Chan Seng K M Saechao

My grandfather, Chan Seng Saechao, was born on March 23, 1930 and departed on July 14, 2015. He was born in Luang Namtha Laos and came to America in 1986. His father was Chiem Meng and his mother was Yien Seng. My grandfather had 5 step siblings who passed away in Laos. He was the oldest of 3 step sisters named Cheng Meng, Chanh Meng, and Farm Meng Saechao and 2 step brothers named Nai Meng and Saan Meng Saechao.

My grandfather married my grandmother, Farmtha Saephan in 1952 and had 3 daughters: Mae Seng Chao, Koui Seng Saechao, and Gen Seng Saechao. He was a farmer and merchant and a hardworking father who raised his 3 children. He was also a French soldier and served 9 months in the communist reeducation camp in 1970.

My grandfather learned to be a shaman at a young age and was a strong spiritual man in the mien village. He was well known and served the mien community as a shaman until he had a mild stroke in 1996. My grandfather liked to hunt and fish and his family grew up with exotic meats. He liked to build barn houses, make baskets out of bamboo and rattans. He was also a blacksmith and made farming tools for the family and villagers.

My grandfather had a kind heart, enjoyed helping others, and was very generous. Even though he was busy farming and selling merchandise, he sacrificed his time to help others perform rituals when they needed him. He was a people person and enjoyed socializing. He belonged to the Lao Senior Club and attended faithfully twice a week until January 2015. My grandfather has 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his strength, devotion, and generosity.