Santi Vongkhamchanh
April 5, 1974 - July 9, 2024
Obituary
Santi Vongkhamchanh, age 50, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024, at his home in Maple Valley, Washington, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on April 5, 1974, to Thongchanh and Viengxay in Luang Prabang, Laos. Santi and his family fled to Seattle in 1979 after the Vietnam War.
During his lifetime, Santi fostered a reputation of kindness, positivity, and sincerity, which will live on in our memories of him. He never hesitated to offer a helping hand or thoughtful solution to a loved one, and he took great satisfaction in seeing those around him reach their goals and aspirations.
Fatherhood was paramount to Santi. He prioritized quality time full of laughter with his daughters Jenna and Josie – from adventures of hiking and boogie boarding to relaxing in bed watching their favorite shows. As they grew older, his bond with them only grew stronger, whether it was leveling up in Kirby with Jenna or getting his makeup done by Josie. One of their favorite traditions was preparing elaborate cosplays for and attending Emerald City Comicon every spring.
Santi cherished creating new memories with those he loved. As a foodie, he was committed to finding the best meals to share with those closest to him, even if it meant waking up at 3 a.m. on vacation and driving hours to get the best doughnuts for his family. He maintained traditions of camping with his homies in the summers and going to the cabin in the winter. He was a gracious host, always making sure everyone around him knew they had somewhere to stay when they were in town.
Santi was a dedicated project manager for the Bellevue School District, a district he loved and grew up in. He often beamed about the impact he was making and the future he was creating. His coworkers remember him as a hard worker who brought joy and laughter to work daily.
Santi is survived by his daughters Jenna and Josie, mother and father Viengxay and Thongchanh, younger sister Savanmaly and brother-in-law Ken. Santi will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and the greater community.
A series of memorial events will honor Santi’s life, including a viewing and Lao Buddhist Blessing on Saturday, July 20th, from 3-4 p.m., followed by a Lao Buddhist Funeral on Sunday, July 21st, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both services will occur at Bonney Watson Memorial Park Funeral Home, 16445 International Blvd, Seatac, WA 98188.
To join the Lao Buddhist Funeral Service via Livestreaming, click here.
In place of flowers, contributions can be made to a GoFundMe account to help cover expenses involved with his care during his medical journey. Santi’s legacy of support and generosity will undoubtedly continue through the kindness of those he inspired.
Dear Santi…you were a true and long time friend to my daughter Kelly and I remember you well. Rest in peace as you were taken too early.
Leonardo Ray Baker.
Mark Marcell