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Celebrating THE LIFE OF Soe Aung November 9, 1952 – October 19, 2026
Prelude: Saw Soe Moe Welcome & Invocation Prayer: Rev. Awi Khawmhuai Tunngo Congregational Hymn: Does Jesus Care Music: CBC Men’s Fellowship Eulogy: May Than Soe Music: Hsar Yu Wah & Saw Myo Thein Scripture Reading: Man Khan Dim Music: Yadana Oo, Wah Thaw, Teemu Tha Comfort Prayer: Rev. Marlene Ahmu Po Choir: Calvary Burmese Church Message: Rev. Peter Myint Lwin Word of Thanks: May Than Soe Hymn: Amazing Grace Benediction: Rev. Dr. Saw Ler Htoo
Eulogy Today, we gather to celebrate the life of my father, Soe Aung, and to thank God for the years we were blessed to have him with us. Apa was born on November 9, 1952, in Mawlamyine, Myanmar, to U Aung Hla Baw and Daw Hla Hla. He was one of eight children, with one older sister and six younger brothers. As the eldest son, he carried a deep sense of responsibility from an early age. He understood the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and caring for those he loved. He naturally stepped into a leadership role within the family, helping to guide and support his younger brothers. That sense of responsibility became a defining part of who he was and remained with him throughout his life. Apa was a hardworking and determined man. While still in the 10th grade, he began tutoring other students to help pay for his education. Through perseverance and dedication, he earned enough to support himself through college. It was also during those school years that he met the love of his life, my mother, Daphne. They were classmates who became lifelong partners, building a beautiful life together founded on love, commitment, and faith. Although Apa loved working with his hands and fixing things, God had a different path prepared for him. He joined Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and began a distinguished career as a diplomat. Throughout his years of service, he was posted to Singapore, Bangkok, Geneva, and the United States. He took great pride in his work and served his country with dedication, integrity, and professionalism. In 2011, life took a new turn when our family settled permanently in the United States. This transition allowed Apa to pursue another passion of his: maintenance work. He embraced it wholeheartedly, finding joy and fulfillment in solving problems, repairing what was broken, and helping others. Whether he was serving as a diplomat or working as a maintenance technician, one thing never changed: he loved serving people. If something was broken, Apa would find a way to fix it. If someone needed help, he was always willing to lend a hand. Fixing things was more than a skill or a profession for him. It was one of the ways he expressed his love and care for others. It was also during this chapter of our lives; Calvary Burmese Church became much more than a church. It became our family. Through every season, our church family surrounded us with love, encouragement, and support. Apa, in turn, found great joy in giving back. Whether he was helping with repairs, assisting a friend, or supporting someone going through a difficult time, he served others with a generous heart. He believed that God had blessed him with skills and abilities not only for himself, but also to serve those around him. Apa was also one of the strongest people I have ever known. Time and again, he faced challenges that would have discouraged many others. He survived a serious car accident, overcame COVID, and later battled a pulmonary embolism. Through every trial, God's grace carried him, and his
faith, determination, and resilience never wavered. Each time he fell, he got back up and continued moving forward. Sometimes, it seemed as though he simply refused to believe that he was getting older. In his mind, he was still 27 years old. That was Apa: strong-willed, hardworking, determined, and always ready for the next task. He rarely let obstacles slow him down and continued giving his time and energy to the people around him for as long as he could. Over the years, Apa made many friends through his work, his church, and the community. He touched countless lives, often through simple acts of kindness that meant more than he probably realized. Those whose homes he repaired, whose burdens he helped carry, and whose lives he touched will remember not only what he did, but who he was. Perhaps one of the most beautiful things about Apa was the way he showed his love. He may not have always expressed it through words, but he expressed it through action. He showed up. He helped. He fixed things. He made time for others. He quietly carried the burdens of those around him and gave what he could without expecting anything in return. His love was visible in the way he lived his life every day. When we look back on Apa's life, we see a man who worked hard from a young age, cared deeply for his family, faithfully served his country, overcame tremendous hardships and devoted himself to helping others. His life was not defined by the challenges he faced, but by the strength God gave him to overcome those challenges and by the love he shared along the way. Apa's life was a testimony to God's faithfulness. Through every season, every success, every struggle, and every blessing, God walked beside him. And today, although our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing that his journey on earth is complete and that he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. Apa is survived by his beloved wife of many years, Daphne Thor; his daughter, May Than Soe, and son-in-law, Soe Lwin; his sister, Khin Aye Nwe; and his brothers, Myo Aung, Moe Aung, Phyu Aung, Ni Aung, Kan Aung, and Nyi Nyi Aung. He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his love, guidance, and the example he set through his life. Apa leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, generosity, faith, and love. Though we are heartbroken to say goodbye, we are deeply grateful for the years we shared with him, the memories we cherish, and the countless ways he impacted our lives. Apa, thank you for everything you did for our family. Thank you for your sacrifices, your strength, your unwavering determination, and the countless ways you showed your love. You fought hard, you lived fully, and you gave so much of yourself to the people around you. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. May you rest in peace, Apa.
THIS SERVICE IS LIVE STREAMED ONLINE AND ON ZOOM ZOOM ID: 827 4511 2457 Passcode: soeaung ------------------------------------------------- Please join us for food and refreshments after the service. -------------------------------------------------- Gravesite burial service will follow after refreshments. Gravesite service will be led by Rev. Dr. Saw Ler Htoo. Location: Meadowridge Memorial Park 7250 Washington Blvd Elkridge, MD 21075 Time: 2PM