Devoted Husband, Beloved Father, and Community Leader, Educator, fighter, hero. Sarath Chum's quest for a great life and freedom will always be remembered with love, hope, and light.
Sarath Chum passed away of liver disease at St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at 1:07 P.M. He was surrounded by his loved ones who will honor his memory daily in their hearts and lives. Born in early January 1953 in Cambodia, Sarath’s purpose was driven by living life to the fullest and teaching cultural traditions and customs – both old and new.
In 1979, Sarath Chum fought for his freedom and fled the killing fields of Cambodia. Despite becoming a prisoner of war, Sarath narrowly escaped the custody of the Khmer Rouge after he and three friends bravely disarmed a soldier. Together, they hid and traveled on foot in search of a path to freedom. 28 days later, Sarath and friends reached a refugee camp in Thailand.
Sarath hoped to be saved from the genocide and granted a life-changing opportunity to go to America. His first year at the camp, he met his wife, soulmate, and caretaker, Sitha. They married in 1980 and sheltered there for three years. In the spring of 1982, they received sponsorship to America. An airplane flew them to the other side of the world, landing on U.S. soil.
Shortly upon arrival in Richmond, Virginia, two of Sarath’s friends arranged a bus ride for him, his wife and first born son, David, to a Massachusetts community with people from his homeland. Together, with seven other families, the Cambodian Community of Greater Fall River was established. With “Mr. Chum” as their leader, it grew, and the culture of Cambodia was born in the city. They began a mission of freeing friends and family members from the genocide and emigrating them to America.
Sarath had one goal in mind: to teach English and cultural traditions to as many Cambodian children as possible. With much effort, he changed his date of birth to January 5th, 1959 to make himself mimic the age of college student, and enrolled himself into school. He attended Bristol Community College and earned an associate degree in Education. He later studied at Lesley University. As the first Cambodian native in Fall River to speak English, he declared it his duty to equip his community with language. He taught at Carroll Annex and Healy Schools for over 11 years as a bilingual education teacher and loved every minute of it.
Sarath expressed his open and affectionate character through many hobbies – mostly in his love for music. He could play any instrument he picked up. He often performed in a Cambodian wedding band as the lead bass guitarist and keyboard player. He also sang occasionally and loved to dance. In his leisure, Sarath enjoyed fishing, gardening, shooting pool, and playing basketball. Still, his largest passion remained speaking and advocating with the government of Fall River at community meetings, celebrations, and cultural events.
In 2003, Sarath’s health began to decline due to the harm he endured as a prisoner of war. While facing the most challenging battle of his life, he still explored different business endeavors to discover how else he could be successful and positively impact others.
Sarath is survived by his adoring wife, Sitha Meas Chum, his loving children, David, Linda, and Krishna, as well as hundreds of members of the Cambodian Community of Greater Fall River whose lives he changed through his courageous spirit, perseverance, and tenacity. Sarath is predeceased by his father Chim Meach, mother Puch Pich, brother Chhoeun Meach, and sister Sally Meach.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 17th, 2022 from 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM in Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of Hope and Memory in Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. For tributes and directions, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com
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