Obituary of Rev. Eek-Sun Kim

REVEREND EEK-SUN KIM

August 14, 1920– May 6, 2021

Rev. Eek-Sun Kim of Toronto, Canada, died peacefully at home on May 6, 2021 at the age of 97 after a gradual decline in general health. 

Rev. Kim was born on August 14, 1923, albeit officially 1920, to Mr. In-Sang Kim and Mrs. Boo-Jun Shin in the city of Chongjin, North Korea. He grew up in Yanbian, Northeast China and Hamhung, North Korea. He escaped to South Korea alone in 1950 during the Korean War, leaving his parents and eight siblings in North Korea, never to see or hear from them again. He studied theology at the Korean Theological University (Hanshin University), obtaining his Bachelor of Divinity, where he met Hyung-Ok Kim to whom he married on July 17, 1959.  He completed one year of the Master of Theology program at Hanshin University followed by the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program at the Pine Hill Divinity Hall, Atlantic School of Theology on a full scholarship from the United Church of Canada. He returned to Seoul, South Korea and was ordained on October 22, 1963 in the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (Ki Jang). After the ordination, he worked for the General Council of the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea in several leadership roles including the director of education and associate general secretary for almost 15 years. He tirelessly devoted his early career to reforming Christian education in Korea, translating and editing the Bible and hymns to Korean and spreading the words of God via publications. In the 1970s, he dedicated his career to galvanizing and advancing the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea’s efforts on democratization and protection of human rights in South Korea at the height of the President Park’s military dictatorship.

After stepping down from the administrative and organizational roles with the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea, he immigrated to Canada with his family on October 18, 1977 and served the Toronto Korean United Church until his retirement in June, 1988. Following his official retirement, he continued to provide pastoral care to several churches including the Toronto Central Korean United Church, Toronto Immanuel Korean United Church and Brampton Korean United Church.  During his second act, Rev. Kim returned to the original calling of becoming a Christian minister and provided spiritual care to the Korean Immigrants in the Greater Toronto area well into his late 80s.

Rev. Kim was an avid reader and a lover of classical music and enjoyed walking with his wife. He was a proud father and grandfather, keeping track of milestones and achievements of his children and grandchildren. Rev. Kim was the most loving husband, father and grandfather a family could ask for. Rev. Kim’s escape from North Korea was one of the most painful experiences and regrets in his life. He never talked about his previous life being separated from his family in North Korea and refugee experience and left us in the dark for a reason. He buried deep sorrow and sadness (han) in his heart. He was predeceased by his older son, Kyung-Hwee Stephen (June 14, 1982). He is survived by his wife, Hyung-Ok; son, Young-In; daughter-in-law, Ruth Hall; and four grandchildren, Michael Injune, Stephen Insung, David Inyoung and Bridget Sujin.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at St. Michael’s Hospital and Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, especially, Dr. James Kitchens and Dr. James Rassos, for their exemplary care.  We would also like to thank all the personal care workers, particularly, Solfe Soldevilla and Victoria Rios, who provided Rev. Kim with compassionate care during his final days at home.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family funeral will be held followed by interment. There will be a celebration of life later, after the pandemic is under control.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rev. Kim’s memory through canadahelps.org to support the Rose of Sharon Korean Long Term Care, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/62166.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.