Pak Lim KO

Pak was born March 4th, 1937 in Hong Kong. Despite having to leave high school before graduating and work in the local Hong Kong shipyard, Pak gained a scholarship to the University of Strathclyde and went on to complete a MASc and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. It was in Glasgow where he met his wife to be, Rebecca, who was also studying abroad. During his career, he became a respected researcher in tribology, first with Atomic Energy of Canada in Chalk River, Ontario and then with the National Research Council (NRC) in Vancouver, where he also was an adjunct professor at UBC in the Mechanical Engineering department. While he spent long days at the lab in Chalk River, he also took the time to learn how to play tennis and cross-country ski.

Pak retired from NRC in 2004. He cherished his time with his seven grandchildren: initially, he would help with the babysitting and later he would visit them whenever he could. During Covid, he spoke to his grandchildren by Face-Time every evening - they adored him.

Pak passed away peacefully on June 29th, 2021. He will be missed by his wife, Rebecca, children, Serena and James along with their spouses Mark and Marie, and his grandchildren, Talia, Carmen, Luke, Maddie, Amielle, Esmée, and Gabrielle. We are thankful for the many friends and extended family that were part of his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the South Arm Community Centre (mail or drop-off at: 8880 Williams Road Richmond, BC V7A 1G6), a place where Pak made many friends and was welcomed by the staff. Other donation options include Richmond Public Library, or the Greater Vancouver Food bank.