Written by: Ann Vongphouthone

Mr Souk, but most of us know him as Sam Vongphouthone born April 17th, 1962 in Pakse Laos. He has 4 siblings; two sisters and two brothers.

In 1981 Souk and his family moved to Hawaii. He studied at Kaimuki High School and  continued his education at Honolulu Community College with a associate degree. Soon after he met a very beautiful young lady, name Ann and they wed in 1989. With their young son the young couple moved to Washington State in 1990. He landed a job at Costco as a hearing aide specialist.

They got 3 children together, one boy and 2 girls.

He will be remembered by his great attitude, big smile and his love to help friends and family. He enjoy to hang out with his friends.

In June of 2018 he got ill and was in and out of the hospital. To the day of November 21, 2018 he lost his life at Evergreen of Monroe Hospital.

Written by: Rex Vongphouthone

My dad, for those who know him understand his charm, his fun side and serious side. For those who saw him daily felt his warmth from a smile. My dad would do anything for my sisters and I, but that's not what makes him a great man. He had taught me this crucial life lesson of speaking up and asking questions, something I'll never forget, especially being raised as our first generation. He was always a fighter but I've mainly seen him as our protector. Throughout tough times he would still make light of it all with jokes and smiles. This final fight wasn't his first which makes him a strong, determined soul to fight so hard for us. Not only has he survived cancer a few times in the past but he instinctively survived escaping from his home country of Laos during wartime as a child. This is how much of a badass my dad is to be honest. He also taught me a lot of things from playing instruments to playing sports to how to fix things yourself. Funny enough in this day and age of the internet, I'd find my dad using YouTube to learn a few tricks himself. My dad has taught me to never give up, especially during hard times and to remain focused on what it is that drives you.

My dad was a simple man, didn't ask for much from any of us at all. Didn't care much about gifts or materials, really just wanted us to save our own money or to do our own thing and enjoy ourselves. He was always looking out for us, making sure we were the ones to have a good time. Sometimes I wished I didn't listen to him and just spoil him yet at times it may have been hard to please him. A few surprises I know he would enjoy is amazing food and great beer along with good company.

What I'll be sad the most about him being gone is hearing his voice knowing I could have learned more from his expertise. I know he will continue to answer any questions I have for him in the vast, mysterious ways of the universe so that would be something I look forward to discovering with him. Dad, I hope you know how loved you are by the many lives you've come across. Rest in paradise, we all love you more than you can ever imagine, dad.