Lawrence S.L. Ching, former president of Liberty Bank and head of the nonprofit corporation that is selling the Kukui Gardens affordable rental project near Chinatown, died Tuesday after a lengthy illness. He was 71.

"He had a quiet kind of caring for people," said Eugene Tiwanak, chairman of the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation and longtime board member of Kukui Gardens Corp. "He didn't say much but he was always willing to step in and do something for people who needed help."

Ching was the son of local developer Clarence T.C. Ching, who built Kukui Gardens and set up a foundation that has given millions of dollars over the years to Saint Louis School, Chaminade University and St. Francis Healthcare System.

He served as president of Liberty Bank from 1975 until 1993, when the bank was purchased by Bank of America Hawaii. Ching took over the helm of the local bank at age 39, making him the youngest-ever president of a Hawai'i bank.

Founded in 1922 by local Chinese merchants, Liberty Bank was Hawai'i's sixth largest bank during Ching's tenure.

More recently, he served as president of Kukui Gardens Corp., which is in the process of selling the 857-unit Kukui Gardens apartment project to California-based Carmel Partners for $131 million.

Critics said the sale would displace hundreds of low-income residents. But in a compromise reached this year, Carmel Partners agreed to retain more than 800 apartments for low-income housing.

Ching also was active in the local community. He is a past president of the Hawaii Bankers Association, served on Chaminade's Board of Regents, and was a trustee of the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation.

Ching is survived by wife Frances "Mimi" Ching, sons John and Paul, daughters Cathy Ching and Ann Ching and two grandchildren.

Private burial services have been scheduled for immediate family members. A public celebration of Ching's life will be held at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to St. Francis Hospice, Chaminade University and the Institute for Human Services.

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.