Chinheng Siv, age 63, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born in Battambang, Cambodia, and was the eldest of ten children born to Mengthong Siv (1937–1998) and Ly Sok Pheng (1941–2012).
Chinheng was known for his generosity, strength of character, and deep devotion to his family. Like his father, he was intelligent, well respected within his community, and consistently generous to both friends and family.
As the eldest sibling, Chinheng assumed responsibility from an early age, caring for his parents and siblings with steadfast determination and quiet pride. Hard work was not a choice but a defining principle of his life, and he approached every task with resolve and perseverance.
Prior to the hardships endured during the Cambodian genocide, Chinheng attended university for two years. The trauma and realities of war profoundly shaped his resilience, sense of duty, and commitment to family.
After immigrating to the United States, Chinheng worked tirelessly to support his grandmother, parents, and siblings. He lived in many places like California, Louisiana, and Illinois before ultimately settling in Michigan. He was a pivotal founding member of the Cambodian Buddhist community in Holland, Michigan. Through his dedication and tireless efforts, he played a significant role in the establishment and construction of the temple, helping to lay groundwork for the thriving community that exists today. His talents, strong work ethic, and determination to build a better life led to the legacy he leaves behind.
A true jack of all trades, Chinheng possessed a remarkable range of skills. He repaired automobiles, was a skilled fisherman, and cultivated an impressive garden by grafting trees and growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. He was known for having a yard full of flowers that he shared with his friends and family. Intelligent and resourceful, he had a natural aptitude for problem-solving and craftsmanship. He eventually built his own home from the ground up and worked in the automotive manufacturing industry for more than 30 years.
Chinheng was also an accomplished cook who found joy in preparing and sharing meals. His home was a place of welcome and gathering, where family and friends were brought together through his hospitality and generosity. Every holiday and celebration was filled with meals and memories.
Above all, Chinheng was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved spouse, Dalin Chan; his children, Linda Ket, Christopher Siv, Krisna Siv, Sounhong Siv, Chamnan Siv, and Malina Siv; his siblings, Chinhor Siv, Chinheang Siv, Chinly Siv, Chinhoun Siv, Sokuntee Siv (deceased), Sokunmony (deceased), Sokunthea Aguilar, Sokunveary Siv, and Sopheany Siv; and his grandchildren, Kyrie, Kaylin, and Xander, through Linda Ket and Alexander Ket; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. All will miss him deeply and fondly cherish the memories shared with him.
Chinheng’s legacy is defined by resilience, generosity, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed, and his memory lives on through the family and friends he supported, the home he built, and the many lives he touched through a lifetime of hard work and devotion.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 6, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, at the Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland. A funeral ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 7, at 11:30am, at the Northwood Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Siv family to support the arrangements and honoring of their loved one through Venmo, @ChinhengMemorial.
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