Obituary: Sunkashka Soch, Chess Captain, Volunteer, Accepted at URI

Sunkashka Soch, 18, died August 16, 2016 as a result of injuries sustained in a bike accident. He was born on March 22, 1998 in Providence, the son of Ep Te and Saodyka Soch.

He graduated from Classical High School in 2016. During his four years at Classical, Sunkashka embraced academics and extracurricular activities. While earning high grades he also served as the Chess Captain and was ranked fourth in the state for chess. He was the Manager and Co-Captain of the volleyball team, President of the Japanese and Manga clubs, and was an active member of the Gay & Straight Alliance.

Sunkashka also made significant contributions to the community. He worked on advocacy and social justice issues through his role with the Providence Youth Student Movement, and for the last several years has volunteered at Brown University. Sunkashka was a third generation musician in his family and was a core member of Chyam (Traditional Khmer Drumming), where he played the long drum and has performed throughout the state.

Immediately after graduating from Classical High School, Sunkashka was accepted to and attended the Talent Development Program at the University of Rhode Island, where he would have started his Freshman year and looked forward to studying business. Sunkashka had developed a love for URI by attending summer programs there during his high school career. He relished the academic challenge and the opportunities to learn about renewable energy, construction and marine sciences. Kashka never found a subject that he didn't find interesting or worthwhile.

Sunkashka, or Kashka to his family and Sunny to his friends, had an infectious love of life. Kashka's eagerness for adventure, his passion for learning, his curiosity about the world, and his love of people earned him friends everywhere he went. Sunkashka is survived by his parents Ep Te and Saodyka Soch of Providence, whom he brought copious amounts of joy and who were incredibly proud of him. He is also survived by his sister and best friend Amy. Kashka also leaves his paternal grandparents and many adoring aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI. Calling hours will be Thursday, August 18, from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm and the funeral will be held Saturday, August 20, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Buddhist Ceremonies being held at 15 Ivy Ave, Cranston:
Wednesday, August 17 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, August 19 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 20 9:30am - 12:30pm
Sunday, August 21 9:30am -12:30pm