（編按：本文是港大社會科學院前院長卜約翰教授悼念陳明銶教授的文章，文中卜約翰教授對陳教授評價極高，尤其是陳教授古道熱腸的性格，扶掖後進，樂於助人，精力充沛，心直口快，都讓卜約翰教授由衷地讚賞這位老朋友；
「陳明銶關懷他的學生，提供專家指導，總是願意進一步讓事情實現，無論是支持學生繼續進修，還是幫助他們解決智力難題，或是更實際的關於最佳出版策略的建議。對於他的同事來說，陳明銶亦是一位不知疲倦的協調人，他總是為了所有人的利益組織會議和小組討論、出版刊物、安排見面和作介紹人。 陳明銶是一位能夠理解他人而又立場堅定的編輯，毫無怨言地服務別人。不錯，只要有陳明銶在，事情就會安排得妥妥當當。」
I first met Ming in 1980 soon after he joined the Department of History at the University of Hong Kong. To me he was a colleague, friend, confidant, supporter, advisor, teacher, critic, observer, and commentator, never shying from offering help and advice when they were needed. His boundless energy and zest for life were truly inspirational. Ming was himself a man of action, and stimulated others to think and to act.
Fierce critic
Ming was first and foremost a scholar of great accomplishment, making his mark initially in the study of Republican-era China, especially of the labor movement. He had an incisive mind and offered novel insights. But he was so much more than that. His interests ranged widely over history, politics, society, the economy, culture and journalism. Thus it was that he also focused on China’s Hong Kong, helping us to understand where we had been and where we were going.
On colonialism and the colonial character of the University, Ming was a fierce critic. From this we all can learn, for Ming’s approach may best be characterized as ‘eyes wide open’ and maximum transparency, enabling us to understand clearly how institutions were governed. In my experience no one was better informed than Ming about how things actually worked in Hong Kong, the rest of China, and the world.
Tireless facilitator
To his students, Ming offered care and expert guidance, always willing to go the extra mile to make things happen, whether it be support for further study or advice on how to tackle knotty intellectual problems or, more practically, on the best publishing strategies. For his colleagues, Ming was a tireless facilitator, always organizing conferences, panels, publications, meetings, and introductions for the benefit of all. Serving others as an understanding, yet firm editor, Ming undertook without complaint. Yes, Ming was a fixer in the best possible sense.
He was at home in the East and the West, both a Hong Konger and a global citizen, well-travelled, and a true cosmopolitan. Ming loved fine food and was very knowledgeable about the cuisines of the world which he was always willing to share, and yes, he was a fine cook. I still remember an amazing dinner he cooked for several of us colleagues in his apartment in Hong Kong in the early 1980s.
My friend, colleague, teacher and guide, Ming K. Chan, is sorely missed. His passing leaves the world in a less good place. Rest in peace, Ming, rest in peace.
