Tycoon, philanthropist, lover: the many sides of late Hong Kong billionaire Eric Hotung, 91
After a colourful life in media headlines, the oldest grandson of legendary businessman Robert Hotung died in his sleep on Wednesday
Eric Hotung, of Hong Kong’s prominent Hotung family, has died at age 91, concluding an eventful life that began with a tough childhood and was eventually pushed into the public eye thanks to business successes, humanitarian works and a messy love affair.
A private family mass will be held on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Church, followed by a burial at Chiu Yuen Cemetery.
In an obituary published in the South China Morning Post last Friday, the tycoon’s family highlighted his philanthropic works, as well as his personal connection with some of the world’s most powerful leaders.
“Through his personal relationships with Deng Xiaoping, Li Peng, Jiang Zemin and many other world leaders ... Eric was driven to act for the betterment of mankind as a whole,” the obituary read.
When Sir Robert Hotung died, so did a piece of Hong Kong’s history
The oldest grandson of Robert Hotung – a legendary Hong Kong businessman in the colonial era who helped bankroll Sun Yat-sen’s 1911 revolution – died peacefully in his sleep last Wednesday, it said.
