Chhom Phon Chan

Chhom Phon Chan, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026. He was born January 6, 1941, to Chan and Preng Thach in Bac Lieu, Vietnam.

Chhom was a kind, gentle, and caring man whose life was defined by hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and love for his family. He was the person people could always count on. Whether someone needed help, advice, support, or simply a good meal, he was always there without hesitation. Those who knew him will remember his soft heart, his generosity, and the way he genuinely cared for others.

In August of 1983, Chhom immigrated to the United States with his family in search of a better life and greater opportunities for his children. Before arriving in America, he and his family endured the unimaginable hardships faced by many Cambodian refugees escaping war and violence. Escaping a war-torn country while protecting and caring for young children was no easy task. Like so many others fleeing Cambodia during that time, they faced danger at every turn, enduring bullets whizzing by and navigating through landmines in hopes of reaching safety and a brighter future for their family. Through strength, perseverance, and sacrifice, Chhom and his wife built a new life rooted in love, family, and opportunity.

Chhom worked tirelessly to provide for his family, taking on many different jobs throughout his life, including maintenance work, working in beef processing plants, and later becoming a chef. Though English was not his first language, he worked hard to learn and communicate with everyone around him. He was fluent in both Khmer and Vietnamese and carried his culture and traditions proudly throughout his life.

Chhom was especially known for his cooking. If you ever had the privilege of eating one of his meals, you knew how talented he was in the kitchen. He lovingly cooked and catered for countless family gatherings, celebrations, and community events over the years. His soups, in particular, were unforgettable and a favorite among family and friends. For him, food was one of the many ways he showed love to others.

Outside of cooking, Chhom found joy in gardening. He took great pride in growing vegetables in his backyard and enjoyed spending time tending to his garden. Whether cooking for loved ones or sharing vegetables he had grown himself, he found happiness in providing for others in every way he could.

Chhom was also a pillar within the Asian community and someone countless families relied on over the years. His kindness extended far beyond his own family and beyond just the Cambodian community. He was always willing to help anyone in need and touched the lives of people throughout the Khmer, Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, and many other communities. He gave freely of himself, never expecting anything in return, simply because helping others was who he was.

Above all else, Chhom loved his family. Being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather brought him his greatest joy. His children and grandchildren were his world, and he treasured every moment spent with them. His kindness, strength, humor, generosity, and unwavering love will continue to live on through all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Thoeun Pho; and daughter-in-law, Shonelle Theyda Thach.

Chhom is survived by his children, Kenny Phina Chan & Pinna Say and family, Noeu Chan & Kimberly Chan and family, Lena S. Chan & Sam Touch and family, and Veassna Chan and family; grandchildren Sonida Chan, Kirsten Rogers Chan, Ellysia Masoner, Devon Chan, Jessena Mean Chan, Aidan Chan, Jaden Chan, Jaren Touch, Jasen Touch, Nolan Chan, Jazlyn Chan, Jake Chan, and Nelson Chan; and great-grandchildren Kylan Masoner, Alex Silva, Sophia Silva, Alaina Masoner, Catalina Silva, and Camila Silva.

Public ViewingFriday, May 29, 20263:00 PM - 6:00 PMReflection Pointe Funeral & Cremation Services

Saturday, May 30, 20262:00 PM - 5:00 PMReflection Pointe Funeral & Cremation Services

Buddhist Bang SkolSaturday, May 30, 20266:00 PMHome of Chhom Chan (Lena Chan and Family)

Funeral ServiceSunday, May 31, 20261:00 PM - 3:00 PMReflection Pointe Funeral & Cremation Services

Crematory ServiceSunday, May 31, 20263:00 PM - 3:15 PMReflection Pointe Crematory Services

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.

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