Kenneth Bong Yil Kim

Kenneth Bong Yil Kim passed away peacefully at home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 6, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on February 20, 1940, in Kualapuu, Molokai, Hawaii, the son of Chai Eun Kim and Duk Soon Kim.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Ann Kim, and daughters Rebecca O’Connor, Kandy Kort, Kathleen Kim, Sharon Amaya, and Sandra York. He is also survived by sons-in-law Dimitri Kort, William O’Connor, and Robert Bradley; partner to his daughter Kathy, Brandon Rufkahr; his grandchildren Kenneth Valdez, Daniel Bradley, Caitlin Valdez, Lauren Bradley, Elizabeth Kort, and Madison Kort; partner to his granddaughter Lauren, Angelo Butrico; and great-grandchildren Asher Valdez, Mia Suarez, Dominic Butrico and Cameron Butrico.

Ken spent his early years on Molokai before moving to Honolulu, where he attended Maryknoll Intermediate School and graduated from Saint Louis High School in 1959. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving from 1960 to 1964.

In 1963, Ken married Marilyn Lang in Honolulu. The following year, they moved to her hometown of Maywood, California, where they began their family. Around that time, Ken launched his career in data processing with Sears in Los Angeles. His technical aptitude and work ethic led him to a long and successful career, eventually transitioning to Sear’s partner IBM. He retired from IBM in 1993.

Ken had a zest for life and a wide range of passions. He loved traveling, camping, fishing, golf, scuba diving, and riding his motorcycle. A lifelong gun enthusiast, he enjoyed target shooting at ranges and in the desert. He was also a hobbyist who delighted in tinkering with model cars, planes, and rockets.

He was an avid sports fan, cheering for his local LA Rams and Lakers while always holding deep loyalty to Notre Dame and University of Hawaii teams. He spent many weekends scuba diving in Laguna Beach and found great joy in the game of golf, playing as often as he could.

Ken was also a true foodie—he loved to cook, try new cuisines, and never passed up a chance for good Chinese or Mexican food. One of his favorite indulgences was the “Manuel’s Special” burrito from El Tepeyac in East Los Angeles, a request he continued to ask of family when they came to visit from California.

In 1995, Ken met the love of his life, Linda. They married that same year and shared a life filled with travel, friendship, and joy—often behind the wheel of their Miata as part of their local Miata club. Ken gave generously of his time as a hospice volunteer, Eucharist minister and member of the church choir. Ever adventurous, he even went skydiving at the age of 60.

Despite later facing physical limitations due to spinal stenosis, Ken remained active and engaged, determined to make the most of each day. He continued to travel, spend time with loved ones, play his ukulele, and sing. In his final years, though largely homebound, he still found happiness in reading, enjoying favorite meals, and smoking his beloved cigarillos.

Ken was lovingly cared for at home until his passing by his wife, Linda, whose devotion never wavered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Mary Han, Raymond Lim, Helen Uyehara, James Lim, George Lim, and David Kim, and his son-in-law, Kenneth York.

Ken’s life was filled with stories, service, and a deep love for family. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, his family will return him to Honolulu, Hawaii, for a memorial and a burial at sea.