Almost a year and a half after he was shot and paralyzed while tending shop for a friend, a Portland man has died.

Chester Yeom was paralyzed from the neck down after he was shot during a botched convenience store robbery on SE Belmont Street in March of 2007.

Background: Quiet neighborhood shocked by shooting

He died just before 1 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent Hospital, with family and pastor by his side. His two children had been in Korea with their church group but managed to fly back Thursday and say their final goodbyes.

Yeom, 42, had been unconscious for days but opened his eyes just before he died.

He was being treated at a care facility. He showed some signs of improvement, including the ability to speak, but last week, a pair of infections proved too difficult for his frail body to overcome. He was 42 years old.

"He was a fun loving guy, and a good father, good husband and good friend to everybody,” said family friend Dave Kim.

Chester Yeom will be remembered at Skyline Memorial next Thursday at 6 p.m.

Background: Yeom was living American dream before getting shot

The man who shot Yeom, Jimmy Kashi, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and is serving a 35-year prison term for the shooting.

Prosecutors say he and three others now could be prosecuted for murder and that Kashi could face the death sentence.

More: Shooter apologizes to Yeom family

Yeom's wife has said she forgives Kashi.

Donations can be made to the Chester Yeom Family Fund at any U.S. Bank branch.

(The Associated Press and KGW reporter KYLE IBOSHI also contributed to this story)