HEE SOUNG YOON DDS
January 15, 1947 – January 15, 2024
Kern – Dr. Hee Soung Yoon was born in Seoul, South Korea to Hong Shik Yoon and Kye Yim Lee. He was the eldest of five children. As a child, Hee Soung enjoyed learning in school and outside school, playing Baduk (Go) which is similar to chess, and playing outdoors.
Hee Soung later attended Seoul National University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. He also attended the School of Dentistry at Seoul National University, where he graduated with his Doctorate degree (DDS). Hee Soung served in the Republic of Korea Navy for his compulsory military service in South Korea. Hee Soung married Hyun Bin Yoon, who grew up in the same neighborhood since childhood. Upon graduation, Hee Soung and Hyun Bin immigrated to the United States with only $200 (the limit at that time) and moved to Los Angeles, CA, where Hee Soung received his Doctorate degree (DDS) at USC to obtain his license to practice in the U.S. They moved to Bakersfield, CA where he established his private practice and continued his long and successful career as a dentist for over 40 years. He was admired and deeply respected by his colleagues and provided his patients with the best care possible.
This is where they settled and established a vibrant life for themselves for over 50 years. They built a home for their family and helped to establish and build a thriving Korean American community in Bakersfield. Hee Soung dedicated his time as the President of the Korean American Association in Bakersfield for many years. He organized community events, helped to start a Korean language school for children, and spent time with Korean War veteran seniors by buying them lunch from time to time to thank them for their service. He also served on the National Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, a constitutional organization established to advise the President of South Korea on the formulation of peaceful unification policy, for many years.
Hee Soung was the most dedicated and devoted husband, father and grandfather to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was selfless and deeply caring. He had a generous heart, highly intelligent mind, and the most beautiful soul. He was stoic and kind. Without speaking, a nod from him or a small act of kindness would be enough for his family to feel his warmth and love. He had great patience and endless understanding, which will inspire his wife, children, and grandchildren forever. He was always growing and did many acts of kindness throughout his life, and he developed his character traits to be the best person he could possibly be. His family has always been and will continue to be in awe and admiration of him.
Hee Soung and Hyun Bin would be married for 50 beautiful years before his tragic and unexpected passing. Recently, he shared that he was the happiest and most content in his life at this time, thanks to his loyal and loving wife and best friend Hyun Bin. Their marriage would result in the birth of 3 children: Carol Yoon, Kathy Yoon (deceased 1979), and Joanne Yoon. Hee Soung enjoyed playing golf, reading, and spending quality time with his cherished family. In his later years, Hee Soung enjoyed traveling with his wife and helping the family business after his retirement.
He was the best father to his children and grandfather to 4 grandchildren. This is a role he thoroughly enjoyed and treasured. The strong, stoic man that most knew and admired was also the most affectionate and loving grandfather to Harry, Lourdes, Geffen, and Selah. He was a playful, wise, and nurturing grandfather to his grandchildren who are truly blessed and honored to know and learn from him. Spending time with his grandchildren brought him tremendous joy and pride.
Hee Soung's entire life centered around those he is survived by. His good character and good deeds will live forever as his legacy. God gave his family and the world the greatest blessing by allowing his special and elevated soul to be with all for 77 wonderful years. May his children and grandchildren merit to continue his legacy of kindness, generosity, selflessness, resilience, perseverance, and utmost devotion to family. May his beautiful soul rest in peace. Amen.