Lo Fong Chang

Our beloved father, Lofong Chang, has passed from this world to be with Jesus in Heaven. He took his last breath on Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 at 11:17 pm in Littleton, Colorado. At his side were his wife, 7 children, sons and daughters-in-law, and 2 nephews. He was 72 years old.

Lofong was dearly loved by many. All who met and knew him spoke of his big heart and his kind and gentle demeanor.

Born in Xiengkhouang Province in Laos, Lofong’s mother described him as a very talented child. In his youth, he joined the Secret Army, a CIA-organized army that supported U.S. efforts during the Vietnam war. He began his military service as a foot soldier and was soon promoted to a military policeman with special training as a medic. He served for the Secret Army for approximately 10 years, from 1965 to 1975.

In 1972, he met and married Cher Lo. This year they celebrated 48 years of marriage.

When the war ended in 1975, Lofong, along with his wife and 3 young daughters, journeyed on foot across the war-torn mountains and jungles of Laos for 3 years. During this time they faced starvation, dehydration, and persecution from the communist army. They made it across the heavily guarded Mekong River just before dawn and arrived at the Ban Vinai Refugee camp in Thailand in 1978.

After a year and the birth of their first son in the refugee camp, they received a sponsorship for resettlement in the United States. They arrived in the U.S. on December 31st, 1979.

Lofong lived a life of service to others. Though he spoke very little English, he worked tirelessly to arrange sponsorships to bring his parents and siblings from Laos into the United States. In the early 1980’s, he organized the first Hmong New Year festival in Colorado, a celebration that continues annually to this day. He was a founding member of the Hmong Catholic Community of Colorado at All Saints and served as the Director of Hmong Religious Education for several decades.

Lofong was a fixture at church and readily stepped up to fill the gap of needs in the church. As an usher he greeted all who entered with a warm smile and a ready handshake. He also served as a Eucharistic minister. To help with the music ministry needs of the church he formed and led a choir that primarily consisted of his children. This choir performed for over 15 years at All Saints Parish. Lofong also willingly performed custodial work for the church such as climbing up on rafters that were 50 feet above the ground to change out lightbulbs on the ceiling of the church. No job was too big or small and Lofong was always happy to help where he could.

As an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Lofong spoke proudly of his work and the friends he made through the fraternity.

In 2013, after 38 years of employment with the City of Englewood Wastewater Treatment Facility, Lofong retired and lived a peaceful life. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, staying up-to-date on current events and continuing his involvement with the church and the Knights of Columbus.

Although we are heartbroken at the loss of our wonderful father, we are reminded of his words to us. Lofong told us he believed he won in this life. He said that his greatest achievement was being able to see his 7 children grow up to live happy and successful lives of their own.

Lofong is survived by his wife, Cher Lo; four daughters: India, Lee, Kong, and Jamie; three sons: Vong, Yeng, and Zeng; three sons-in-law: Josh, Steve, and Paul; 2 daughters-in-law: Jessica and Shane; and 8 grandchildren.

Services for Lofong will be held on August 28th and 29th.

All who are comfortable are welcome to attend his funeral Mass on Saturday, August 29th at 10:30 am at Church of All Saints, 2559 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219.