Phon Ly Lim

Phon Ly Lim was born in Sisophon, Cambodia in 1957 to Phou Ny Luon and Meng Se Lim. He is survived by his four children, Hourt (Vanna), Hok, Peng (Rachel), and Melinda, his beloved grandchildren, Oliver, Miles, and Elliot, and his wife and companion of 42 years, Kimly. He is also survived by his siblings, Tiv, Chieng, Seng, Siv and countless nieces and nephews.

Phon was a dedicated brother, husband, father, and grandfather. Dad was a family and tradition-centered man who raised his children with an appreciation for their Cambodian and Chinese heritage and a deep love and devotion to each other. His family was his bedrock. His life took him from the countryside of Cambodia, where he met his forever companion, to protecting and helping his young family escape to the United States as refugees during rising tensions in Southeast Asia. He arrived in the states with nothing more than a few belongings but with a heart full of hope and dreams. As he raised his children moving between Maryland, California, and Utah, he taught his family strong values and a tremendous work ethic, led by his ultimate example.

In his free time, his inquisitive mind led him to many home and DIY projects. He was always tinkering with something at the house. His home was a refuge where family would often gather for holidays, traditions, and celebrations such as Chinese New Year’s, anniversaries, and any other excuse for a good cookout. His own recipes were legendary (ask his children about his fried rice, egg roll or steamed bun recipes, or his most recent recipe for Cambodian fried bananas). He also loved testing new recipes every chance he had, especially on Family Sundays. Among the many trades he had, he was also a chef. No visitor ever left hungry. This passion for food was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He loved listening to his favorite Cambodian music, oftentimes loudly to the chagrin of others (especially Mom) in the house. He loved to dance and had a smile to match his kind and generous soul. He and mom loved any excuse to travel (mostly by car). He was a man of faith and culture, deeply rooted and proud of the legacy his parents instilled within him.

His grandchildren were the center of his life, beginning with his oldest grandchild, Ollie. There were countless memories together, but he was most proud of the young man he was becoming. With his second grandchild Miles, he would entertain him with various foods and activities such as gardening, fixing the house and yard, and teaching him other life lessons. They were best friends. When with his youngest grandchild, Elliot, he enjoyed seeing his bright mind and testing him with vocabulary words, state and country capitals, and ending each visit with teasing hugs. He was truly an incredible Gong (Grandpa). Grandpa, we love you.

Dad was well loved and respected by his friends and coworkers. He worked for almost three decades at Edwards Lifesciences and had a quiet confidence in his caliber of work and dedication to his trade.

Together with his dear wife, Kimly, they raised four children whose success and happiness in life are tied back to their selfless sacrifice, unconditional love, and lifetime of memories. Their love endures.

He leaves behind a legacy that has countless laughs, smiles, full bellies, and love.

Dad, you will live on in our hearts, your memories in our minds, the many meals in our stomachs, and the priceless impact on the generations that follow forever. We love you and we will miss you. Thank you for being our dad.

Prayer and Viewing Services will be held at Larkin Mortuary in Riverton, Utah on October 22nd with Graveside services to follow later that afternoon.