Kenneth Kim

Kenneth Edward Kim, lovingly known as Kenn, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 21, 2020, in Seattle, Washington. He was 53 years old. Born on November 28, 1967, in New York City, Kenn grew up in Flushing and Bayside, Queens.

Kenn is survived by his wife, Ellen Greenberg; his cherished children, Alexander and Isabelle; and his extended family, including his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Michael Greenberg (Carol), Andy Greenberg (Tess Kline), and Fran Casey (Brian). He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews-Adam (Barb), Philip, Daniel, Jeremy, Katie, Aliya, Hannah, and Jonathan-each of whom truly held a special place in his heart. Additionally, he is remembered fondly for his affection for Luna, the dog he initially resisted but immediately fell in love with.

Kenn was predeceased by his parents, Kim Tae-Suk of North Korea and Kim Il-Suk of South Korea. He was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Beryl Court Greenberg and Irwin Greenberg. As the only child of immigrant parents, Kenn cultivated a vibrant and loving family through the friendships and connections he nurtured throughout his life.

A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, Kenn pursued education with passion and determination. He earned a degree in TV, Radio, and Film from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University in 1989. He later completed an MFA in Computer Art and Design at Pratt Institute and an MBA from Rutgers University. His commitment to growth and learning was a defining characteristic of his life.

Kenn's professional journey was as dynamic as he was. He began his career in the film industry in California before returning to New York City to work as a producer and information architect on websites during the early days of the internet. Never one to shy away from change or challenge, he embraced new opportunities with enthusiasm. At the time of his passing, Kenn worked on the Benchmarking team at Amazon.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kenn will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and ability to make others feel valued. Whether it was picking someone up at the airport to head straight to a diner or quietly paying for meals without fanfare, Kenn's thoughtful gestures left lasting impressions on those around him. Though not a frequent cook himself, he always ensured there was a fresh pot of coffee ready for guests.

Kenn's passions extended beyond work and family. He loved playing the drums and cherished the camaraderie of making music with others-starting with his brothers from The Six and Violence and later with The Rustones. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, Kenn enjoyed playing the sport as well as coaching and cheering from the sidelines. Despite the ups and downs of sports fandom, he remained steadfastly loyal to the Mets throughout his life.

Above all else, Kenn found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved. He had an extraordinary ability to show up for others during their most challenging moments-a testament to his deep compassion and unwavering support for those he cared about. His children were the center of his world; he adored them unconditionally and believed deeply in them.

In May 2019, Kenn was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. Despite this difficult diagnosis, he embraced life fully over the next 18 months. Determined to create lasting memories with his family, he planned unforgettable trips to Iceland and France to attend the Women's World Cup and reconnect with dear friends. He continued playing drums-both solo and with The Rustones-and remained dedicated to his work even while undergoing chemotherapy. Undeterred by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenn welcomed countless visits from friends and family during this time. His resilience and deep engagement with loved ones left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

In November 2020, after years of thoughtful study and introspection, Kenn converted to Judaism from his hospital bed-a profound testament to his commitment to personal growth and reflection.

On December 21, 2020-the winter solstice-Kenn spent meaningful moments with each of his children before being brought to Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Surrounded by love and comforted by the presence of his family, he passed away peacefully that evening.

Kenneth Edward Kim's legacy is one of love, kindness, resilience, and an unwavering belief in others. His memory will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.

May his memory be for a blessing.