Dith Pran, eloquent survivor, reporter of Cambodia genocide

March 31, 2008|Richard Pyle, Associated Press

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The film won three Oscars, including the best supporting actor award to Ngor.

"Pran was a true reporter, a fighter for the truth and for his people," Schanberg said. "When cancer struck, he fought for his life again. And he did it with the same Buddhist calm and courage and positive spirit that made my brother so special."

Mr. Dith spoke of his illness in a March interview with The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., saying he was determined to fight against the odds and urging others to get tested for cancer.

"I want to save lives, including my own, but Cambodians believe we just rent this body," he said. "It is just a house for the spirit, and if the house is full of termites, it is time to leave."

Mr. Dith leaves his companion, Bette Parslow; his former wife, Meoun Ser Dith; sons Titony, Titonath and Titonel; daughter Hemkarey Dith Tan; a sister, Samproeuth Dith Nop; six grandchildren including a boy named Sydney; and two step-grandchildren.

Mr. Dith's three brothers and another sister were executed by the Khmer Rouge. His father died of starvation.

Material from the Los Angeles Times was used in this report.

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