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Kim Soon Teh, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 10, 2025, after a long battle with kidney disease and four months before what would have been his 79th birthday.Born on November 2, 1946, in Kuantan, West Malaysia, Kim was the eldest son of Teh Ban Juan and Tan Siak Gek, and brother to Susan, Phyllis, Mona, Elizabeth, and David. He spent much of his childhood in Singapore before immigrating to Canada in 1973, where he built a life rooted in family, community, nature, and faith.
He touched the lives of many as a profound teacher and generous friend, with an uncanny ability to connect with just about anyone. He carried a breadth of knowledge, unassuming charm, and an empathetic heart. He had a natural gift for building community wherever he went.
Formerly a school teacher in Singapore, Kim moved to a new country and, with the support of his new bride Violet, put himself through school while working two jobs. He graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Commerce and soon entered Alberta’s booming oil and gas industry.
After some time living in Cairo, Egypt, and several winters in Calgary, Kim moved the family to Vancouver Island, eventually settling in Ladysmith, BC. There, he founded and operated Outreach Martial Arts Centre for more than 24 years, teaching thousands of students the values of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit.
A lifelong martial artist, Kim was an Asian Taekwondo Champion, competed in the first World Taekwondo Championships in Seoul, Korea in 1973, earned the rank of 8th Degree Grandmaster, and was honored by the Taekwondo Hall of Fame in 2011.
Kim also had a deep love of music. He played the guitar, bass, and drums, and often performed at church, local coffee houses, and most joyfully, for his grandchildren. He was a proud and loving grandfather who found deep joy in watching his grandchildren grow.
Kim is survived by his devoted wife, Violet Teh (née Loh), with whom he celebrated 52 years of marriage on July 5, and their three sons: Tim (Melanie, and daughter Arlo), Zane (Pam, and daughters Alexis and Ava), and Edmund (Kirsten).
He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and golf. With an impressive short game sharpened at the Ladysmith Golf Course and a knack for learning local fishing secrets, Kim was a strong presence in both hobbies.
Kim began kidney dialysis nearly a decade ago. During that time, he underwent many treatments and procedures with Violet as his primary caregiver, and with the support of outstanding doctors, nurses, and kidney care staff, especially Dr. Caroline Stigant. He worked with determination to live fully and thrive.
A gathering to honor and celebrate Kim will be held at Christ Community Church at 3897 Holland Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8Z 5K2, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join us in remembering and celebrating his life by sharing stories and photos in his Facebook Memorial Group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kimteh
In place of flowers, donations may be made at:
https://www.victoriahf.ca/memorial-donation/
(Please select “Tribute Gift”, In Memory of: Kim Teh and Apply my gift to: Kidney Care)
Alternatively, you can also make a donation over the phone at 250-519-1750.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Christ Community Church, 3897 Holland Ave, Saanich, BC V8Z 5K2, Canada, Victoria
