Funeral of Clark Tang’s grandfather, Cheark Ung, at a temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia 1974. Clark’s family is Chinese and some traditional aspects of a Chinese funeral can be seen. The presence of the coffin and photo means the body has not yet been cremated. Family members bow to show their respect and say goodbye.
Clark Tang’s uncle, Bunpa Ung, with Clark’s mother, Clair Ung with Clark (left, approx. 2-3 yrs old) and his older brother Shane Pen, (right, 4-5 yrs old). The photo was taken in a studio in Ta Khmao, Cambodia in 1971. The uncle is now a heart surgeon in Switzerland and has three children. The photos were buried in the ground and a family member went back after the war to dig them up.
Clark Tang’s grandparents, You Long and Cheark Ung, when they were just starting their family, Phnom Penh c. 1940. As far as the family knows, the great grandfather came to Cambodia to escape conscription into the Chinese army, probably in the 1800’s. He had no funds, managed to find work, marry and buy a farm. His farm exported tobacco and corn to Vietnam. Clark learned of this on a trip back to Cambodia when he discovered that his family still held several properties.
