Kim Ping Ko

Kim Ping Ko

高健平

December 17, 1954 – September 26, 2023

Our father, Kim Ping Ko, was born on December 17, 1954 in Hong Kong. He passed away on September 26, 2023. Dad was 68 years old. He is survived by his wife and three children. 

Dad moved to San Francisco when he was 21 years old with his mother, father, and six siblings. He began helping with the family business at the age of 7 and started apprenticing as a tailor under his father starting at the age of 12. He met our mom in 1976 and they were married in 1979. In 1983, they opened their own business in the Sunset district on 21st Avenue, where they also raised their first daughter together. In 1986, they moved their business to its current location at 333 Columbus Street in San Francisco where he became known for crafting custom tailored suits and high quality professional alterations.

As a young man, dad enjoyed driving his ‘78 bronze Chevy Camaro, playing soccer with his brothers, and spending time with his family on weekends. He loved listening and singing along to Sam Hui, Teresa Teng, and all the popular American songs of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Dad looked forward to every World Cup and often woke up early to watch every match. He was also a lifelong Giants and 49ers fan. On Sunday mornings, Dad loved sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and a box of donuts to watch football, often full of energy as he cheered or yelled at the tv. Above all, dad loved eating at buffets with his family, a favorite pastime that he shared with our grandmother.

Today, we honor and celebrate our father’s life, his joys, and his love. Our lives are richer because he was in it.