Reverend Dr. Lester E. Kim

KIM, Lester E. The Reverend Dr. Lester E. Kim passed away on September 20, 2008, in Torrance, California, of congestive heart failure. He was born on April 15, 1927, in Manteca, California to Kyeng Bo and Maruda Kim. Lester received his B.A. from UCLA, B.D. from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and Ph.D in pastoral psychology from USC. Lester had a broad and inclusive counseling ministry to persons of all denominations and faiths for over 50 years. He helped form and build various ecumenical and interfaith organizations, and served as pastor of several churches. He was also active in the Korean American Pioneer Council and many other organizations. Lester's motto was "a listening heart"; he sought to help people through "the valley of deep darkness" and to build bridges between diverse individuals and groups. Lester is survived by Pearl, his wife of 55 years; brother David; children Scott, Grant and Gail; and grandchildren Michael, Hansohl, Kyra, Liana, Gabriel and Lila Rose. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Lester Kim Scholarship Fund, San Francisco Theological Seminary, 105 Seminary Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960; or South Coast Interfaith Council, 759 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813. A memorial service will be held on October 5, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Neighborhood Church, 415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates.