Chan Poo Saechao

Chan Poo was born on February 2, 1942 in Luaprabang, Laos. He was married to Mouang Vang Saephan, who sadly preceded him in death on April 3, 2012. Chan Poo served in the military under General Vang Pao during the Secret War of Laos. In 1975, to escape persecution from the Laos Communist Regime, he and his family fled the country to seek asylum in Thailand. He and his family lived in the Ban Nam Yao Refugee Camp for five years until they immigrated to the United States on November 18, 1980. Chan Poo, his wife, and four children were the first Mien family to be sponsored at the time and soon settled in Stockton, California. As a refugee and a non-English speaker, assimilating into a new country and culture was difficult but he was able to raise his family with the help of his Sponsor, their families and the Lao Alliance Church community. He did not have any family close by, but he was able to immerse his children into the local Hmong and Lao community through the friendships he and his wife had established. As a result, his children had the opportunity to learn both of the languages while attending public school to learn English. After a few years, Chan Poo was able to reconnect with his Mien family in Seattle, Washington and soon after most of his relatives moved to Stockton, California, bringing the family unit closer to one another. Soon after his relatives moved to join them in Stockton, he and his wife, Mouang Vang, welcomed two more children into the family.

Chan Poo Saechao lived a simple life with much love for his family. He made a living as a talented Blacksmith in the refugee camp; he created beautiful traditional silver ornaments, fixed broken watches for customers, and helped his wife with her Mien embroideries. In return these keepsakes would help him provide for his family. He was a talented craftsman who made nearly anything out of nothing, further showcasing his creative mind and innovative thinking. He often enjoyed fishing and hunting as well, but most of all he loved his children and grandchildren.

Chan Poo is survived by his sister Nai Chiem Saechao, his 6 children: (oldest to youngest); Richard Saechao, Cruz Saechao, Stephanie Ly, Anthony Saechao, Johnson Saechao and Annie Saechao; his 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deyoungmemorialchapel.com for the Saechao family.