Mr Patrick Clancy, a former Senior Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police, passed away in Canada on October 11.

Mr Clancy was laid to rest on October 17 in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. He is survived by his widow, Theresa, sons Cormac and Kevin, who previously served in the Force, and daughter Therese.

Among those attending Mr Clancy's funeral service were members of the Royal Hong Kong Police Association and the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades' Association of Canada, which he played an instrumental role in founding.

Mr Ian Tyzzer, a retired Chief Superintendent of the Force, delivered the eulogy at the funeral service. Part of the eulogy reads:

"I have a very soft spot for Patrick Joseph Clancy, who was affectionately known to his friends, like so many Irishmen, as "Paddy". In 1946, he joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) at the age of 19. This was no surprise to his family who had a long and distinguished history of police service stretching back over 100 years to 1837.

"He served for five and a half years in the RUC before the lure of the East saw him landing in Hong Kong in the spring of 1952 as a young probationary sub-inspector in the Hong Kong Police. In addition to gaining experience in general policing, he also distinguished himself in several dangerous operations during the 1956 riots.

"It was around this time that Paddy had his first taste of detective work, an aspect of policing that was to figure prominently throughout his career.

"The next 16 years saw Paddy at the managerial stage of his career in the Hong Kong Police and, in addition to rising to the rank of assistant commissioner, he held several important positions, notably in the criminal investigation bureau where, in a period of rapid expansion and technological advances he presided over major changes to the key areas of narcotics, fraud, triad societies and serious crime investigations.

"In 1979 he reached the pinnacle of his police career by attaining the rank of senior assistant commissioner, becoming the last officer to hold the post of director of criminal investigation before the Force was reorganised. Paddy's value to the Police was immense and it was no surprise that he received several commendations and honours during his career including the CPM and QPM, and being made a companion of the Imperial Service Order."

Meanwhile, news has also been received that two more retired senior officers of the Force passed away last month.

Retired Deputy Commissioner Kenneth Andrew Bidmead passed away in the UK on October 11. He retired in August 1963.

Former Assistant Commissioner William Segrue, who retired on the same date, passed away in the UK on October 22. Funeral service was held in Norfolk on November 1.

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