NEANG SO's Obituary
Neang So, age 85, was born in Takeo, Cambodia. He was the second born of 6 children – 2 brothers and 3 sisters. At a young age, he moved away from his family home and worked his way up to owning his own movie theater in Kampot by the ocean. There he met his future wife and mother of his children, Mom Khauv.Mom, then age 19, was an avid movie watcher and would frequent Neang’s theater. Her constant attendance soon garnered Neang’s attention and he would sit behind her while trying to gather the courage to approach her. During one said movie, Neang finally struck up a conversation with Mom and asked her out. Despite their brief encounter, they were quickly enamored with each other and agreed to visit the capital, Phnom Penh together. That was the beginning of their relationship spanning over half a century.Over the years, Neang and Mom had 5 children – 4 daughters and 1 son. Tragedy struck early on as they lost their first daughter but the couple persevered and raised the remaining children together. Mom ran a small grocery store while Neang expanded his business to include manufacturing, sugar milling and metal work.Neang’s business ventures attracted many others such as inspired entrepreneurs hoping to contribute, well-known journalists researching to publish his success and even government officials and the King of Cambodia endeavoring to subsidize his work. Despite the heightened attention, Neang never forgot his humble beginnings and would continue to give back to the community. Close to his heart was his ability to feed and clothe those that were unable to and he continued to maintain this sentiment to this day.Cambodia’s tumultuous political history forced the So family from their Phnom Penh home to seek refuge in the United States. In Oakland, California, the family started anew and rebuilt itself from the bottom up. Eldest daughter, Chearany, worked and attended community college while the remaining younger siblings, Bontha, Simbo, and Conja focused on their education. Mom and Neang worked locally – babysitting, house-sitting and other work in order to make ends meet. As each child eventually finished school, found lucrative careers and spouses, they never forgot the contributions of their parents and Neang and Mom were able to retire peacefully in Union City whereupon their children and grandchildren continue to gladly visit them to this day.During Neang’s free time, he enjoyed gardening and cooking. His innovative green thumb could coerce the most stubborn of plants into growth and he would regularly use the literal fruits of his labor to cook Cambodian food for his children and grandchildren, keeping the traditions of his home alive with the new generation. He also enjoyed watching the Price Is Right. From Bob Barker to Drew Carey, he was a faithful follower of the game show and would encouragingly cheer on contestants at the wheel while also accurately guess the value of the showcase. Even in his hobbies and interests, Neang was ever patient and kind – waiting for vegetables and fruits to mature and rooting for veritable strangers.Neang was an established businessman, a reluctant romantic, and a charitable citizen but most importantly, he was a cherished and doting father and grandfather to his 4 children and 6 grandchildren. He was and will forever remain to be well-loved and missed by them and those around them.
What’s your fondest memory of NEANG?
What’s a lesson you learned from NEANG?
Share a story where NEANG's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with NEANG you’ll never forget.
How did NEANG make you smile?