The Calgary Central Full Gospel Church doesn’t only serve as a place for worship.
It’s also a gathering place for many newcomers from Korea in Calgary.
Songki Kim, a member of the congregation, stepped in when the roofing began to leak a few weeks ago. He put his roofing expertise to good use.
“He fixed because it leaks a lot, especially when it rains. He volunteered to do it,” said Won Kim, Pastor at Calgary Central Full Gospel Church
“Mr. Kim is a nice guy, and everyone loves him.”
Songki worked on a roofing project at a Chestermere residential construction site.
He is believed to have fallen about 12 meters from a condo that was under construction, but there were no eyewitnesses.
He was found by someone else, according to his family
Youngja Yang, his sister-in-law, said that when she arrived at the hospital, he was unconscious and couldn’t be talked to.
Youngja describes Songki as a loving and kind husband to his three children.
“He did all he could for them. He was an excellent father. He always played with his children after work. Youngja said that despite being tired, he would always try to go out and play with his children.
She said that her sisters, Youngkum and Songki, moved from Korea to Canada to give their children a better future.
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She told me that their daughter, 11, was particularly close to her father.
Youngja said, “My niece always cries.” Youngja said that Youngja’s niece shouted to her father: “Daddy, I miss you. Please stay with me.”
Songki has worked on roofs for his family since 2009, when he immigrated to Canada.
Since his death, Songki’s wife and children have been facing financial difficulties as he was the only provider. A fundraising was set up to help the family.
Young, speaking on behalf of her sister, expressed gratitude to church members for their support during this difficult time.
All the Korean church members prayed to my brother-in-law. I was grateful. Youngja: “I give thanks to them, they are always with us.” She stated that they had no other family members in Canada.
Grace Chae has known the family for ten years. She remembers when Songki, a Korean chef, invited members of the congregation to her home for feasts.
“He was very polite and kind, and he made a great father.” Chae said, “He was a great friend.”
“I was shocked. I was depressed to hear he had died, and I was at the hospital. “I couldn’t believe that,”
The church members do what they can to support the family financially and emotionally.
Songki died on a Sunday while working. He was found by someone at another work site, according to his family.
Peden Safety Consultants’ president said that depending on the stage of a project, workers may be on a site beyond normal hours or have to work overtime to complete responsibilities when there are fewer workers present.
Rick Peden, President of Peden Safety Consulting, said: “It is not unusual, but it should have processes in place that ensure those people are safe if they are alone.”
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety has now opened an investigation into the incident.