Heng Hor Chhor, also known as Kor Sim Heng and affectionately known as “Lucky” by his neighbors and friends, passed away on July 13, 2026, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.
Heng came from a Teochew Chinese Cambodian family and grew up in Ta Khmau and Tuol Kouk, near Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He received part of his education through schools operated by local Buddhist pagodas.
Before the Khmer Rouge genocide, Heng built a successful life as an entrepreneur. He owned and operated a taxi business and a wine and spirits distribution company that served prominent families, members of Cambodia’s royal circles, and other notable figures. The Khmer Rouge took away the businesses and prosperity he had built and forced him to flee Cambodia in search of safety.
Heng later found refuge at the Khao I Dang refugee camp in Thailand, where he met Chou Ky, his future wife and lifelong partner. They married in 1980 and immigrated to the United States in 1981. Together, they began rebuilding their lives after surviving the Khmer Rouge and its devastating aftermath.
Heng and his family settled in Hartford, Connecticut, where he worked as a machinist. He later moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, became a United States citizen in 2004, and eventually retired.
Heng devoted much of his time to Calvary Baptist Church, where he attended services and volunteered. He also enjoyed reading the Bible, spending time at the senior center, and eating grapes, watermelon, and traditional Khmer dishes. Most of all, he treasured sharing meals and gathering with his children and grandchildren.
Heng brought warmth to others through his big laugh, bright smile, generosity, and memorable stories. His family, friends, church, and community will remember him with love and miss him deeply.
His son, To Ky, and daughter, Cheng Ky, predeceased him.
He leaves behind his wife and lifelong partner, Chou Ky; his sons, Timmy Ky and Phen Chhor; his daughter-in-law, Christine Chhor; and his six grandchildren.
You are welcome to attend his visitation on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 9 a.m. until his funeral service begins at 11 a.m. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Procession will follow to the Westlawn II Cemetery for burial.
In addition, a celebration of life will be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Lowell at https://www.cbclowell.org/donate.