Richard Sung Yoon Kim

Richard was born on January 3, 1926 to parents Yong Ho and Su “Soo Im” (Lee) Kim in Paia, Maui, Hawaii. He was the first born to the couple. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brothers David and Rudolph “Bogie”, and survived by his sister Daisy Chin (Gilbert).

Richard joined the U.S. Army at a young age serving his country in World War II. His bravery earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, as well as two Purple Hearts.

After the war, Richard moved to Oahu. He was taken in by the Pomroy family which became his hanai family. It was through this union that Richard earned his nickname “Yobo”. During this period Richard became part of the original Waikiki Beach Boys participating in bodyboarding, volleyball and paddling. He could be seen at many Beach Boy reunions throughout the years.

While in the Army and stationed in Germany, he met his first wife Edith. They were married in February 1961. They had two children Michael (Kari) and Patricia (Johnny).

Richard retired honorably from the Army in 1968, and then joined the Army Reserve stationed at Ft. Meade, MD from which he retired honorably in 1974 at the rank of Command Sergeant Major (E9). Richard and his family settled into a new community in Columbia, MD. He then went on to receive his Associates Degree and started his second career with the U.S. Postal Service just three weeks after retiring from the Army. He started as a clerk, then fleet manager, and then was promoted to Master Instructor for Fleet Management. Finally, he served as an Analyst for Fleet Management in Washington, D.C. In September 1986, Richard was transferred to Honolulu and retired in 1988.

After the passing of his wife Edith, Richard moved back to Hawaii in 1987. He then met his second wife, Frances Pascal at a senior citizen center where they both went to exercise. They married in December 1993. Through this marriage, Richard gained four more loving daughters: Benadyne “Sis” (George), Benee (Curtis), Brenda (Doug) and Beverly (Eric), and one more son Charles “Chuck” (Sandy). He was preceded in death by his wife Frances and step-son Chuck.

Richard was very active in the community. He was also a member of several organizations including, but not limited to, the Elks Club, Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). He was particularly passionate with his time as an Odd Fellow, a world wide organization. He became a member in October 1991. He served as Noble Grand, then District Deputy Sovereign Grand Master of Hawaii. Richard’s time with the IOOF culminated when he became the Sovereign Grand Master of the World, which is the highest rank and leading position of this organization. With this title he was head of all IOOF lodges in the U.S., Canada and Internationally. He added many a frequent flyer miles with all the traveling he did leading this prestigious organization.

Richard was passionate about UH Men’s and Women’s volleyball. He was a season ticket holder and Booster Club contributor for many years. Fans, coaches and players would recognize him in the same seat wearing his papale supporting his beloved Rainbow Warriors.

Richard is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.