Huichang Kwon

Huichang Kwon passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 10, 2019 after a 18 month battle with gastric cancer.  My Dad was born in Seoul, South Korea on July 18, 1941.  He immigrated to the United States with his wife, Chang Hyun, and 3 young boys (including one who was just a few months old) in the summer of 1979 after being granted a family reunification visa to rejoin his sister, Huicha, who was living in Dayton, Ohio.  As a high school grad with more hope and ambition than skill, he considered himself as fortunate as any lottery winner and always felt indebted to America for an opportunity to improve his family’s standing.

Dad’s first job in the US was bagging groceries at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Commissary in Dayton, Ohio.  He was proud to put in a honest day’s work even if it was not the start he had in mind.  As kids, we watched with wide-eyed glee as he dumped the day’s tips from his brown lunch sack onto to dining table.  It was enough to convince us that he had already made it after a short month here.  One of his first purchases was a rusted, yellow Ford Mustang that smelled of overheated pleather.  The 2-door coupe was…well, perfect for a family of five, with mom cradling my baby brother for added protection.  Dad loved American cars because he loved everything about America so it’s no surprise that his last car was also a Ford (with a helping of Chevys and Plymouths in between for patriotic measure).

He later moved our family to Indianapolis in search of better opportunity.  He was employed by Kauffman Products in Carmel where he was trained as a punch press operator until a workplace accident left him missing two fingers from his dominant hand.  It crushed his spirit to be disqualified from work in which he was trained and loved.  He had the most amazing wife in my mom, who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and did everything possible to ensure her kids were loved.  My mom passed away awaiting a liver and kidney transplant in 2004.  It was the first time I ever saw my dad cry.

My dad was a hard egg to crack.  But toward the end of his time with us, we enjoyed reminiscing about his American journey.  On a crisp autumn afternoon a week before he passed, he asked me to take him on a 40 mile joyride that took us and his caregiver, Miss Sonya Kim, through Greenfield, Pendleton and finally back to Lawrence.  It was obviously a route he knew well and when I inquired on its significance, a long pause gave way to tears as he recounted teaching my mom to drive that rusty Ford Mustang through these meandering cornfields.

My dad always remained grateful to America because he understood what most immigrants understand, that success was never promised him but put within the grasp of his kids through his hard work and determination.  For this, and their love, we will always be grateful.

A huge heart-felt thank you to my Aunt, Huicha Riley, and long-time family friend and lifesaver, Miss Sonya Kim, both of whom cared for my dad during the most difficult times and to the dedicated nurses, doctors and social workers at IU Hospital and IU Home Hospice for their compassion and expertise.  Lastly, in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Goodwill Industries which helps many like my Dad retool their skillset and find meaningful work.

A Memorial Service for Huichang Kwon will be held at 4pm on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Flanner  Buchanan- Washington Park East, 10722 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46229.  Pastor Jae Hyun Lee will preside in Korean.  Visitation will be held from 2-4pm.