Noravuth Steven Tav

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Noravuth Steven Tav, who passed away on September 4, 2024, in Redlands, California. Steven, as he was known to most, was born in Anaheim, California on Dec. 26, 1982. He later spent his childhood and most of his young adult life in Fresno, California before moving to Moreno Valley in 2009, where he resided at the time of his passing.

As the son of refugee parents from Cambodia, Steven was raised on hard work and resilience. His work ethic began at a very early age when he worked for the family donut shop alongside his five siblings until the shop closed in 2005. Many evenings were spent at the donut shop, from serving customers and folding donut boxes to cleaning trays and sweeping the floor nightly. Steven did all this while a full-time student, from elementary school to college.

Steven attended Centennial Elementary School, where he met some of his closest, lifelong friends. He later attended Tioga Middle School and Hoover High School in Fresno. While at Fresno City College, he began working in the service center for a local Mitsubishi car dealership. This is where his love of cars began. In fact, one of his favorite movies was “The Fast and the Furious”, which was the inspiration for his own beloved first car, an Acura RSX.

In 2009, Steven moved to Moreno Valley, California, alongside his brother, David. While attending Moreno Valley College, his academics flourished, receiving numerous awards for his scholastic and leadership achievements. He was also involved with the Associated Students of Moreno Valley College. Steven later attended Riverside City College, where he majored in athletic training, combining his love of sports with his innate ability to care for others. In 2016, he earned his associate’s degree at RCC.

While at Moreno Valley College, Steven reignited a childhood passion and took up karate through the Moreno Valley College Karate Club. Having previously practiced in tae kwon do, he quickly became skilled in the art of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai. He participated in competitive tournaments and seminars, while being active with Karate Kids of Moreno Valley Parks and Recreation. Steven’s commitment to his craft earned him the rank of Sho-Dan (1st) in 2017, which is a first-degree black belt.

Soft spoken, yet outgoing, Steven leaves behind countless friends and loved ones from Fresno to Moreno Valley - all of whom will remember him for his gentle spirit, sweet and calm nature and unique sense of humor, as well as his love for the Lakers and 49ers.

Steven is survived by his father, Nelson Tav, mother, Kim Ly Tav, and siblings Alinna Tav, Alida Noriega, David Tav and Melissa Tav Phan, as well as three nephews. He is preceded in death by his little brother, Richard. It gives us great comfort to know that Steven and Richard are now together in Heaven, while watching over us from above.

A Celebration of Life for Steven will be held Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1-2 p.m. at Stephens & Bean Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno.