Rim Soo Chung
Obituary for Rim Soo Chung
March 20, 1939 - July 16, 2026
Our dear father, Rim Soo Chung, 87, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, with our mother, Midea, by his side.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who lived a life of deep faith, determination, generosity, and conviction. He believed that life was meant to make the world a little better for those around him, and he pursued that purpose wholeheartedly. He had a genuine love for people and an endless supply of stories to tell. He found beauty in nature, art, and the simple moments of everyday life, and whether through a kind gesture or one of his many jokes, he rarely missed the chance to make someone smile.
Dad often described himself as a nomad, and life certainly took him on an extraordinary journey. Born on March 20, 1939, in Tongchon, North Korea, he fled to South Korea with his mother at the age of 12 during the Korean War. In his late twenties, new opportunities brought him to Canada and the United States before he eventually settled in the St. Catharines–Niagara Falls area of Ontario. There, he and our mom built a home and raised our family.
After many years as an independent business owner, Dad felt called to something new. At the age of 58, he began a new chapter as a missionary in Romania. There he spent the next decade working among the Roma community, sharing the Gospel and helping provide education to those who otherwise had little access to it. During this time, he also pursued theological studies and was ordained as a pastor in 2002.
When his work in Romania came to an end, his calling continued. He returned to Canada and served with the Sagamok First Nation near Sudbury, Ontario, before officially retiring from missionary work in 2011. The following year, he and Mom moved to British Columbia to be closer to family, where they shared the final chapter of his life together.
No matter where life took him, Dad's purpose remained the same: to serve others, share the love of Christ, and make a difference in the lives of those he met. Dad's journey took him to many places, but we believe he is now finally home — resting in perfect peace and everlasting joy with the God he faithfully served throughout his life.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Midea; his son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Sarah; his daughter Janet, and son-in-law, Mike; his grandsons, Nehemiah and Gabriel; his older brother, Rim-Hwang; and his extended family members and dear friends.
We love you, dad, and we'll miss you always. Rest well — you are finally home.
Memorial Tribute
Having issues viewing this video? Watch on You Tube.
Condolence Messages
