Rak Soon Park

Rak Soon Park "Rockie"

Rak Soon Park, lovingly known as Rockie, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, at the age of 96 in Gresham, Oregon. She is deeply missed by her children, Rod Park and his wife Joy, Joyce Park, Doug Park, and Tom Park and his wife Rae Ellen; her beloved grandson Chase Park; her sister Chungchi Lee; and her nephew Sinmo Lee.

Rockie was born on August 31, 1928, in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Korea. She graduated from Seoul National University of Education and moved to the United States in 1949 as an international nursing student. It was here in Oregon. that she met Harry Park, and they married on May 5, 1951. Together, they built a life in Gresham, Oregon, where they farmed and raised their four children.

Rockie was a woman of many passions. She is known for her green thumb, spending countless hours tending to her expansive vegetable and fruit garden during the spring and summer months, and for her exceptional sewing skills, crafting beautiful works during the winter months. She is also celebrated for her generosity, especially toward new immigrants from Korea, and her tireless commitment to the Korean community in Oregon.

Rockie and her husband were founding members of the Korean Society of Oregon, where she served as president in the 1970's, and which later led to the formation of the Oregon Korea Foundation. Her dedication earned her recognition by the Congress of Korea. In addition, she was actively involved in the Gresham Sister City program with Sokcho, South Korea, fostering a bond between the two communities.

Her legacy of generosity, leadership, and dedication to her community will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Rockie was laid to rest alongside her husband, Harry Park in a private service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham on October 3, 2024.

The family invites friends and loved ones to attend Rockie's Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 3 - 6 pm at the Korean Society of Oregon, 7650 SW 81st Ave, Portland, OR.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Rockie's name to the Oregon Korea Foundation.