Chy Hay Uong

Chy Hay Uong, 88, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, August 26, 2013 at Essentia Health, Fargo. Chy was born August 30, 1924 in China. He grew up in China working on the family farm, moving to Cambodia at the age of 17. He started his own business making woven scarves for farmers to shade them from the sun while in the fields. He married Eng Huy Ung in Cambodia in 1954.

In 1965 he started his own grocery store and bakery, where he became famous for his Cambodian French Bread. He and his family survived the terrors of the communist regime from 1975 to 1979, and together they escaped and took refuge at a refugee camp in Thailand. The family came to the United States through a sponsorship by Thurston and Christine Nelson of Hillsboro through Lutheran Social Services. They lived at the Nelson’s farm during the fall and winter of 1979, after which they moved to Fargo.

In 1980, Chy began his work as a baker at Hornbachers in Moorhead, MN. He worked there for 10 years, becoming famous to yet another community for his beloved Cambodian French Bread. He was incredibly accomplished as an entrepreneur and professional, and passed on his determination and values to his children and grandchildren.

During retirement, he visited his parents in China, and enjoyed fishing with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a family-centered man, always keeping the needs of his family at heart. It was due to his diligence and commitment that the family survived the journey from Cambodia, literally leading them out of a jungle after they were abandoned by a guide. Without him, his family would not be here today.

He is survived by his wife, Eng, Fargo, ND; Son, Tony Wong; daughters Sue Jade Wong (Choung), Sue Lang Wong, Amy (Thanh) Tran, and Sue Kheng (Curt) Pekarek, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, a brother and a sister.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Song Hua Uong and Maw Kheng Uong.

Chy's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm