Nom Som

Nom (Ba) was born in Phnom Penh the capital city of Cambodia. As a rite of passage into adulthood, he served as a Buddhist monk upon graduating from high school. After his service as a monk, Nom sought employment at the post office and worked off and on as a clerk at the U.S. Embassy for almost 16 years.

Nom spoke Khmer, French and some English which allowed him to communicate with the people at the U.S. Embassy. Just days prior to the communist revolution and takeover of Phnom Penh, Nom and family were assisted out of Cambodia with the help of his American counterparts from the U.S. Embassy. Nom and family arrived in Phoenix, AZ in 1975, with just the clothes on their backs.

Nom and family were greeted in Phoenix by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) who coordinated the move. Through the efforts of the Jewish Family and Children’s Services, the Open Door Society and various volunteers from both agencies, and the great people of Desert Chapel Church of Christ, Nom and family slowly acclimated to their unfamiliar environment.

Nom worked at Alpha Beta for three years, and after working 21 years at Honeywell, retired in 1999. During his free time, Nom enjoyed gardening and completing many do-it-yourself projects around the house. Nom genuinely enjoyed and cherished spending time with his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Nom was married to his wife for 57 years. He was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his six sons, one daughter, one son-in-law, two daughter-in-law, one granddaughter in-law, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A Funeral service will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Golden Door, 11211 Michigan Ave, Youngtown, AZ 85363 Followed by a graveside service from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Sunland Memorial Park & Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGoldenDoor.com for the Som family.