Lundy Niv's Obituary
Lundy Niv passed away on October 9, 2011 after a long and valiant battle with kidney disease. He was a cherished friend to many who came to love him for his friendliness, tremendous generosity and sense of humor. Lundy was born the third of six children in rural Cambodia on October 25, 1946. He spent his youth helping his family make a living growing tobacco, rice, bananas and other crops. Unlike most farming families of the time, Lundy’s parents wanted their children to become educated beyond grammar school. So, in his late teens, Lundy went on to college and began studying chemistry, with the goal of one day becoming a pharmacist or medical researcher. When the Vietnam conflict arose, Lundy was drafted into the army, and at the age of 24, was singled out to become an officer with Cambodia’s military intelligence sector. He was subsequently sent to train with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. During the course of his military career, Lundy suffered many tragedies, including the death of his oldest brother on the battle field. He also endured prolonged exposure to Agent Orange, which was the likely cause of many of the ailments he endured later in life. Lundy and his fellow officers were training in Laos when Vietnam fell and the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia. Some of the officers attempted to fly back into Cambodia and were executed as they deplaned, so the U.S. evacuated Lundy and the rest of the officers to a refugee center at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in California. Lundy had been forced to abruptly leave the country without his wife and three children. He never learned what happened to them, or knew the fates of his parents and sisters, though he assumed they had all been murdered by the Khmer Rouge. In 1975, Lundy was welcomed into the home of Allan and Jane Rappoport. The Rappoports helped him adjust to life in the United States, and also assisted him in finding his first job with the Fairfax County School System. Lundy continued to be in close contact with the Rappoports; and remained a member of their family until his passing. Once on his own, Lundy spent several years working long hours and multiple jobs simultaneously to save enough money to start his own business. Among the many jobs he assumed during these years were media assistant, film splicer, gas station attendant, busboy, waiter, custodian and bartender. Lundy became a U.S. citizen, and eventually trained to be a hairstylist. In 1988, he opened Hair Master in Old Town Manassas. Lundy ran Hair Master successfully for over twenty years, finally shutting its doors in 2010, due to his declining health. Over the years, Lundy converted to Christianity and, although he did not preach his beliefs, he embodied Christ in the way he conducted his life. He also came to love gardening, and particularly enjoyed growing roses. At one time he had the most beautiful garden in the area with over two hundred rose bushes. It was a regular occurrence to see people slowing down as they drove by Lundy’s Sudley Road home to snap photos of his rose garden. His female clients also became accustomed to leaving Lundy’s shop with one of his prized roses and a full account of its species and fragrance nuances. In addition to the Rappoports and any family that may still be in Cambodia, Lundy is survived by a son, Anthony Niv and his companion Caitlin Coniglio; a daughter, Laura Niv; two grandsons, Aiden Misciagna and Maddox Niv; his friend, Rose Gabert; and his beloved pet companion, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang. He is also survived by countless friends who loved him dearly, particularly Dale Jepson, a trusted friend who became his advocate as his health deteriorated. Lundy will be remembered as a joyful man who brought warmth and happiness to all who crossed his path. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Lundy Niv at http://www.kidney.org/. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 10391 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, Virginia with The Reverend Dr. John S. Sound officiating.
Online condolences may be expressed to Lundy’s family at www.foundandsons.com
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