Tun Chhy

Tun Chhy was a loving husband and phenomenal father and grandfather who dedicated himself to a higher cause. Born on February 6, 1935, in Kampot, Cambodia, he was a man of determination and goals. He set out to become a Buddhist Monk in his early years, realizing his goal in 1955. During his tenure as a Buddhist Monk, he was responsible for building a monastery for the local monks in his hometown of Kampot that remains standing to this day. Following the end of his tenure as a monk in 1965, he had a desire to fulfill an electoral position in the Kampot Province. Unfortunately, political tension within the country culminated in the cancellation of the 1968 election, therefore ending his pursuit for office. He would later meet his wife, Run Chhy, and they would marry in June 1968. 

During the Cambodian Civil War (1970-1975), they had their eldest son, Vuth Chhy, in 1970, followed by their second eldest son, Thea Chhy, in 1973. After the fall of the Cambodian government and during the time of the Pol Pot Regime, they would have their next son, Vorn Chhy, in 1976, and their daughter, Vann Chhy (Landis), in 1979. Shortly after the birth of their daughter and always thinking of the well-being of his family, Tun made the decision to escape Cambodia overnight and head towards the U.N. refugee camp at the border of Cambodia and Thailand. Always the handyman, Tun made himself useful and volunteered to perform maintenance across the camp until the family was sponsored to immigrate into the United States in 1984. The couple had their last son, Saveth Chhy, shortly after arriving to the United States.

Utilizing his previous experiences, Tun would work for and retire from Hilton as hotel maintenance from 1984 to 2011, working both day and night shifts and garnering employee of the month awards. Never wavering from his calling as a Buddhist Monk, he was instrumental in securing funds to build another monastery and a statue of Budha in his hometown of Kampot. Furthermore, he gave back to the local Cambodian community by laying the foundation for temples in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Philadelphia.

As a husband and father, he was never judgmental with respect to one’s religious beliefs or occupation. Tun has shown unconditional love to his wife, children, and grandchildren by displaying genuine interests into everyone’s daily life and future goals. He is at peace knowing his family is prosperous and goal oriented. Tun is survived by his wife, five children, 12 grandchildren, and two younger siblings.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Monday, November 25 at Flanner Buchanan-Hamilton Memorial Park, Prairie Waters, where the funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm.