Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,
We never imagined we would be writing something like this so soon. With hearts full of grief, we are reaching out during what is the most difficult time of our lives.
Our beloved father, Saong Youl Kim, passed away after three years of courageously fighting stage 4 colon and liver cancer. He endured surgeries, chemotherapy, countless emergency hospital visits, and many long nights of pain. Yet through it all, he never complained. He held onto his gentle smile and deep love and worry for his family until the very end.
In his final days, he was in the hospital—unable to eat, speak, or remain fully conscious. The doctors told us there was nothing more they could do. All we could do was sit by his side, hold his hand, make sure he was not in pain, and tell him how deeply we loved him.
One of the moments he looked forward to most was attending his son’s wedding this October. He had been counting down the days, imagining the joy of being surrounded by family. It breaks our hearts that he will not be able to attend and be a part of this day. It was a moment he so deeply deserved.
We now turn our attention to honoring him with the peaceful and dignified farewell he earned through a life of quiet generosity and selfless love.
Our dad was a selfless giver. Even when he was not feeling well, he continued to serve at his church and volunteer in meaningful, humble ways—preparing food, delivering meals, and lending a helping hand. He gave his love freely and sincerely, never asking for anything in return. That was the kind of man he was.
As we begin to make arrangements, we are facing an overwhelming emotional and financial burden. We are doing everything we can to ensure he is remembered, celebrated, and laid in peace in a way that reflects the life he lived.
If you are able to support us in any way, your help will go directly toward funeral and memorial expenses. Even if you are not in a position to give, we would be deeply grateful if you could keep our father in your thoughts and prayers and consider sharing his story.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your kindness, compassion, and for holding space for our grief.
With heartfelt gratitude,
John Kim, Noel Kim, and Daniel Kim
