Chiem Wang Saechao

Chiem lost a valiant battle against cancer on February 26, 2022. He is survived by his wife Nai Yoon and children Koy Yoon, Nai Wang, Fahm Wang, Fay Wang, Koy Wang, Chio Wang, and Mary Lai Wang as well as 22 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Chiem was born on May 16, 1945 in a village in Muang Sing, Laos. His parents were Yoon Meng and Yen Fou Saechao. Chiem was raised in Muang Sing, Laos. Even as a youngster, Chiem learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

Chiem was raised with 10 siblings. He had one older brother, Kao Meng, and 7 older sisters, May Meng, Cheng Meng, Fey Meng, Koy Meng, Lai Meng, Lew Meng, and 2 younger sisters Manh Meng, and Chua Meng. Chiem had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Chiem, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

After Chiem’s father and older brother died at 16 he became “Man of the house”. Chiem Married Nai Yoon Saechao and together with 2 moms and their children they immigrated as refugees to America. In 1981, after encountering a few obstacles on their journey they arrived to America

A civic-minded person, Chiem was willing to help with community activities. Chiem served the Iu Mien community as a Shaman since he was 18 years old, he performed countless Siepv Mien ceremonies for his family, and many grateful members of the Iu Mien community.

When Chiem’s retirement finally arrived in 2008 after 20 years at Weyerhaeuser, he was well prepared. His new life involved raising grandchildren and working hard performing Siepv Mien ceremonies for the Iu Mien Community, preserving the culture for generations to come, leaving a legacy nearly impossible to follow.

All who knew him would agree that Chiem was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts.