Phim Khongsavanh

His loving family announces the death of Mr. Phim Khongsavanh, on Monday evening, August 7, 2006. After many valiant months, Phim Khongsavanh lost in his noble struggle against an invasive cancer at the fine age of 64 years. He died in his home, surrounded by his son, daughters and wife. Other family and friends were also present.

He is loved and remembered by his honorable wife of 39 years, Mrs. Phouvieng Khongsavanh; by his respectful son, Mr. Khamta Khongsavanh; by his beautiful daughters, Mrs. Ammala Castillo, Ms. Latda Khongsavanh, and Miss Mina Khongsavanh; by his 4-year-old grandson, young Mr. Alexander Xavier Castillo, and by his 7-year old granddaughter, young Miss Journey Rose Richardson.

Mr. Phim Khongsavanh is remembered in his native land of Laos by his eldest sister, Phou Khongsavanh, by his various relatives, as well as by his many friends and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his father, Mr. Seir Khongsavanh, deceased in 1979, and by his mother, Mrs. Thoa Khongsavanh, deceased in 1989; both of whom remained in Laos throughout their long and peaceful lives. He is also preceded in death by his younger brother, Mr. Sonexay Nan Khongsavanh, deceased in 1992, on Whidbey Island.

Phim Khongsavanh was born in B.Xox, Laos on May 5, 1942. He remained in the village of his birth until 1962, when he enlisted in the Laotian military. He was educated by the military as an engineer, and he was awarded the rank and title of Master Sergeant before his retirement in 1975. Phim married Phouvieng Syharath in 1967, and together they created a loving family of six. In 1975, he enabled his extended family to escape the communist invasion of his native land by providing them safe passage to Thailand, where the family was again united in 1977.

In 1980, the Khongsavanh family was grateful to be sponsored by the Coupeville Methodist Church, allowing the entire family to travel to Whidbey Island, where they were assisted by many considerate and kind residents in their endeavors to become Americans. Phim and Phouvieng Khongsavanh became citizens of the United States of America in 1996. Phim was employed on the island by Engle Farm for 17 years, by Glenn Jones for five years, and by Captain Whidbey Inn for the final three years of his life.

Mr. Phim Khongsavanh was recognized as a gentleman and respected for his integrity and kindness in his family’s community of Coupeville until his death. His greatest joys were his family and friends, both in the United States, as well as in his native land.

A memorial service will be held in honor of his life on Saturday, August 12, at 12:30 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor. A reception for all of his acquaintances, friends, and relatives will follow the service, at the Khongsavanh residence in Coupeville.