Bunnara Ly

Nghe Ngo Chanh, or Bunnara Ly, was born in Cambodia in 1949, the youngest of seven children. During the Khmer Rouge in the mid-1970s, he fled from Cambodia for security and freedom, escaping through Thailand to Vietnam. How end up in France? How he end up in Oregon?

In 1985, Bunnara was set up on a date with his future wife, Heng, in Portland, Oregon, during his visit to the United States. He fell in love and followed his heart, deciding not to return to Paris. He married Heng in 1986 in Alhambra, California, then bought their forever home in West Covina, California. Together, Bunnara and Heng had three daughters: Christina, Nancy, and Elizabeth.

Bunnara worked as an astute diamond cutter for more than 20 years, with clients who turned to him for precision on their best diamonds. He provided for the family as Heng took on the role as a stay-at-home mom as the kids were young. Bunnara was proud to see each daughter graduate from college and achieve milestones such as personal growth and pursuing their passions. He also took pride in witnessing his daughters demonstrate good values and integrity, akin to the Buddhist teachings he believed in. Although Bunnara’s health had declined significantly by the time he became a grandfather, it was clear that a sense of joy and excitement was lit each time he saw his granddaughter, Sydney.

From Vietnam to California, Bunnara was often the life of the party, pouring the Remy Martin and Hennessy. His quirky sense of humor and big personality always made family and friends laugh. He will be remembered for his love for life - traveling, drinking, singing and dancing at every opportunity.