Chanpory Rith
Oct 23, 2007
Last night, my father, Yath Rith, passed away. He was 78 years old and was sick for a long time. I was able to see him just a few minutes before he died.
My father was a Cambodian refugee of war, a man who liked his shoes polished, and a meticulous barber who preferred vintage hair clippers over electric ones. Until his steady hands failed him, he was the only one to cut my hair. Although cultural, language, and generational differences sometimes divided us, haircuts brought us together.
He did not know what design was, but it was from him that I gained a discerning eye. Thank you, Pa.
LifeClever will not be updated this week, while I spend time with my family. I expect posts to return next week. Thank you everyone for understanding.



88 Comments
joy
6:24 am
my thoughts are with you and your family at this time
Chris Ward
6:29 am
I’m very sorry to hear that. My condolences, he sounds like a great man.
Patrick Rhone
6:50 am
You have my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you.
Robby
6:59 am
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I’m glad that he was able to pass onto you the discerning eye, which has helped you help the world.
Karthik Kastury
7:08 am
You have my deepest condolences. May the soul of your father rest in peace.
Mark
7:10 am
Peace be with you and your family.
Bikram
7:20 am
So sorry to hear that. Don’t loose heart. Me n all your readers are beside you at this hour.
Craig Carignan
7:28 am
I’m really sorry to hear the bad news.
AL
7:31 am
Very sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and your family :(
Archaeogeek
7:33 am
Deepest Sympathy. Take as much time as you need- we will all still be here when you get back.
qureyoon
7:50 am
my deepest condolences, may god bless and give strength to u and your family
electro^plankton
8:03 am
Hugs from everyone here at Electro^Plankton
Mary Beth
8:36 am
You and your family are in my prayers. Condolences on your loss.
ale2000
8:39 am
so sorry to hear about your loss. my condolences to you and your family.
Bill
8:46 am
The best reflection of a parent is in their child that makes the world a better place. Your father must have been a pretty amazing person. My thoughts are with you.
Boris
9:00 am
Toutes mes condoléances.
marisa
9:01 am
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Liza
9:25 am
My condolences to you and your family.
mark
9:53 am
So sorry Chanpory, all my best to you and your family
kt
9:54 am
Condolences to you and your family.
Nate
9:55 am
I am so sorry to hear the news.
Brian F
9:58 am
Sorry to hear the news. I will be praying for your family.
Carm
10:00 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to him. My condolences and best wishes for you and your family.
Suresh
10:02 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jen
10:25 am
I’m very sorry for your loss. Your eulogy is very touching. I wish you and your family the best during this hard time.
lp115
10:31 am
Thoughts and prayers to you
Kevin Hoctor
10:46 am
It’s never easy to lose a loved one. You did a great job eulogizing him with this entry. You and your family have my prayers. Peace.
darksunji
12:15 pm
R.I.P.
Mikey
12:22 pm
Long time reader, first time commenter here. There’s really nothing any of us can say to make your pain bearable but let me just say that your father died at a ripe age and I’m sure he lived a full life.
Celebrate his life, cherish his memories.
Iman
1:27 pm
another long time reader first time commenter. That is a very touching tribute indeed. I wish you peace and comfort during what is no doubt a difficult time.
SBee
1:38 pm
What a sweet description. You and your family are in our thoughts.
David Airey
1:53 pm
My deepest condolences. There are no words that can help at these times. Best wishes to you and your family.
Balu
2:17 pm
What can I say but sending all the best wishes to you and your family from Germany…
Nora
2:23 pm
Chanpory, may the memory of your father be a blessing to you. My deepest condolences on your loss
Nora
2:24 pm
Chanpory, may the memory of your father be a blessing to you.
mercurial scribe
2:26 pm
I am so sorry for your loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Southern California…
gIzmHo
4:35 pm
i’m so sorry… my condolences to you and your family.
adevv
6:25 pm
I’m very sorry for your loss, Chanpory. Thoughts and prayers for you & your family.
BMC
6:40 pm
Death of a parent never comes at good time,regardless of age.It sounds like you both had a bond together,nice to hold to as your life moves on..find strength and peace in your memories..
Elle Rayne
7:44 pm
I’m sorry for your loss, and I wish the best for you and your family. Take care.
PR
9:00 pm
May you find strength for yourself and for your family. My condolences.
smin
12:26 am
Sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to you and your family
Soroush
12:53 am
Sorry to hear of your loss, Chanpory.
Helena Denley
1:20 am
How amazing that you got to be with your father in his final moments before his transition. Not many people get to experience that with a loved one.
Keep you spirit high & remember all of the fantastic things about your dad.
Amit Agarwal
4:17 am
I am very sorry.
Jon Waring
4:37 am
Very sorry to hear that, my thoughts are with you.
Patrick
5:27 am
Thank you for sharing your life. Peace to you and your family.
Amrit Hallan
6:16 am
Please accept my condolences.
Brent
6:52 am
My condolences to you and your family. My father passed away earlier this year after an illness. I got to spend an hour with him prior to his passing. That time is some of the most precious to me in all our years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rob
8:17 am
My condolences to you and your family. I’d like to thank him for his guidance to you and the benefits that we all receive from this blog. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
Jes
9:55 am
Chanpory, my deepest and heart-filled prayers to you, your family and friends that the G-D of Heaven will comfort you. May you ever be drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ for strength. A special prayer for you this coming Sabbath.
Marina
11:00 am
Please except my deepest condolences.
SheriVan
12:51 pm
Chanpory, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers at this very moment.
johnpv
2:56 pm
my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Jeremy S
3:08 pm
best wishes while you get through this difficult time.
Setter
6:22 pm
Sorry about that, my thoughts are with you.
mordyth
7:58 pm
What a sad time for you and your family. Even when someone is ill for a long time no one is ever ready for such a loss. My thoughts are with you.
Bryan Villarin
10:31 pm
My thoughts and prayers for you all. I’m sure he was an amazing man.
Darren
12:37 am
Sorry to hear that news - my thoughts are with you and your family.
Allen
6:07 am
I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
Kyleigh
8:06 am
Such sad news, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you, and just look at all the other readers comments too! You are well thought of.
James
8:51 am
Sorry to hear about your lost Chanpory, I will keep you in my prays.
James - Salzburg
erin
10:23 am
i’m sorry for you and your loss.
Mark
10:38 am
Im so sorry to hear your news - my thoughts are with you and your family.
Abby
12:19 pm
Oh, I’m really sorry. I know I don’t know you, but the thought of losing a parent. I know it’s going to be a hard time. My thoughts are with you.
Mitch
4:13 pm
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jason S
4:16 pm
So sorry for your loss.
P
5:58 pm
Take your time, yu have our condolences
mekuria getinet
7:50 pm
our thoughts are with you and your family.
nyom
9:11 pm
How you described your father is really beautiful, and I’m 100% sure he appreciates it. I hope you and your family cherish each moment you spend togehter in this time of sad departure by your father. I’ll keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Parvez
1:18 am
You have my deepest condolences. Best wishes while you get through this difficult time.
VA
2:00 am
my condolences. peace to you and your family.
PM
3:41 am
My condolences to you and your family.
Rod
9:20 am
My condolences, dude. My father has gone in the later year… I really comprehend you. Peace to you and family.
annab
11:14 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolances to you and your family.
climbingcolorado
12:09 pm
I stand with you, brother. Peace.
Adam Troudart
12:44 pm
The way you’ve described your father and the connection you’ve had was very exciting. Please expect my sincere condolences to you and your family.
David
5:52 pm
First time visitor, but I’d like to offer my condolences. Please be assured that you will be together again someday.
birdtalk
3:03 am
take care my friend
laroi
8:05 am
Really sorry for you loss.
Scott Harris
12:39 am
Sorry to hear that mate.
Only time will heal your pain.
My thoughts are with you,
Scott Sydney, NSW, Australia
colombosam
3:39 am
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
Tim Lauer
5:41 pm
Condolences to you and your family…
Loren
8:31 pm
Sorry for your loss. Take as much time as you need.
Yanko Design
3:12 am
My condolences to you and your family. If Yanko Design can do anything let us know.
Michiel Ebberink
5:13 am
My condolences to you too.
j138
10:31 am
Sorry for your loss! Take you time we will be here whenever you come back.
Chanpory
11:46 am
Thank you everyone for your warm and kind words.
Although we may not know each other very well, your thoughts have greatly moved me. I hope I can offer you the same kindness in return one day.
Now, it is time to remember and to look ahead. To help bring closure to this process, I am closing comments on this post.
Warmly, Chanpory