Chang Dae Park

Chang Park, 61, of Las Vegas, passed away on February 2, 2024 in Las Vegas.

Chang was born in Incheon, South Korea to Jong Rye Lee and Seung Yul Park on October 3, 1962.

Chang attended high school in Korea until he was about 16. He loved to brag to his older brother, Chang Jin, that he dodged the consigned military. He always professed that he was more of an athlete than a scholar and was MVP in any sport he tackled in his grade. He often dreamed of becoming a champion boxer or soccer player. Those who knew him wouldn't discredit his endurance. He and his sister, In Hyung, moved to the States afterwards (the Park clan had to move their family in units..a whole history segment in itself). He would later regale that this journey severely discouraged him from visiting Korea more often (in fact, he had told himself he would never fly there again). But, as was his nature in the face of adversity, he conquered his distaste for it and made the journey again in 1988. He started to attend Los Angeles High School in 1978 but soon realized he was facing an impressive amount of studying to simply grasp the language of his new homeland. Once again discouraged and feeling insecure about his poverty level, he assimilated by befriending other Koreans his age (this wasn't difficult considering his goofy personality) and would end up trying out a myriad of manual labor jobs. His favorite by far was painting with Jae Kim, his brother-in-law. After accruing some savings over the years, he decided he was long overdue for a vacation to his motherland and braved the venture to Korea. This would be the second time he'd tell himself he'd never make that journey again. Carousing his old stomping grounds, he would meet Jung Eun Song. They wed on January 8, 1989 and had their first and only child, Angela, later that year. Throughout their marriage, they played the role of the youngest aunt and uncle of the family and made wonderful memories babysitting (or more likely teasing from Chang) their many nieces and nephews. He would look back on these days fondly and never tired of reminding them how he perfected terrorizing them. His marriage to Jung dissolved in 2010, but this presented him the opportunity to resume his favorite role as uncle and supervisor to his nieces and nephews (Aaron, Peter, Sharlene, Brian, and Daniel) in Alaska. In 2017 he decided to move to Las Vegas, where he would spend his final days, and live an "easy and peaceful" life driving Uber and Lyft for tourists in the city.      

Chang is preceded in death by his father, Seung Yul Park, his mother, Jong Rye Park, his brother Chang Jin Park, and his dear uncle Sung Joon Park.  

Chang is survived by Angela Park (daughter), Jeannie Criterlli (sister), Norma Chinen (sister), Tracy Kim (sister), and In Hyung Park (sister), and his nieces and nephews: Milana Mosden, Aaron Mosden, Anna Rodriguez, Lucy Chinen, Peter Kim, Sharlene Kramer, Brian Park, and Daniel Park.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday March 5, 2024 at Davis Funeral Homes & Memorial Park with his nephew Pastor Rey Rodriguez of Victory Outreach El Sereno, officiating. Arrangements are by Davis Funeral Homes.

The family of Chang Park wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all those in attendance, Davis Funeral Homes, and every person who brightened the lives of our beloved Father, Uncle, Brother, and friend.