Chester Yeom, the former operator of Brooklyn’s Milwaukie Market, has passed away. Many area residents will no doubt remember Chester for his keen sense of humor and his collection of Polaroid pictures that he had taken over the years of his regular customers. Chester was gravely injured in March of 2007 when he was shot during an attempted robbery of a small market on SE Belmont Street. Chester was not a regular employee of this store. Keeping with his generous nature, he had volunteered to fill in for a friend that was unable to work that day.
More information can be found on the KGW website at the following link: http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_080108_news_chester_yeom_dies_.43ddc96.html
Yes, Chester will be missed. I first knew him while he was the owner of the Milwaukie MiniMart. He always had a smile and a hug for his customers, and was once voted by WW as the ‘friendliest minimart in Portland’.
I lost contact w/ him for a year, but reunited our friendship after his accident. I would go visit him,in the care facility, and although he was paralyzed, and on a trach and ventilator, he always was cheerful. He especially liked reading the bible, and oatmeal cookies!
How many of us would be able to persevere through what Chester went through? When my life feels ‘bumpy’, I just have to think about Chester and his strength through this last year. What an amazing, beautiful person!
Please keep Tiffany and the kids in your prayers.
Katie Light
Thank you for the comments Katie. Chester was a truly unique an caring individual and he is deeply missed.