Tay Chhay

Tay Chhay, 94, of Rochester, MN peacefully passed away on July 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Tay was born on January 1, 1931, in Cambodia. He married Oeun Sin at the age of 19 and they later had 5 children. Tay served in the Cambodian military - he was even captured and held as a prisoner of war at one point, but he persevered and miraculously survived for his family. It was a difficult journey, but Tay and his wife and children relocated to the United States in 1982. They spent a few years in North Dakota and made their way to Madison, Wisconsin, where Tay and Oeun spent decades of their lives together before eventually moving to Rochester, Minnesota.

While living in Madison, Tay spent a lot of time with his three grandchildren in town as they grew up, often trying to teach them vocabulary words and phrases as he drove them to school every morning. He loved getting all his grandchildren together over all the years and especially loved having his newest great-granddaughter just minutes away. Tay loved music and played the saxophone - he could always be found on stage with the band at New Years celebrations and loved having a good time with friends.

Tay is survived by his five children; Chantha and his wife Paula, Sokha and his wife Pheap, Sophie and her partner Saran, Sophal and her husband Kab, and Sophea; his grandchildren; Alyssa, Paulina, Ashley (Alec McGinn), Chastity, Christopher, Chauvin, Vanessa, Narvin, Sonya (Micah Nasett), Jesse, and Emily; and great-grandchildren, Leo, Emma, Elle, and Ivy.

Tay will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May he rest in peace along with his loving wife Oeun.

 The visitation and funeral/prayer service will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday July 12 at Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations (1624 37th St NW).