Yuvath (“Taiva”, “Michael) was born in 1953 in Srok Moung, Battambang Province, Cambodia to Ngan and Hour Yin. He was the youngest of six children. His childhood was filled with joy playing hide and seek, barbershop with friends and jumping from the bridge into the river during monsoon season. He was a very smart child, a talented singer, earning a second place in the Battambang Province high school singing competition. He completed his Baccalaureate in eleven years instead of the standard 12 years. Nothing he did was standard. Everything he did was always done with passion, love and unsurpassed work ethic.
Yuvath joined the Khmer Navy in 1971, where he served his country as Lieutenant Jr. Grade. In 1974, he and his fellow Cambodian military staff were sent to the United States to train with the U.S. Navy at Lackland Air Force Base, and then to a military base in San Diego, CA.
In April 1975, Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia fell to the Communist Party of Kampuchea, spurring the Khmer Rouge(Cambodian civil war), which lasted from 1975-1979. Since returning to Cambodia meant a certain death, Yuvath remained in the U.S.
After several years of searching for his family in Cambodia and Thailand, he found his mother, sister, a new brother- in- law, along with his brother- in- law’s family. He sponsored their safe passage to the U.S. They arrived in San Diego three days before Yuvath’s wedding to Jeanine Parker, the love of his life. They have been married 40 years and have one son, Michael.
“Michael”, as he was known by all in San Diego, owned and operated a beauty salon together with his business partners for about 30 years. He continuously honed his skills by attending numerous workshops and hair shows in New York, London, Las Vegas and various other cities. He was well known for his knowledge of modern hair styles and was sought out by clients for his skills. He maintained many long time clients, many for over 20 years, that became dear friends. He always had a kind word and asked about your family.
He retired in July 2020 after a long successful career. He enjoyed traveling with Jeanine and was an avid and talented photographer. He played guitar in the past and continued to enjoy various styles of music. He loved to watch old movies, football and baseball. But what he loved and treasured the most was family. He was a very proud husband, father and uncle. He enjoyed all family get togethers. Family is important.
In August 2020, Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme. He had surgery and recovered well. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread too much and too fast throughout his body. Yuvath is survived by his wife, son & daughter-in-law, sister, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins and many very dear friends.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we say goodbye to a wonderful loving man. We will miss your warm smile, your love and infectious laughter that you always shared with everyone. We will see each other again.
The Yin family will be donating funds in Yuvath and Jeanine Yin’s name to Temple Soriyaram in Srok Moung, Battambang Province, Cambodia to build housing for elderly residents and orphaned children residing at the temple.
Donations may be made to the following:
You may donate to the “National Brain Tumor Society” at https://braintumor.org/ via ‘Give Today’ in memory of Yuvath (Michael) Yin.
You may also donate to Blessed Sacrament Church, designate “parish office improvements”. Jeanine works here and Yuvath supported her work at the church.
You may send plants or flowers in memory of Yuvath “Michael” Yin to Blessed Sacrament Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the Yin family.
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