A Trailblazer Well Loved

CHOI, Byungki Paul – January 18, 1937 – August 13, 2023

Our beloved father, Byungki Paul Choi, 86, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 13, 2023. Byungki, better known to many as 'Paul' was born on January 18, 1937 in South Korea. He was the third eldest son of seven children. He immigrated to Canada in 1967 and a year later he married his first love, our mom, Heaza Sandy Choi. From there, they settled in Calgary to start their new lives as Canadians. Being the first Calgary Korean to immigrate to Calgary, Paul had a deep yearning to make a difference in his life. This difference in life, started with him creating a foundation for future Koreans living in Calgary, so that they could truly feel a sense of belonging and community without losing their identity with our Motherland. Paul was the pillar of strength and dignity, not only to his family, but to so many others, especially the Calgary Korean community. In earlier years, our dad was instrumental in the founding of the Calgary Korean Presbyterian Church, Calgary Korean Association and Calgary Korean Businessmen's Association. He didn't stop there, later, he became the founding member and first chartered president for the Calgary Koreans Lions Club in 2004. He has dedicated his life to serve the Korean community.

For half of his professional life, he was an entrepreneur, someone who was known to take risks without fear! One of these risks was when he decided to change careers and get into the automotive industry to sell cars. Our dad was a relationship builder, which made him a natural in sales. He was very proud of his working days at Jack Carter and Northland Kia. Paul always referred to his work place with fond memories and lasting friendships. Paul loved talking to people and making them laugh. He was generous at heart and with time; always putting others first. Our father loved and adored his grandchildren. It was very common for Paul to have a lot of pictures of them on his phone. He proudly showed them off to anyone willing to give him time, as they were his world. We are devastated with the loss of our father, but we draw comfort knowing that he is now with our mom, Sandy.

Paul is survived by his children, Sue (Jeremy), Elisa (Darryl) and Michael (Inyoung) and his grand kids, Kiana, Elle, Eddie and Adam. He is predeceased by our mother, Heaza Sandy Choi.

We express our deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and medical staff at the Foothills Hospital for their boundless kindness in making our dad feel important and safe. Many thanks to the medical staff at Agape hospice for providing our family with comfort and empathy during his remaining days.

A funeral service  will be held at the Calgary Korean Presbyterian Church (1112 - 19 Ave. NW, Calgary, AB) this Saturday, August 19th at 11 AM. Reception to follow.

Private graveside service 

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