Phoeuy Tray

PORTLAND – Phoeuy Tray, 85, of Portland, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, on Nov. 12, 2025. Phoeuy was born on April 4, 1940, in Serei Saophoan, Cambodia, the son of the late Suess Tray and Sorn Nhim.

Phoeuy loved helping people and was known to many as “Lok Krew,” which means “teacher.”

His love of teaching began early on, as he not only valued education but saw it as a way to prove himself worthy of the love of his life, Sany Pol. Sany and Phoeuy were married in 1964 and had six children, two of whom died during the Cambodian genocide. Phoeuy’s brave and heroic efforts led to his family’s escape to Thailand, where he continued to teach in the refugee camps. Formally or informally, Phoeuy was always teaching and always had students, never turning anyone away. His most memorable moment was gaining freedom from the Khmer Rouge, and his proudest moment was bringing his family to the United States so they could have a better life.

Phoeuy was predeceased by his daughters, Monica and Socheta. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sany Pol, and their four children: Rattana Tray (Vuthy), Manila Tray (Marco), Rattanak Tray (Hope), and Ratha Tray (Sreyya). Phoeuy cherished spending time with his seven grandchildren: Senetra (Brandon), Thorn, Maradi, Bridget, Vireak, Pheakdey, and Noreak; and one great-granddaughter, Lucina.

Phoeuy’s courage, humor, intelligence, and loving spirit touched everyone around him. His contagious smile could brighten any moment. Our hearts ache and he will be missed beyond words.

A Cambodian ritual will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 9 a.m., at Watt Samaki Temple in Buxton. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home in Portland.

To share memories of Phoeuy or to offer the family online condolences please visit http://www.athutchins.com.