Peter Suyong Kim

Born in South Korea, he immigrated to the US at the age of four. Raised in Koreatown, Peter was a lifelong Angeleno. He attended Birmingham High and finished off his last year at LA High. He served in the Santa Monica Police Department for a few years where he consistently received high commendations from the community. He dedicated his last ten years working in the defense industry. At an early age, Peter had a deep sense in valuing camaraderie. This was apparent with his involvement in team sports. While growing up, Peter developed a love for playing the game of basketball and in his adult years, he also developed a passion for softball. His other hobbies included collecting action figures, sneakers (Jordans & Nike), watching MMA/UFC, combat training, graffiti art, and weight lifting. He also loved to eat his burritos, tacos, burgers, hot wings, and pizza.

Peter was a person who exuded discipline, consistency, resilience, unwavering values and was highly regimented. For example, without fail, he would wake up at 4:45 am every morning to head straight to the gym to lift weights, clocked into work early, and was always home in time for dinner.

He met the love of his life, Julia, in 2013 while serving in Love LA, a homeless ministry with Union Rescue Mission and Young Nak Church. They married in 2015 where their union continued to center around Christ and acts of service. The two truly enjoyed each other and each other’s company, and looked for ways to live out loving through action by serving each other. They also shared the same sense of humor and found themselves laughing out loud many times and at other times cry-laughing and holding their stomachs in because it was just that funny. They loved each other deeply, they loved life and they strived to love others. This sense of humor, chill demeanor and a smile that emanated kindness put anyone he came into contact at ease. Peter exuded an accepting heart that welcomed all. He was real. Young adults and youth were drawn to him by his humor and swag initially, and they would stay because he embraced them with his encouraging words, genuine kindness, and a power-house of quiet strength. He was the big brother every inner child longed for. He was the coach every struggling player sought out. He was the mentor and confidante who would listen, not judge, and only encourage.

Peter was confident in his identity. His name, which means “rock”, had a faith in Jesus Christ that was solid, weighty, and immovable. He understood the significance of the gift of each day. Each morning, he would thank God for another day and remind himself with his life motto: "I wear Christ on my chest, I hang my last name on my back" and roll out. "Make Every day Count!"

His sudden passing has left an irreplaceable hole in everyone’s heart. He had a huge presence in any room not only physically but with his welcoming spirit. He has made such a huge impact in those whose lives he touched, his absence will be greatly felt.

The family would like to Celebrate Peter’s life by holding a memorial service at Rose Hills Park in the SkyRose Chapel on December 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm. We would be honored if you join us and celebrate him together.

If you’d like to donate/gift flowers, please consider using the services of Brand Flower (818-244-1359); the family would prefer all white arrangements, thank you.

Venmo: @Julia-Kim012

Gofundme: https://gofund.me/35eaf072

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The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

– Psalm 18:2