Tok Bong Yi

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Tok Bong Yi who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Tok was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Tok knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

       Tok Bong was raised in South Korea. Even as a youngster, Tok Bong learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Tok Bong was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was the patriarch of the family when is parents passed away. He was the eldest out of 7 children, 4 brother and 2 sisters.

Tok Bong moved to America from South Korea in August 1978 with his wife, Chong Ok, and his three children. He proudly worked at Brown and Root Company before starting his own business in 1981, Hyundai Auto and Body Shop, which he worked up until 2019.

      Tok Bong was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Tok Bong would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Tok Bong was blessed with three children, two sons, Sung and Myong, and one daughter, Aeran. He was also blessed with four grandchildren, Jun, Jin, Alex and Ella.

      Faith was important to Tok Bong. During that time, he was active at the Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church.

      In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling. Favorite vacations included South Africa, Israel, Rome, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and many Disney Cruises. In many ways, Tok Bong loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Tok Bong passed away on May 19, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his younger siblings, his children Sung, Myung and Aeran; his grandchildren Jun, Jin, Alex and Ella. Services were held at Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church. Tok Bong will be laid to rest in Memorial Oak Cemetery.

      All who knew him would agree that Tok Bong was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Tok Bong Yi did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Yi family.

Viewing will be on June 1, 2023 at 8pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home 13001 Katy Fwy Houston Tx 77079-1407. Mass will be held on June 2, 2023 at 10am at Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church 1706 Bingle Road Houston Tx 77055. The burial will be at 11:30am at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home following the mass on June 2.