In memory of

Kyung-Sup Han

January 3, 1928 -  March 11, 2018

The Han family is sad to announce the passing of their beloved husband and father, Kyung-Sup Han, aged 90, on March 11, 2018. Mr. Han passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Yong Hyun Han, and his three children and their spouses: Susan Han (Ross Price), Sally Han (Peter Malakhov), and Douglas Han (Debra Parisi); and five grandchildren: Gregory, Scott, Marcus, Jackson, and Charlotte.

He is also survived by his elder brother in Seoul, Korea, Jeong-Sup Han, and his younger brother in San Jose, California, Dr. Mansop Hahn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Chun Hak Han.

Kyung Han was born January 3, 1928 in Hamhung, in what later became North Korea. At age 17, he fled the incoming regime, traveling the perilous hundreds of kilometres south to Seoul, where, miraculously, he would be reunited with all members of his immediate family. A talented, if not always diligent student, he graduated in 1952 from Seoul National University with a degree in civil engineering.

After taking refuge away from the capital during the Korean War, Kyung and his family returned to Seoul in 1954. There, he met Yong Hyun Kim, also a graduate of Seoul National University, and at the time a young teacher at Kyung Ki Secondary School, who would become the love of his life. Fifty-one years ago, on a cold and snowy day in February 1967, he landed alone in Toronto, soon followed by his wife and two daughters.

Together with his wife, Kyung began a new life in Canada with a shaky grasp of English, but with enthusiasm and boundless optimism. Within a year, there was a newborn son to join the two young girls. Although he was unable to re-qualify as a professional engineer in his adopted country, he worked for an engineering firm, thriving in Canada's era of economic growth and expansion. He liked to work with his hands, building an extension to his suburban home and helping to furnish and to renovate the homes of his children. Kyung was also an avid reader of world history, who followed current events closely, via his beloved CBC, and myriad online outlets. He rounded out a full life by also being a determined tennis player, a professional sports enthusiast and a world traveller.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of St.Michael's and Rouge Valley Centenary Hospitals for the care and kindness they gave to Mr. Han in his final days.

He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

Guestbook 

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Allyson Eamer (friend of the family)

Entered March 12, 2018 from Toronto

Mrs Han, Sally, Susan and Doug,
Kyung-Sup was a second father to me in my youth. My heart is filled with so many happy memories of days and nights in your family's home- escaping, with Sally, the noise of dormitory living in 1981, and then the sparseness of apartment living in 1983. And then 25 years later, he would tell me his stories, as part of my doctoral research. His stories were filled with pride and love for his family; tales of navigating a new culture, learning English, raising a family and travelling across Canada- the country he came to love. He was an inspirational man with a fierce intellect: a historian, a polyglot, a citizen of the world. He will be missed by many including me. My heart goes out to all of you, your children and partners. Rest in peace Mr. Han.

Jin & Eun Hahn (Nephew)

Entered March 13, 2018 from Stanford

It is nice to read about his life and love for his family and travel. I remember him talking about HS visit to North Korea to visit the old relatives who had been separated by the war. We were envious that he got to travel there as a Canadian citizen. That was a great opportunity during the brief thaw in relationship. Seeing him and his wife back in 2010 brought back good memories. May he Rest In Peace. May his family find comfort and smooth grieving transitions. God bless.

Robert Barnes (Neighbour)

Entered March 13, 2018 from Toronto

Kyung-Sup will be sadly missed as a friend and a wonderful neighbour.
We could not hit a nail that he wasn’t right there giving use guidance and expert advise on how to do things the right and easy way.
Just lately we did work on our floors. Kyung was ill but the doorbell rang. He was there to help and offer advice.

I hope that the repairs around the house are complete. Can not imagine not having Kyung there.

We will surely miss him as a neighbour. He was supportive, friendly and the wonderful kind of neighbour everyone hopes for.

Never to be replaced.

Serin Kim Hong (Niece)

Entered March 13, 2018 from Rochester, NY, USA

We are very saddened by Uncle Kyung-sup’s passing. Aunt Yong-Hyun, Susan, Sally, Douglas and the families are in our thoughts. Uncle’s warm smile, laugh, and voice will be in our hearts forever - and the photos he took and shared with us too. We pray for God’s love, peace and strength for you during this difficult time.

Jeff Crosswell (Family Friend)

Entered March 13, 2018 from Johns Creek, GA

Mrs. Han, Doug, Sally & Susan,
My condolences to you all for your loss. I will forever have fond memories of your father (and all of you) during our younger years in the neighborhood.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Photos 

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