Simon Choi

Simon Kapjoon Choi was born on December 2, 1934 in Seoul, Korea and passed away on Saturday, October 25 in Chapel Hill, N.C. at the age of 90 . He was one of three brothers -Jae and  Camilo and two sisters- Haesoon and Sophia, all of whom preceded him in death.  

When he was 16 he experienced the horrors of the Korean war.  Simon's family were devout Catholics.  In 1955 upon graduating Kyongbok High School, one of Seoul's top , he was awarded a Catholic Church scholarship to attend Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois where he majored in Mechanical Engineering.  He pursued a successful career in Chicago and passed the difficult 4 day exam for the Professional Engineer certification that covered all engineering disciplines. He was most proud of his work in building a large engine plant in Mexico where he spent a decade working for a local entrepreneur.  

After settling down, buying a house and having a family he sponsored his mother and siblings to immigrate to the United States and helped them adapt to their new country. His brothers and sisters children are married and have their own families.  

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn, 2 daughters a son and their spouses - Cathy Siewert (Randy)  Aja (Eoghan) and Jason (Cecile) Choi.  The love of his life, granddaughter Lea Saoirse Kelleher, was a constant joy and comfort to him.

After retiring Simon enjoyed home remodeling and building things.   He oversaw a year long renovation of our century old American Foursquare Home in Chicago.  

Simon, unlike the typical Korean male, was an extrovert with a sense of humor.   When his doctor gave him the bad news that he had a  serious heart condition he asked, " Hey Doc, can I still smoke cigars and drink beer ? " To which the Doc replied, " Simon, at age 90 you can do anything you want to do ! ".  

It was a family joke that he should've been studied by scientists as he had only one cold in his adult life which he attributed to eating lots of Kimchi.  

Go in peace and join your family that have gone before you and wait for you with open arms.  We shall sorely miss you and cherish all the wonderful memories and good times. May God guide you on your new journey.