In Remembrance: Chang Nai Kim ’50 Died on June 28 2025

Chang Nai Kim, born on August 14, 1928, in New York City, passed away peacefully in San Diego on June 28, 2025. He was married to Daisy Ok Kee Kim for over 65 years, from May 21, 1954, until her passing on January 25, 2020. Chang Nai is survived by four children: Karen (Chad), Gregory (Paris), Cynthia (Sean), and Julie (Thomas); nine grandchildren: D. Christopher (Jessica), Mathew (Athena), River (Danielle), St. John (Samantha), Caitlin, Haley, Daniel, Eric, and Madeline; and four great-grandchildren: Madison, Samuel, Lochlan, and Brooks.

Chang Nai graduated in 1946 from Viewpoint, a private boarding school in upstate New York, and went on to attend Yale University, graduating in 1950 with a liberal arts degree. He later attended UCLA, receiving bachelor’s (1955) and master’s (1965) degrees in engineering. He practiced as a structural engineer in California, Hawaii, Singapore, and Wisconsin. His projects often took him to distant places, such as Guam, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. His many projects included 1350 Ala Moana, the Ala Moana Hotel, the Kapalua Bay Hotel, and the 100 Washington Square 20-story office building in Minneapolis. Chang Nai received the Robert Lyman Award from PCI Journal in 1984 for his contribution to the advancement in the use of precast concrete in floating platforms and barges.

Chang Nai was a devoted family man, and worked hard to provide for his family, including sending his four children to Punahou School and college. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he would often be seen at their athletics, performances, and other school events. Chang Nai was also a sports enthusiast, playing golf and tennis well into his 80s. He enjoyed watching football, basketball, tennis, and just about any sport.

A private service will be held.

—Submitted by the family.