In Memoriam
Mr. I.M. Soda, Director of Operations in Cambodia (2004 to 2024)
We at RAEF were greatly saddened by the unexpected passing on December 5, 2024, of our long-time Cambodian Director and friend, I. M. Soda. Soda became a close friend of Ron Abney after the two met in 1994 when Ron was working in Cambodia for the International Republican Institute. It was Soda who introduced Ron to the children at the Takeo Orphanage. After Ron passed in 2011, Soda agreed to serve as the Cambodian Director for the Ron Abney Educational Fund, established in my dad’s memory in 2013. Soda’s untiring efforts enabled dozens of Takeo orphans in the ensuing years to register at the university of their choice and pay for their tuition and books. To honor our dear friend, the Board members of RAEF personally provided the funds to conduct an on-site Buddhist funeral ceremony for Soda and inter his ashes in a stupa constructed on the orphanage grounds. Rest in peace, Soda. You will be sorely missed.
Lee Darter, RAEF President
