Obituary of Savath Chea

It is with great sadness that the family of Savath Chea announces his passing after a longstanding illness, on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the age of 70 years. Savath will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Sinan, and his children, Visay (Ligaya), Debbie, Michael (Chantal). Savath will also be fondly remembered by his two grandchildren, Levi and Dominic,by his brother-in-law, Sophorn (Saran), by his nephews, Sophal (Sopha), Borin, Pherk (Chivy), Samross, Chack, by his nieces Sokhom (Sopheap), Sopheap, Lisa, Christarn, and by many extended family in his native home of Cambodia.

Savath was born on May 29th, 1950 in Battambang, Cambodia. A survivor of the Killing Fields in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime, Savath had a heart of gold filled with compassion towards his fellow brothers and sisters and wanted to help those in need as much as he could. He worked as a surgical assistant in the Cambodian refugee camp, Khao-I-Dang (KID), where he helped care for acute surgical patients. In 1984, Savath made Canada his new home and worked tirelessly to provide the life for his family that he had always dreamed of. He was an extremely dedicated and hard-working Loader Operator at Magna for 21 years. On top of working full time, he sought out other opportunities to further secure his family’s future, including real estate investing. He spent his free time watching YouTube cooking shows, gardening, and spending time with his beloved family - most importantly, making memories and caring for his two grandsons. Savath was always there to help his relatives and friends and would sacrifice anything he had to help those in need. His caring demeanour and his distinct, infectious smile will surely be missed by those who have been blessed to know him. 

Visitation will be held by appointment only on Friday December 11, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Funeral Service in memory of Savath will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.with Pastor Samuel Mills officiating at DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, Ontario,  Interment will follow in the family plot at Thornton Cemetery. To commemorate Savath’s gentle soul and faith, we ask that you wear an article of white (if possible) to celebrate his life and symbolize his longing for peace. The service will be live streamed at the link provided below to accommodate guests who are unable to attend in person. Those who so desire may make donations in memory of Savath to Compassion International. Tributes and memories may be shared at: www.destefanofuneralhomes.ca

Link to live stream




The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards the Thornton Cemetery and  DeStefano Funeral Home for being very accommodating and understanding during this difficult time.