Steven Bunkytek Somreth

In Loving Memory of Our Father

Steven Bunkytek Somreth lived a life marked by resilience, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering love for family.

Orphaned at a young age, he spent much of his childhood living and receiving his education in a Buddhist monastery. There he developed a deep understanding of Buddhist teachings. He embraced the principles of compassion, humility, generosity, and kindness toward all living beings, values that would guide him through life.

He spoke several languages, including Sanskrit, Khmer (Cambodian), French, and English. He has worked for the American Embassy, as Chief Reservationist at the Gran Hotel in Siam Reap, and even translated some top-secret intel for the CIA.

When Cambodia fell to the draconian Khmer Rouge, he hid his illuminati background and took on the identity of an illiterate rickshaw runner. It was dangerous to be smart, much harder to play dumb. When famine broke out, he risked his life and fished minnows and paddy crabs at night to provide for our family.

Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge, he led our family to Khao-I-Dang Thailand. While living in a refugee camp, he parlayed his English knowledge to work as a translator at a field hospital. There he met Nancy Roberts, chairwoman of the American Refugee Committee (Alight) who sponsored us to America.

He lamented having to start over, but his love of learning kept his mind sharp. He worked at various factory jobs in Illinois including taking on a night shift. Eventually, he learned about computers in California, and worked as an electronic technician with our mother. Together, they raised us three kids and put us through college. He found joy and happiness in the seven beautiful grandchildren that followed.

Our father’s legacy is not measured by material possessions or worldly achievements, but by his devotion to our mother and the solid family they built together. From a broken limb, a family tree emerges.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered

He walked a path of compassion,

Lived with kindness and humility,

And touched the lives of others

Through his gentle heart and selfless spirit.

May he find peace in the eternal journey.

Though his earthly journey has ended,

The wisdom, kindness, and love he shared

Will forever remain in our hearts.