Dr. Byung Hun (Ben) Oh, 89, resident of Lexington MA, passed away on Saturday July 23, 2016 surrounded by his beloved family.
He is survived by Youngsue (Susan) Oh, his beloved wife of 56 years. He also leaves behind sisters Ok-Sun Oh and Younghee Lim in New Jersey, daughter Michelle Oh-Carlson and her husband Jay Carlson in Chelmsford, son Michael Oh and his wife JoAnne Oh, and his grandchildren Justin and Karen Oh in Lexington.
He was born in Seoul Korea, August 18, 1926. He obtained a B.A. degree in political science from Seoul University in 1948. He attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 1957 where he earned his M.A., and a Ph.D. from Sunkyungkwan University in Seoul, Korea in 1975. He was a Fulbright Exchange Professor at Kent University Ohio. In Korea, he taught political science at Seoul University, Korea University and Sungkyunkwan University and mentored many of his students over the years. He also worked as a political column editor for the Dong-A Newspaper and JoongAng Newspaper while writing on politics. Among the books and magazine articles he wrote, the notables include "Maoism", "How to Reunite South and North Korea", "North Korean Dilemma", and "Left-wings of Korea"
He brought his family to the US in 1981 and lived in New Jersey till 1999 before he moved to Lexington to be closer to his grandchildren. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren Justin and Karen more than anything. His gift to them was his constant presence in their lives, teaching them how to ride the bikes in their early years, giving them rides to various after school activities, attending sports, music, and school events. He was always encouraging, patient and generous with his time. Back in 2004, he planted a tree as a gift for each of his grandchildren in the front lawn. There were small saplings then, now they are mature healthy trees blossoming each spring.
A funeral service will be held Thursday July 28th at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Road Lexington at 8pm. Visiting hours will be prior to the service from 6pm to 8pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial service will take place the following day in New Jersey.