< Issue No. 20 (2025/2026)
Memorial
In Memoriam: Michael Hee Ium, A Fearless Friend
Scott, Tony, University of Toronto
Abstract
Michael Hee Ium was a promising and brilliant scholar, dedicated to the history of the Geluk tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, a one-time professional poker player, a scrappy Canadian kid from Scarborough, the devoted and loving second son of immigrants from South Korea, a playful brother, a fiercely loyal and supportive friend and colleague, a lover of justice and fairness, and above all, a kalyāṇa-mitra. Though he is deeply missed and his presence can never be substituted, his all-too-brief life and career is celebrated in this memoriam, while his words, work and vision still resonate splendidly amongst his friends and colleagues today.