HONG KONG: Henry Fok Ying-tung was remembered in Hong Kong Tuesday as a selfless, true patriot by community members across the political spectrum.

At times the contributions of Fok, a prominent Hong Kong industrialist who died on Saturday night in Beijing at age 83, took a toll on his business. Even so, he was not deterred from helping China's development.

He sent aid to the mainland despite a United States-led embargo during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

"China had gone through a lot of difficulties during the first 30 years after 1949," said Chinese University political scientist Ivan Choy. "Fok had helped the nation a lot during these 30 years even though he had to pay huge cost for providing help."

The body of Fok, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference vice-chairman, arrived in Hong Kong at 1:15 pm yesterday on a flight from Beijing.

Fok's eldest son, Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, said funeral arrangements had not been finalized, but a service was tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday. In keeping with Chinese custom, the family will bury the body.

Henry Fok was the pioneer of joint ventures with overseas partners, including the Zhongshan Hot Spring Resort in 1980 and the first five-star White Swan Hotel in 1983. He also focused on the development of Nansha, which was once regarded as the "Siberia of Guangdong."

Acting Chief Secretary for Administration Michael Suen, Financial Secretary Henry Tang and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Gao Siren arrived at Hong Kong airport to pay tribute.

Tang called Fok a great patriot who had contributed to the nation's development and also a successful entrepreneur.

A memorial service took place at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital before the body was delivered to Beijing Capital International Airport.

Fok's eldest grandson, Kenneth Fok, held his grandfather's picture as the coffin, covered with a national flag, was taken out of the service room. Family members were in tears.