Remembering Young Sur and Supporting his Family

My name is Paul and I am Young’s brother-in-law.

On Friday, November 22nd, Young suffered from a heart attack and stroke. After resiliently battling for two weeks and undergoing open-heart surgery, doctors determined there was nothing more they could do. Early on Saturday, December 7th, the family made the difficult decision to remove life support and allow Young to pass peacefully in his sleep at the age of 41. As his last parting gift, he donated two kidneys to save two lives.

He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, AhYoung, and his beautiful 5-year-old girl, Ryanne (Korean name Lua), who turns 6 at the end of December. He was also a caring older brother to his sister Grace and the favorite fun uncle to our kids, Luke (6) and Leah (3).

In a brief grief exercise, when her mom asked her to think about what her dad found special, she wrote down her own name. It’s bittersweet to know that Lua deeply feels she was loved and cherished by her dad.

Young was born in Korea and immigrated to the States when he was in the 7th grade. As one might expect, the language barrier was challenging growing up.

He leaned into his creative passions and pursued them with a dynamic heart. Whether it was sharing the countless photos he captured, crafting whimsical balloons that marked special milestones in people’s lives, or describing eyewear design to his clients, he gave of himself with earnestness and conviction.

Over the last 7 years, Young served as a Brand Representative for Kio Yamato, covering independent optical boutiques throughout the Northeast. He admired Japanese eyewear craftsmanship and quietly planned to start his own line one day.

While Young’s tragic passing has been heartbreaking for his family and loved ones, we know he also firmly held the Christian hope – that life is NOT “a tale told by an idiot… signifying nothing.” That there is in fact a greater love out there for us – a greater love that now holds Young ‘hyung’.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:26, 28)

This GoFundMe is to help support Young’s family during this difficult time. As he tirelessly worked two jobs, we saw him less and less throughout the past year. This fund will go toward covering medical and funeral expenses as well as other living costs during the next transition period.

Many of you have already reached out with warm sentiments and a desire to help. While it feels somewhat unnatural to suggest, this is the best way to support Young’s family.

Please do not feel any pressure to contribute. We deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and support in all its forms.

With Love and Gratitude,

The Sur Family