Maggie Tang

RIGHT after Saturday lunch, George Rice and Liu Liying, a couple in Tavistock in southwestern England's Devonshire, went to the tombstone of Malcolm Sandey on a nearby moor to remember their late friend.

They took Sandey an article published by the Shenzhen Daily last Thursday, which talked about how the Briton "visited" China after his death and "stayed" permanently in the country after some of his ashes were scattered in Shenzhen.

With the report reprinted from Shenzhen Daily's online edition, Rice told Sandey that his last wish had been fulfilled.

"I couldn't wait for the newspaper to be mailed to me, but read the story about Malcolm soon after it was out. I feel grateful to those in Shenzhen who expressed their condolences to Malcolm and helped settle his ashes," said Rice in a phone call to the reporter yesterday.

Rice met three other close friends of Sandey in a local pub in Tavistock on Monday. All of them remained silent for a long time after reading the story.

Again they went to the moor, where most of Sandey's ashes were scattered. More than a decade ago, the veteran saved five people from a burning car, which had run off the road. He was awarded a medal for bravery by from Queen Elizabeth II. He now rests with blessings of those he once helped.

All of Sandey's friends in Tavistock thought Shenzhen was the best place for Sandey, as he could be close to Chinese history and culture.

"He wore traditional Chinese garments his Chinese friends brought him from China and practiced tai chi in a local gym. He also liked Chinese food, especially dumplings," Rice told the reporter.

"He said he would like to see everything about China, the country, the people and the life. Now he must feel proud to have become part of it," said Rice.