Hundreds of transit drivers, riders, and community members came together to pay tribute to the first bus driver killed in Seattle in 26 years.
Yim was killed, police say, by a passenger on his bus on December 18.
“He was taken from us while performing his duty as a servant of this city. We will always remember Shawn for his warmth, kindness, and most of all his smile which brightened every day and every occasion,” a statement from Shawn’s family said, read by ATU 587 President Greg Woodfill.
Coworkers remembered Yim for the positive energy that he brought to his colleagues.
“He was one of my favorite human beings here. I just wanted to highlight what a wonderful person he was to work with because I would come into the base and this beautiful soul, every single day, would be there and he was always full of laughter and joy,” said Paul Margolis, a coworker and friend of Shawn’s.
Mitch Spencer was one of the first to share memories during the memorial. He was in the same training classes as Shawn when they started at King County Metro. He remembers them constantly checking in to see if their relationships evolved into marriage. He remembers Shawn’s happiness when it finally did.
They found their way to be there for each other at work.
“Shawn and I eventually developed a friendship that HR probably cringed at because we shared insults and things only good friends are able to do. It was a lot of fun and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” Spencer said.
ATU 587 have called for greater security and protections for workers on busses. During the memorial, King County Metro Michelle Allison said they have already started that process.
For Paul, however, he says greater fixes are needed.
“All this talk about barriers and security is excellent and amazing,” he said. “But I will not feel safe until we have taken care of this sick city.”