Kurt Rim

Kurt Rim, age 86, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 9, 2022. He considered himself a "lucky son of a gun," and felt extremely fortunate for the life he had lived. He formed many lifelong friendships from his high school years in Seoul, Korea, so much so, that his children had many extra honorary "uncles."

He came to the United States from Seoul, South Korea, in the late 1950s to study structural engineering at Trine and Michigan State University. He joined Osborn Engineering in Cleveland, Ohio upon graduation as a draftsman and remained with Osborn for over 60 years, serving as President, Chairman, and Chairman Emeritus. During his time at Osborn, he was instrumental in the design and rehabilitation of major athletic facilities, industrial, commercial, institutional buildings, marine structures, and bridges. He is considered one of Cleveland's most renowned structural engineers. Of note, is his work with local landmarks such as Progressive Field, FirstEnergy Stadium, the Cuyahoga County Justice Center and Case Western Reserve University's Veale Center. Nationally, Kurt was the project manager for the controversial night lights that went into Wrigley Field in 1988. Other less controversial projects include multiple collegiate athletic facilities like the 1996 "closing of the 'shoe" at The Ohio State University.

He was recognized by his profession when he was awarded Engineer of the Year in 1993 from the American Society of Civil Engineers along with Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year Award from the Cleveland Engineering Society where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also recognized by Crain's Cleveland Business in its 8 over 80 spotlight in 2019.

He had a love for the game of golf, and played it to a tee. With great persistence, he finally convinced his late wife Margie to join him. The two were regular fixtures at Shaker Heights Country Club, winning various club tournaments together or solo, but both happily playing a game that they both loved.

Kurt was a gentle, good-humored man that took pride in his family's accomplishments. He is survived by his four children: Alice (son-in-law James Rico), Patricia (son-in-law David Simon), Sharon (son-in-law David Emch) and Alexander (daughter-in-law Katie); loving and proud grandfather to Francesca, Madeleine, Emma, Annabella, Spencer, Margaret, Sophia, Claire, Chloe, Gabrielle, Zachary and Hannah; his brothers Kwan Rim (deceased) and Kirk Rim; his sisters Jean Kee and Kay Shynn; nephews Albert Rim, Christopher Rim, Scott Rim, Raymond Shynn, and nieces Joanne Kim, Joan Kee, Janice Yeoh and Nicole Rim. He was married to his beloved wife of fifty years, Margie, until her death in 2014.

Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to Cleveland Clinic Hospice.