Richard Chanbum Park

Born in Suncheon, South Korea on February 11, 1943, Richard was the eldest son of Yeseo Park and Gyeae Kim. He grew up alongside his elder sister, Jeom-sook, his late younger brother, Dr. Hong-ik Park, MD, and his younger sister, Mi-sook. Richard lived a life deeply defined by academic excellence, integrity, and public service. He graduated from the prestigious Suncheon High School before pursuing higher education at the country's top institution, Seoul National University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. Driven by a lifelong passion for knowledge, he later went on to complete a Master’s course in International Law at the Seoul National University School of Law.

On January 15, 1977, he was united in holy matrimony with his beloved wife, Isabella Youngsook Byun, who was also a proud 1974 graduate of Seoul National University. Together, they shared a beautiful, fifty-year journey of love and mutual respect.

Richard was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the advancement of education, finance, and civil society in his hometown and the greater Jeonnam region. In 1978, he channeled his dedication to education as the owner and director of the Suncheon Dae-sung Academy, where he inspired and shaped the minds of countless young students, later serving as a Lecturer in Law at Suncheon Technical College. His commitment to society extended well beyond the classroom; he served as the Executive Director of the Jeonnam Chapter of the Social Purification Committee. In recognition of his profound contributions to public welfare and civic duty, he was honored by the South Korean government with the prestigious Presidential Order of Civil Merit (Mokryeon Medal).

Later in his career, Richard became a pillar of community development and financial empowerment. He served as the President of the Suncheon YMCA and led the Suncheon Credit Union as its President with visionary leadership and unwavering integrity. He also served as a Board Director for the National Credit Union Federation of Korea, building a vital foundation for local economic stability until his well-deserved retirement prior to 2010.

Following his retirement, Richard relocated to Houston, Texas, to be near his daughters and their families. Over his last ten years in Houston, this final chapter of his life was marked by a deep and growing faith and love for God and Jesus Christ. He will be remembered forever as the best husband, a friend-like daddy, and a daddy-like grandfather.

A Legacy of Devotion and Love

To his wonderful wife, Isabella, Richard was the best husband and the finest man she ever knew. Through all the seasons of life—even with the little arguments here and there that every marriage shares—he remained completely innocent, pure, and deeply loving. They shared a lifetime of profound devotion, and his presence will be missed more than words can ever express. Together, they were the ultimate team and the absolute bedrock of their family's lives.

To his children—Victoria, Ju-Sung & Kyung-min, and Olivia & Tim—he was a consistently caring, supportive, and wonderful father. To his grandchildren—Julia, David, Katherine, Chae Young and Chae Ah—he was the best, daddy-like grandfather for their entire lives. His grandchildren affectionately called him "Hab-ba," beautifully blending the Korean words for grandfather (Hal-a-bu-ji) and daddy (Abba) together. His family remains eternally grateful that his grandchildren were able to spend their entire youth enveloped in his immense love, warmth, and guidance.

Richard leaves behind a profound legacy of love, wisdom, and devotion. His impact on his family, his students, his lifelong friends—including his dear university classmate Dr. Jeong-soo An—and his community will forever be remembered, cherished, and celebrated.