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TRIBUTES are flowing for prominent member of the Bendigo Chinese community David Hui Tong who "passed away peacefully" at Bendigo Health on Tuesday.
Golden Dragon Museum general manager Anita Jack said Mr Hui Tong and other individuals from Melbourne had been instrumental in bringing out imperial dragon Sun Loong at the Bendigo Easter Festival Gala Procession for many years.
She said he had been associated with the Bendigo Chinese Association since not long after the arrival of Sun Loong in 1970.
"Work led David to move to Bendigo and he became a more permanent fixture at events and ceremonies," she said.
"Due to his strength, David’s legacy was his reputation as a modern day version of the old dragon head carrier. He could swing the 29 kilogram head around with very little effort.
"Since the opening of the Golden Dragon Museum in 1991, David was the one to carry the dragon over the threshold of the ceremonial front doors and out into the Bendigo streets. Losing David leaves a big hole in the head carrying team."
Among those paying tribute to Mr Hui Tong on the Sun Loong Facebook page was Kaz Lock Clarke.
"I remember David staying with us when he first came to Bendigo to assist in the parade. Fun times as extended family. Time goes so fast," she said.
Stuart Lee also offered his deepest sympathy.
"We have seen him under the dragon head for many, many years. He will be fondly remembered as a person who loved to be involved in Chinese Bendigo culture," he said.
The Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne and the Hung Gar Yau Shu Martial Arts School also each offered their condolences to the BCA.
Mr Hui Tong is survived by wife Jenny, children Chris, Drew, Brad, Matt, and Felicity, and granddaughter Katie.
He will be farewelled at a service at the Mulqueen Family Chapel on Bridge Street on Tuesday February 3 at 11am.
