Dr. Franklin N. Kum
November 17, 1945 to April 29, 2026
Obituary
Passed away suddenly at his home in St. John’s on April 29.
Predeceased by his mother, Enid Kum; his father, Kenneth Kum; and his sister, Tessa Hamp.
Leaving to mourn his loving wife, Valerie Burry-Kum; his son, Robert Kum (Michelle); his daughters, Katrina Kum and Andrea Kum; and his cherished grandchildren, Gabriella, Raegan, Addison, and Kamaya. Also left to mourn is his brother, Phillip Kum; his brother-in-law, Geoff Hamp; along with numerous extended family members, in-laws, and many close friends on both sides.
At age 16, from Guyana South America he moved to England with his family, where he completed high school before going on to study at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. In the 1970s, he came to Newfoundland with his young family to complete his residency in OBGYN and ultimately chose to make it his home.
He maintained a private practice for many years before later joining the Memorial University full-time. Even after retiring from the University, his dedication to medicine continued as he provided locum care in smaller communities across Newfoundland. He finally retired four years ago.
He worked tirelessly throughout his career, but above all, he truly loved being a doctor.
Public Visitation will take place from Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, NL on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 from 2:00-4:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM.
Reverend Amanda Taylor will conduct the Funeral Service from St. Mark the Evangelist Anglican Church, Logy Bay Road, St. John’s, NL on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 at 11:00AM.
The family would like to extend a gracious thank-you to those on the scene – the Paramedics, RNC officers, Dr. Ian Marshall and Sherry Marshall.
Donation’s may be made in Dr. Kum’s memory to St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Logy Bay Road.
“Goodbyes are not forever,
They are not the end;
It simply means I’ll miss you,
Until we meet again.”
My condolences to the family. I was online searching for other family members when I saw this obituary. He sounded like a great man.
Dr Kum delivered me at St Clare’s 44 years ago this past March. Grateful for the care he gave my mother and my condolences to his family.
Val,
So very sorry to hear about Nick’s passing.
Fond memories of you both at Casa 1, Isla del Sol.
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Mary Garvey ☘️
Belated condolences Dr. Kum;s Family. From 1987 to 1992 we did many cases together at St. Clare’s and I really enjoyed working with him as an anesthesiologist. Elaine and I got to know him personally and he was always friendly. Brian Hamilton, Fredericton, New Brunswick
I was very saddened to learn of Dr. Kum’s passing, he was my doctor and surgeon for many years and we have a healthy son who will soon be 18 because of his care. He was funny, and a kind and caring doctor. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family, Dr. Kum was one of a kind and our Province was lucky to have him as a doctor and surgeon.
My condolences to Dr. Kum’s family and friends. He was my doctor for many years and delivered all 3 of my sons. I appreciated his honesty and professionalism and sense of humour. RIP
Dr Kum was a wonderful doctor to me and my family during my third pregnancy. We will never forget his kindness and over and beyond his diligence to minister my health and that of our baby. We now have a vibrant loving son because of him. He is a great man in our eyes. Our deepest condolences to his family May he rest in peace.
We were saddened to hear of Nick’s sudden passing. I worked with Nick for several years within the Children’s and Women’s Health Program . He was a dedicated physician with a wonderful sense of humour, a warm smile and a hearty laugh. One of my more memorable personal encounters was upon recognizing me as I was being wheeled into the delivery suite, he yelled out “ Why isn’t there Guinness in your IV?”!
Sending condolences, prayers and peace to all
Valerie, we were saddened to learn of Nick’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace peace and rise in glory..
With deepest sympathy,
Chesley and Mary Warren
My sincere condolences to the Kum Family. I had the privilege of being one of his students and working closely with him throughout my residency training in Obstetrics & Gynecology. He was one my primary mentors during this time and I value his teaching to this day.
When I first started in practice we both did locums in the hospital in Gander in the labour and delivery unit and he treated me like a colleague and friend. We shared many good conversations and had a few laughs in our handovers. I value these experiences and think of them often. He was a tremendous and caring person and incredible physician.
Dear Family Members of Dr. Kum,
I was privileged to know Dr. Kum both as a medical teacher, and as a welcoming consultant during my career in family medicine.. He always made time for me during consults; no ask was too big or too small. More-so, he genuinely cared about how I was doing in a challenging career of family medicine. I feel saddened his retirement time was unexpectedly short. Please know how impactful he was. He will be missed.
Sincerely, Pamela Snow
I first met Nick when I was A med student and he a n Obstetric resident and had a nearly 40 year association as a Pediatrician .I often joked ” there was no one as quick as Nick ” when it came to making decisions and getting the baby in trouble out . A great person all around .My sincere regards
Sorry to hear of Dr Kum’s passing.
My condolences to his family.
Dear Rob,
So sorry for your loss.
Sending my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jennifer Kearney
(Gladney)
Heather and I are so sad to hear of Nick’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to Valerie and their family.
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Kum. I knew his well during my 20 years working in the Pathology Lab at St. Clare’s. During that time he also cared for me when I needed his expertise which led to the birth of my two children. He was so kind and generous and had a great sense of humour and easy to work with. He will be missed and rememberd by many. Rest in Peace Dr. Kum Sue
So sorry to hear about Nick’s sudden passing. He was a well loved doctor and a wonderful person. He will be missed..
So sorry to hear of Nick’s sudden passing. I worked in the Caseroom with Nick for over 30 years. He was always highly regarded and a great clinician. A larger than life personality. Sincerest condolences to the entire family.
I had the privilege of working with Dr Kum in the operating room at St Clares many years ago and was very fortunate to have deliver my three daughters, May you rest in peace Dr Kum
My condolences to Valerie and your family. I’ve known you for over 25 years while working at Shoppers Drug Mart and every time you dropped by I always enjoyed our little chats and jokes. Rest in peace Dr Kum.
To the Kum Family
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Kum was a wonderful doctor who delivered our two children. His big personality and sense of humour are unforgettable.
Our sincere condolences,
Rick and Maureen Hayward
To Valerie and family;
We wish to pass along our sincere condolences to you and the kum family. Out prayers and thoughts are with you and the family at this time. May he rest in peace. God Bless.
Neville and Clara Abbott
Valerie,
I was so sorry to hear of Nick’s sudden passing. My sincere sympathy to you and your family at this difficult
time.
Allison Ash
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kum when I was a nurse in the NICU and then as Manager, Children and Women’s Health Perioperative Program. He was an excellent physician with an awesome sense of humor. He will be missed my many. Thinking of you all.
Deepest condolences to Valerie and Family. Dr Kum looked after me for years. We had some great laughs after spending 2and a half months at St Clare’s. He will be missed by all his friends.
Val and family
I am so saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. I am unable to attend the visitation as I am out of town. I am sorry to miss it. Please know I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Peace and love.
Andrea Marshall
Valerie,
I was saddened to hear of Nicks sudden passing.My sincerest condolences to you and your family
“NIck” was the cousin I never really knew becuase of time challenges, age differences and geography. My dad Charles KUM was the eldest of 10 children born to Fredrick and Sarah (Yip) Kum. Of those 10, only 5 survived to adulthood & Nick was the eldest son of Kenneth Kum, my dad’s younger brother. My dad married late – so by the time Nick was on his way to college — I was a toddler and all I would hear throughout my life was my folk and my Auntie Milly extolling the virtues of my cousin whom I think i only met once!
When Phil told me he left us so unexpectedly — I was sad not only becuase there are/were not many cousins and one is gone but becuase I know if he even did half of what he was destined for — he would have made such an impact on his family, his friends and his patients.
Sleep in Peace dear Nick — Phil and I will hold on to each other despite being far away in miles.
To his wife, children & grandchildren– may God grant you all comfort & grace in the coming days, months & years to come.
With love and peace
Lois KUM (Edgecombe)
Dear Val and family,
I was saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Dr. Kum. He was a respected colleague, and mentor to many medical students and residents, including me. He was highly regarded by his patients and had a great sense of humour. I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with and learned from him. Please accept my condolences.
“The pipes are in the front!” With those words this good doctor told me about the birth of my son. I was in a waiting room, smoking two cigarettes at the same time, waiting for word that all was fine. It was. I joked with a friend just this week about that encounter with Doctor Cum. Forty years later, I remember his smile. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to all the family.
Valerie and family my prayers are with you at the passing of Nick. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Jane Grant
My condolences to this family. Dr. Kum did surgery on me 47 years ago. His care and immediacy made a significant impact on my life and my ability to have children. I will never forget him. I wish his family all the strength they need during this difficult time. Blessings to all of you
Nick
You were a very generous, kind and supportive brother-in-law; I will miss you greatly .
May God watch over and protect you, Valerie and your family.
Love Geoff
We are so sorry to hear of Nick’s sudden passing. Our condolences to Valerie and his entire family.
Al and Anna Felix
To Valerie and family.
My heart was broken to hear of Nick’s passing, I know that it would be even more hard for you all but be strong and be together.
Good bye Big Brother.
Now I am the last one left but we will be with eachother again.
God bless you.
Good bye Big Brother.
Now I am the last one left but we will be with eachother again.
God bless you.
Dear Valerie,
I am so sorry to hear that Nick has passed away.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on this profound loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Katrina & family, sending condolences to you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely, Theresa & David Greene
To say I was shocked and saddened to hear of Uncle’s sudden passing is an understatement.
Uncle Nick was truly a one-in-a-million man. He was a kind, generous, supportive and loving father, husband, brother, uncle and grandfather, and an intelligent, knowledgeable, caring and dedicated doctor. He touched so many lives and played such a large and pivotal role in so many’s lifetimes. Indeed he influenced my career in medicine and my vocation today in more ways than he could ever know.
I have too many happy memories of my wonderful uncle to recount but I will never forget the couple of months I was privileged to spend with him and Aunty Val whilst on my elective, getting the incredible opportunity to work with him and live with them both. I had the chance to see and experience first hand the love and care he had for his patients, friends and family, and how respected and well-thought of he was by everyone he met. I was truly proud to see the recognition everyone had for him, and the respect and gratitude he had for them. I will also never forget Uncle sending me home to my mum, his loving sister, with live lobster in my hand luggage, so she could enjoy some of her favourite seafood!
His unexpected death and the sadness and sorrow this brings to Aunty and those closest to them are unimaginable and my deepest thoughts and my love go out to Aunty Val, and my cousins Robert, Katrina and Andrea. I hope there is some comfort in the kind words, the happy memories, the loving thoughts, and the greatest condolences that the very many people that Uncle Nick had such a meaningful influence on over the years.
“In the beauty of memories left behind, in the lives touched and changed, in the gifts of wisdom shared… those we love live on, always”
With my condolences and love
Geoffrey xxx
Kay and I were extremely saddened to learn of Nick’s sudden passing. He was a great doctor, a great colleague and a good friend. It was always good to see him.
Please accept our sincere condolences
To say Charles and I were shocked to hear about Nick’s passing is an understatement. Sunday, Nick and Charles were joking that they needed to arrive early enough to lay claim to our pews!!
Cherish your memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace, Deborah
Valerie & Family we are deeply sorry to hear of Dr. Kum’s passing. I worked with Dr. Kum for years & enjoyed his company over lunches, etc. . He delivered my grandkids & was one of the best you could ask for. Thinking of you all in the days to come & sending our condolences.. May he rest in peace. John & Betty
To the Kum family:
We are so saddened to read of the passing of Dr. Kum.
He was my doctor for over 35 years . Nick safely delivered our three children and cared for me all the years following until his retirement. He was so competent, caring and funny. He had a wonderful Irish streak that brought laughter to most encounters, even the difficult ones. An appointment with him was like a visit with a treasured friend. I felt privileged to be his patient.. His passing is a huge loss to his family and the medical community.
Sending our deepest sympathy,
Jim & Judy Chisholm
My sincere condolences to his family. I worked with him at HSC and we enjoyed many laughs. I will never forget his caring, compassionate and humorous personality. You will be missed Nick.
Marge
To the Kum family, so sorry to read of Dr. Kum’s passing. .He was a super Doctor and delivered both of our sons. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories.
To the Kum family,
Heartfelt condolences upon the loss of Dr. Kum. I trained under him as a clerk and intern and, later in life, he delivered both my sons. He was a skilled surgeon and an outstanding mentor with a wonderful sense of humour. Hoping that your memories and those shared by others, give you comfort.
To Valerie and family,
We would like to echo the sentiments of so many others in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family on the sudden passing of Dr. Kum. Even thought we only knew him as a neighbour for the past year, he always had a smile and was very welcoming. He will be missed by SO many. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. dear friend.
Jim and Dorothy Long
The Kum Family
My sincere condolences on Dr Kum’s passing .
He delivered one of my son’s. Very nice doctor.
Treasure all the great memories made together and Hold them close to your hearts.
Rest Easy
Sincerely
Christine
My deepest condolences to the Kum family. I am shocked and saddened to get this news. I felt very privileged to meet Nick. He was a legend in the obs/gyne world and I would still hear his name pop up with my own patients, years after his retirement. He was so well respected, had a great sense of humour, and had such a positive impact on so many lives. He will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Valerie and family. Please accept our sincere condolences. May your beautiful memories navigate you through this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Elizabeth and Bill Thistle
Valerie, Trixie and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Nick’s sudden passing. He was a special friend of our church family. May beautiful memories help sustain you through this sad time. We send sincere condolences. You are remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
Val and family,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. The shock must be immense. I was fortunate to know Dr. Kum professionally with the NLMA, and also as a patient. He was a mentor to many, an accomplished and respected surgeon, and most proud when he spoke of his grandchildren. I pray that you will find strength and comfort in your memories.
Valerie; we were so sorry to hear this news. We have very fond memories of Nick professionally because he delivered our son. And on a personal level we enjoyed his company, particularly his unique sense of humour.
Gillian Butler and David McKay
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Kum. I was privileged to work with him in the case room. He was an excellent physician. Sincere condolences to all of his family.
Dear Rob and family. I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. He was a very kind man and he will be sadly missed by many. Including myself. I will miss his sense of humor. My family would like to pass along our deepest condolences to you and the Kum family. Our prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Although we may not see each other often, we were truly saddened to hear of your loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to you Aunt Val and all of the family. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Valerie so sorry to hear of your husbands passing.I don’t know him but I heard it many times he was a good mam.my deepest condolences to the family .valerie be assured of my thoughts and prayers you’ve always had a special place in my heart..Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Ellen and Rene Fillier
Dear family, please accept my deepest condolences.
Even though I did know Dr. Kum I heard some many
wonderful stories and praises about him. Newfoundland has lost a great doctor who helped so many.
Keep your memories of him in your hearts and he will always be with you.
My deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Kum. He was my GNYE about 30 years ago and took amazing care of me. RIP Dr. Kum!
Valerie and family, Doug and I are so sad to hear of Nick’s passing. . We remember you both with fondness from our Lilac Inn days. Take care.
Our deepest condolences to the Kum family. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Aunt Val:
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that we are praying for you and the family.. Sending all our love and hugs. Janet, Carl and Jalyn.
So sorry to hear of Nick’s passing, and condolences to all. he was a wonderful colleague and had a wicked sense of humour.
Our deepest condolences to you Val and your family. We have many wonderful memories of Nick both personally and professionally.
Condolences to all his Famly & Friends. Dr Kum was my Dr for many years. He was te best
Sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Dr. Kum for many years. It was an honour and privilege to do so. He was one of the best and always made the shift enjoyable. He will be missed and remembered for years to comme
Dear Rob and family
Sending my deepest condolences on the sudden loss of your Dad.
Know that you and your family are in my thoughts today as you navigate through the days, weeks and months ahead.
My condolences to Val, Andrea, Katrina and Robert and all his family. The last time we spoke he was updating me on his time with his precious grandchildren. I was one of many people who were privileged to be trained by him. He was a mentor and eventually I was lucky to call him a colleague. We talk about him often at work. The products of his teaching, his residents fill the gynecology departments throughout this province and the country. He will be remembered by us all and also his patients.
To Valerie and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Maxine Stanley
So sad to hear about Dr. Kum’s passing. Thinking of all his family during this sad time. I had the pleasure of working by his side in Gander where he did many locums. He has certainly touched many lives during his practice. His picture is a reminder of the kind pleasant man he was, and whenever his phone was in his hands he was showing us pictures of his grand babies. Blessings to you all in the days ahead.
Sorry for your loss . Great doctor .
I’m so sorry to read this obituary. Dr. Kum was a wonderful doctor with an amazing sense of humour. . I credit him, along with my husband of course lol, for my 2 sons. I don’t think I’d be a mom without all his treatments and surgeries. I worked with the wonderful Valerie many years ago. (A big hug to her). Sending my heartfelt condolences to his whole family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Kum’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him during his locum in Gander and also of being his patient. He truly was one of the best. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Kum’s passing. Watching him a least being a part of our school community was wonderful and his love for his family was evident. A beautiful family. God Bless.
Robert, Katrina and Andrea our family is saddened to hear of Nick’s sudden passing. Thinking of you all.
To Valerie and family. I send sincere condolences at this sad time. Dr. Kum was such a nice gentleman with a great sense of humour. May he rest in peace.
God bless.
Gertrude Snow
I trained with Nick when he first arrived in St.Johns.We hit it off immediately because of his warm larger than life personality.He was a great teacher and made junior staff feel more relaxed.NL has lost a great physician and friend to all who had the pleasure to work and pass time with him.RIP Nick
Aunt Val, we have so many fond memories of Nick. One of the first that comes to mind is when he caught the garter at our wedding—such a great sense of humour! And then, of course, you two were married the following year.
We’ll always remember how he safely delivered both of our babies. One of my good friends, who worked with Nick for many years in the caseroom, said that whenever he was on shift, she immediately felt at ease. That speaks so much to the kind of person and professional he was.
Sending our deepest condolences to you, Robert, Katrina, Andrea, and their families..
Lori, Bill, Cody & Brady
My condolences to the Kum family. I trained under Dr. Kum in the 90s and then had the pleasure of working with him when he was locuming. He gave so much to our province. He will be missed.
Val,
So sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. Hold onto all the happy memories. Love and hugs to you during this difficult time.
Judi
So sorry to read the news of Dr Nick’s passing. He was my Obgyn for both of my children and a dear friend! He was very endearing and an extremely talented physician. U til we meet again Doctor Nick! 🙏💕
My condolences to the family.
I trained under Dr Kum as a med student and learned a great deal from him. He was an astute physician and was loved by his patients. He made them feel at ease.
He will be missed.
He made the world a better place!
May He rest in Peace.
Mike Hall
To Valerie and family. Dr Kum’s. passing is a great loss to NL and devestating to all of us who knew him for a short time as a neighbour and a friend .. he was well respected as a doctor and delivered many of the children in our province. . As time goes on your memories of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend will uplift you and make you smile..
To Dr. Kum’s family
I’m forever grateful for the care and advice that Dr Kim gave me at the saddest times and most joyful times in my life.. May he rest in peace.
Heather Ryan
Saddened to learn of Nick’s sudden passing.
Our deepest condolences and prayers for his family and friends..
Vinod Patel
It is certainly a shock to hear that Nick has passed. My condolences to all the family. He lived a wonderful life, was well respected and loved by his family and friends. RIP!
I was a patient of Dr. Kum. He was a wonderful doctor and person.. He truly changed my life. He always went above and beyond. No matter how sick or miserable I would feel he could always find a way to crack a joke and make me laugh. My condolences to all his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Always source of help, wit and humour during my obstetrical days.Nick contributed greatly to the medical community and I’m sorry he didn’t have a longer retirement. Always in calm control in any situation. We were fortunate to have had him in our midst.. Steve Walker
I am so sorry to learn of Nicks passing. My condolences to each one of you. Nick was special to me and will always have a special place in my heart. I feel that we were all blessed to know him and love him. Hugs to you all and prayers being sent your way.
Val and family
Sending my deepest condolences and sympathies on the passing of Nik. So very very sorry for your loss.
Love ya 🤟
Val, Rob, Kat, Andrea and families, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you all so much love and healing.