Peter Pith's Obituary
Born on April 18th, 1947, in Koh Thom District (District of Kandal Province), Cambodia to Mr. Chou Pith & Mrs. Yin Sann, Sakhan was the fourth of six siblings. His life was full of obstacles, triumphs, and a true manifestation of love, selflessness, and empathy.
As a young boy, he tragically lost both his parents at the tender age of four. In 1970, at the age of 23, Sakhan enlisted in The Khmer National Navy. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Lieutenant stationed at the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia. In 1974, his enlistment took him, along with 20 other Naval Officers, to the United States Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. In 1975, he and his Naval Officers arrived in New Port, Rhode Island to attend the Naval Education and Training Center. They only had a few weeks of training left, but the country of Cambodia had collapsed during their civil war.
With only a month given to decide his new fate, a Mr. Warren Galkin, became his sponsor. He invited Peter in his home and gave him an opportunity at Natco Products Corp. Peter grew to know Mr. Galkin’s family well. Through mentorship, he not only worked hard, but had a chance in furthering his education with a recommendation from Mr Galkin, a Brown University Alumni and Navy man himself. In 1982, Sakhan went on to graduate from the prestigious Brown University, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering in Providence, Rhode Island. There is also a story about how he got the name “Peter” from Mr. Galkin’s father, Arthur, because he had a hard time pronouncing Sakhan. It was from that moment Peter became his alias. Sakhan married his soulmate Sitha Sao (Shirley) on October 7th, 1976 (Officiated by Rev. Gerald Gordon) at the Congregation Church in Providence, Rhode Island surrounded by a small group of close friends and family. They had 3 beautiful boys: Sayla, Sathia, and Robert. Being a social worker was one of his jobs, helping the influx of refugees fleeing Cambodia. He was heavily involved with the Cambodian Community and later founded The Rhode Island Cambodian Community Cultural, Social, and Religious Society Temple along with four other friends and family.
By the mid-80s, Sakhan saw opportunity in Agricultural Farming in Florida. By the late 80s, he purchased a property and moved his family 1,500 miles to Homestead, Florida. He owned and operated Khemara Farms Inc., which later became a hotspot to visit for fresh exotic fruits. “The Farm” was more than just a business, it was building friendships, job opportunities, and ultimately a way of life and where he worked until he couldn’t any longer.
Pith Sakhan, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, had a peaceful passing on the early morning of May 28th, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family, leaving a profound emptiness in our hearts. His journey, his pioneering spirit, was filled with memories of family. His legacy will not be forgotten and will continue through his sons.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Pith, sons Sayla, Sathia, and Robert. He has 8 grandchildren; Sophia, Kobe, Noti, Tibo, Bradley, Tevi, Kate, and Ariya. He has a surviving sibling, Ms. Pith Nara and her family living in Cambodia, and his Granddaughter Tran Mi’s family living in Vietnam along with so many nieces, nephews, across the world, who all held a special place in his life. As we mourn Sakhan Peter Pith’s passing, we take solace in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his mother and father, brother Chou Teang and sisters Pith Srang, Pith Sophal, and Pith Phalla who preceded him in death. His absence has left a palpable void that cannot be filled, but his legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will forever live on in our hearts and lives of those he touched.
Rest in peace, Dad. You are so dearly missed.
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