Augustine J.R. Kang

Madison -- Augustine J.R. Kang, age 85 passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Hospice with his family by his side from complications from a stroke.  He was born on October 8, 1923 in Pyung-nam, Korea, the son of Hyun-Beom Kang and Chang-Ok Kim.  He grew up in Chinnampo, in what became North Korea and fled south during the Korean War in 1951.  On April 15, 1944, Augustine was united in marriage to Monica Lee in Pyung-nam, Korea. In 1960, Augustine started the first South Korean credit union, which began his involvement with credit union movement. He became the first general manager of Asian Confederation of Credit Union in April 1971 and affiliated a month later with the World Council of Credit Union Headquarters in Madison, WI.  In this role he worked with 20 different Asian Countries. In January of 1983 Augustine was transferred from Korea to Madison to start a special project, which launched credit union movement in China until his retirement until in 1995. His philosophy and belief was well described in the two books that he has written, "Just As It Is" and " The Conversation That I'd Like To Share With Someone". His deep commitment to applying Christianity to daily life was at the core of his sustained efforts to make credit unions effective cooperatives for better living. He was a strong advocate for the social justice and economic independence of the underprivileged people.  He strongly believed that it was possible to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor and to help people achieve both spiritual and material happiness by education. Due to his practical democracy and use of regional cooperation to foster economically and humanly sound credit unions, he was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding in 1981.  He also received an honorary doctrine law degree in December of 1984 from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, philosopher, fun story teller, classical music lover, avid reader, gardener, and an altruistic person. Together with his wife, they raised seven children focusing on a well balanced upbringing.  He cherished the time spent with his family singing and praying, listening to his children's view on things and being a loving and nonjudgmental father.   He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Augustine is survived by his loving wife Monica of 65 years, six children; Peter (Agnes) Kang, Mary (Myung-ki) Kim all of South Korea, Susana Kang, Frank (Christina) Kang all of Madison, Juliet (Gary) Lee of Long Island, NY, and Daniel (Rosa) Kang of Cleveland, OH., ten grandchildren; David and Michael Kang, Nam-Hee and Nam-Eun Kim, Vinny and Jimmy Kang, Jared and Charlotte Lee and Ben and Tom Kang He is also survived by many other family and friends who loved him deeply. Augustine was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Eun-gil Kang. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 Owen Dr. on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 12 Noon with Monsignor Kenneth J. Fielder officiating. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.  Graveside services will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare who made our father's stay comfortable and peaceful.