It is with deep regret that the Club has learned of the passing of Mr Robert Locking earlier this month.
Mr Locking was one of the longest serving members of the Club’s executive team, joining as Business Secretary in 1973, becoming Deputy General Manager in 1977, and then General Manager in 1980, before finally retiring in March 1989. During his 16 years of Club service, Mr Locking served under some of the Club’s most distinguished executive leaders, including Major-General Penfold, General Archer and Major-General Watkins.
In his long career, Mr Locking saw momentous changes in the Club’s affairs, helping to steer through many of them. These included the opening of Sha Tin Racecourse in 1978, and perhaps most significantly for the future development of racing, the first international race, the Hong Kong Invitation Cup, which was run in January 1988. Equally important was his role in supporting the Club’s major charity projects, including The Hong Kong Sports Institute, which opened in 1982, and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, which opened in 1985.
Commenting on Mr Locking, the Club’s Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip said: “We are extremely sorry to hear the sad news of the passing away of Robert Locking. Bob was a very popular executive and he made a very significant contribution to the Club during one of its most dynamic phases of growth, which we will not forget. On behalf of the Club I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to his family.”
