Toby Emmet, a long time resident of Sai Kung and strong supporter of The Friends of Sai Kung (a registered society striving to protect the environment for residents and visitors since 2007) and a popular member of Sai Kung’s Thursday Lunch Club (some Old China Hands supporting Sai Kung’s local eateries since 2007), passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on the evening of 12 May, 2026 at the age of 82.
The Thursday Lunch Club (TLC) at Pak Sha O Ha Yeung – Toby on the left
TLCL-R: the late Graham Eckersley, Toby, Peter Mann and Guy Shirra
Sai Kung Buzz published the family’s announcement the following day:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, Toby Emmet, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Over many years he faced repeated challenges with remarkable strength, enduring countless treatments and operations with determination and dignity.
After his most recent surgery and facing further difficult treatment ahead, he made the decision to pass peacefully in his sleep.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his strength, resilience, and the love he gave to those around him.”
Toby was a keen outdoorsman and loved orienteering and hiking. He participated in numerous annual Trailwalkers over the years, the Oxfam charity fundraising run starting in Pak Tam Chung along the length of the 100km MacLehose Trail.
It was on a hiking and camping trip in the 70s with his young sons that Toby came across the dilapidated single house village of Pak Sha O Ha Yeung in Sai Kung East Country Park.
After hiking on down to Hoi Ha (whence Pak Sha O villagers originated after reluctantly obeying the Qing Dynasty 17th century edict to evacuate inland from the pirate infested coast) he encountered one of the Yung family owners of Pak Sha O Ha Yeung who agreed to lease it to him as a holiday home.
Over the years, Toby renovated the buildings and restored the land and when he retired in 1997, he decided to move in permanently. He continued the restoration at his own expense and the result is the most wonderful example of a traditional Hakka village house to be found anywhere in Hong Kong. Long may it so remain….
The house has an adjoining chi tong and a self-created museum of Hakka artifacts and farm implements. The buildings are perched on a stonewalled terrace above a strongly flowing stream and grassy slopes grazed by feral cattle.
Wildlife abound; wild boar, porcupine, civet cat, squirrels – and pythons attracted by Toby’s goats. Not to mention the prolific birdlife in addition to the occupants of Toby’s own garden aviary. Toby previously nurtured ducks, geese and chickens until forced to give them up by the bird flu epidemic.
During COVID, once restrictions were relaxed, Pak Sha O Ha Yeung became a coach tour attraction with hoards of local tourists invading the gardens to see the aviary. Toby was eventually given permission to erect fencing and the problem was solved.
The aviary is on the left
Above all, Pak Sha O Ha Yeung is Toby Emmet’s legacy and it is deserving of monument status as valuable and historical building. It was celebrated in 2015 with a gathering of the Yung clan and friends over many days of feasting and drinking and the publication of a book in October of that year – “A Living Space: The Homes of Pak Sha O”
The public footpath from Hoi Ha Road running below the terrace
To honour Toby’s final wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private cremation will be held for immediate family. Knowing that Toby took pride and joy in Pak Sha O Ha Yeung, his family will hold some gatherings there to pay tribute to his life which will be made known in due course.
Toby Emmet joined the then Hong Kong Police as a Probationary Sub-Inspector in 1963 serving through the riots and disturbances of 1966-68 and Hong Kong’s many other trials and tribulations over his 34 years of service, culminating in 1997 with the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner.
Toby rose through the RHKPF to become Senior Assistant CommissionerPhoto: Sing Tao archives
Whilst serving at the border in Lowu in the early sixties, Toby dived into the Shum Chun River to rescue a young female would-be refugee from drowning. His actions might well have resulted in a gallantry medal were it not for the political sensitivities of the time.
Toby received the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in December 1976 followed by the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in June 1989 and was appointed MBE in June 1997.
A proud and kindly gentlemen who loved Sai Kung; a father, grandfather and godfather, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
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