Vincent was leaving Victoria Toastmasters and Hong
Kong for an unspecified period. At that time I wrote a
poem to present to him. Happily that wasn’t the last
time I saw Vincent since he did come back to Hong
Kong. But to have to write these words again, on this
occasion, makes me sad. I would like to share some
of what I wrote back in 2004 as a reminder of what
touched me about the person Vincent was.
As a native English speaker I can be said to be fluent in
English, but compared to Vincent I was just a baby in
my use of it. His depth of knowledge of the language
and the ease with which he used words to their best
advantage was impressive. Listening to him, the words
were often lively, sparkling and surprising, in contrast
to the more mundane and ordinary words used by
others, myself included.
The words, so divine!
He will capture your mind.
He can even outsmart
the most hardened heart
The man didn’t walk,
he strutted or stalked
The ground didn’t shake,
it quivered and quaked.
With words most extraordinary
he talks like a dictionary,
building a picture
which is so much richer
than ordinary mortals can make.
While clearly superior in his use of language, he didn’t
use it against others. He was kind to and respectful of
others. In every encounter I had with him, I found his
manner to be gentle and soft. His evaluations were full
of wit and keen observation. Positive energy flowed
from his relaxed and caring demeanor.
So gentle and kind
you won’t even mind
when you find it’s your turn
to listen and learn
how he feels about what you have done.
His words ring out true.
You won’t want to sue.
It is so very clear
by the words you do hear,
he has seen only good in you.
Through his participation, Vincent provided a
wonderful example of what was possible for those of
us in Victoria Toastmasters to achieve. He added
humor, insight, quality, and inspiration to the meetings
and to the lives of those of us who knew him.
And so don’t you see
and don’t you agree
that chests will be heaving
and eyes will be weeping
‘cause Vincent, yes, Vincent, is gone?
Thank you, Vincent! |
Back row: Eva Tsai, Vincent, Doris Cheung
Front row: Rose Allender, Betty Lam
Asta Lee (Member since 2001):
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| I was in awe of Vincent's glamour and his wit every time he spoke at the club. Of the few chances we had small talks, he made me feel every time that I was an important person. The attention and the respect he gave others had won him more attention and more respect. Vincent will always remain my role model. |
Pam Birkett:
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| I have been a member of Victoria Toastmasters since January 1992 and met Vincent during his active days at the club. He was a popular member and an accomplished speaker. He always spoke with insight and eloquence, and with charm and gentleness. He was a true gentleman. Victoria Toastmasters Club was enriched by his contributions and active participation and he will be greatly missed. |
Philip Ho, Vincent, Oliver Davies, and Martin Wray
Lorna Christofis, member since 1991:
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I first met Vincent about 14 years ago hiking with the Sathikers and I invited him to a Victoria Toastmasters Club meeting. I had no idea what I was letting the Club in for!
From then on we were fortunate to have his enthusiastic participation. He uplifted the atmosphere of the meetings, bringing his charm and cheerful energy, his eloquent use of the English language and his insightful, caring evaluations. He always knew the right thing to say, positive and praising and so supportive of the club members in their journey of self growth.
I remember how he shone particularly at our impromptu speaking Table Topic Sessions.
We did not see him for quite a few years as he moved away. However, in February this year, he went out of his way to be a judge at Victoria’s Humourous Speech and Evaluation Contests - thereby allowing us the required number of judges to meet the criteria.
We were in contact again to meet up for a cuppa before his departure for UK in April - I am sad that this did not take place.
Always caring.
May You Rest In Peace, Vincent. |
Ignatius Iggy Chong:
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| I did not have the privilege of knowing Vincent well though I always looked forward eagerly to his appearances at VTM. We did have lunch once and I found him one-on-one exactly as he appeared ‘on stage’ – eloquent, sincere, very skilled overall and a great guy to be around. I do remember reading some interviews of him in the press and some writing he sent me once from a magazine and naturally they were of very high quality. His appearances at VTM were deeply enjoyable to watch. One of his earliest and all too rare speeches I recall must have been more than a decade ago and while I cannot remember the content I am pretty sure the tone , theme or subtle message is “ never forget” . In his deeply symbolic, entertaining and profound way. Vincent started off his speech by taking a tiny bell out of a small silk bag and striking it once – I suppose it was a Buddhist ( Tibetan ? ) bell. He placed the bell on the lectern and proceeded with his speech which had an otherworldly and higher-plane-of-existence air to it. At the end of the speech he struck the bell once more, put the bell in the little sack neatly, then dramatically yet quietly went back to his place. I am sure he won Best Speaker award that evening and can still picture he beaming face as he very modestly went to pick up his Best Speaker ribbon. That’s how I will always remember Vincent. |
Francis Chan:
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It was a big shock on hearing Vincent's death. Life is so ridiculous, and God has his ways that we cannot understand.
I talked to Vincent on the phone around Februray or March. He sounded absolutely normal, spoke as scholarly as always, and gave much insight to me regarding my daughter's language development.
There is a side of him which many of us may not aware. Over the years, he has kept a special interest on the history of football in Hong Kong. Specifically, he has kept a very comprehensive archive about a most-forgotten local glory - that in the early years of the last century, a football team composed of mainly local players have attended one of the Olympic Games around that time, representing China. At that time, China was still in a turnmoil in everything and was absent for most international events. It was a group of local footballers who felt obliged to honour their country and set forth for this legendary journey - which, we can imagine, must have been tough. Were it not becuase of Vincent's effort, the tale of these courage people would have been buried in history. From what he told me last year, I believe Vincent's archive must be rich and he must have been a world expert on this subject. He has preserved a valuable part of our history, for us. I asked him why he did that and he couldn't figure out too. But he did say it's a hobby and an interest. Vincent's work was noticed by a local Drama organisation. Last year, that organisation wrote a play based on Vincent's archives and put it to the stage for some times at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall. Vincent gave me a poster of the play, together with an interview with a local magazine. His face glowed when he talked about his collections. He was very keen and enthusiastic on that.
I tried but couldn't find these publishing in my office. It's quite likely I have not kept them. Is there anyone who knows about local drama circle who may recover something on that?
Vincent showed me his little wonder which he added it to the world. We all have our little wonders. We can also add ours to the world, like Vincent. |
Vincent signing the guest book at Victoria Toastmasters 50th Anniversary 3rd May 2008.
Farewell, Vincent. Always in our hearts and deeply missed.
Other Tributes
David Sutcliffe:
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I met Vincent in a small Northern English village called Simonstone in 1994 when some friends of mine were playing in a local band called The Fat Twins which I later played with.
His support and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us at the time, Vincent never tired of been involved and coming to the concerts, the highlight of which was when he volunteered to help us take some gear to a recording studio one day. Aside from chauffeur duties he ended up doing a voiceover part on the CD !
Around this time he took myself and Richard Ormerod to see Fish who used to sing with Marillion who I was previously unfamiliar with. My parents at the time thought it odd how a successful businessman would want to take two teenagers to a concert, but I think they missed the point and this summed up a key aspect of the man I was lucky enough to know. He loved music and he loved people. I'm glad I kept the ticket stub.
He came back to the village about five years ago and we went for a walk in the surrounding countryside. He marvelled at the scenery which I'd taken for granted and seems genuinely surprised at how all were pleased to see him considering he left the area 10 years previously. Another walk was planned but alas this will not happen.
Thanks for the good times Vincent and my thoughts are with your family. |
Stewart:
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I couldn't write anything before but feel now I can.
Vincent and I were friends since the late seventies. He worked for Evans Ltd a retail group part of the then Burton Plc. He was my customer and we travelled to various factories I represented. One of the most memorable trips was to Lapland in Finland in January when the temperature was minus 35 degrees, where we shared a sauna with a few others then rolled in about 18" of snow before jumping into a plunge pool. He left this organisation and we worked together a few times. I eventually settled in Lancashire with a new business and Vince moved up to Simonstone where we worked together for several years. Vince's background was in financial services and he couldn't resist the chance of doing this again and went to work for Templeton's in HK. the rest is known to many. I have only had very few what I can call friends in my lifetime and Vince was top of the list. We met in various locations worldwide over the years. The last time about 3 years ago at his house in Hong kong where we had a wonderful evening.
I received every year a Xmas card from Vince and sent Vince a xmas greeting every year.
I will very sadly miss this year not receiving his funny comments.
A lovely lovely man who is sorely missed by all that knew him.
Rest in peace old cocker..
Your Pal
Stewart |
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