Vincent Somphone Vongkhamchanh, 63, of Centralia, passed away Monday, June 6, 2022, peacefully in his home. He was born Jan. 10, 1959 in Ban Hom, Laos to Sun and Bounmy Vongkhamchanh.
In his teenage years, he left Laos and moved to France to pursue an education at Fonderie de Coubertin where he studied arts and sculpt-work. At the young age of 23, he left his youth and dreams behind in France in 1982 to come to the U.S. to help raise his siblings in Seattle. With the help of his sister, he met the love of his life, Malia, who he then married in May of 1984. Together, they have two daughters, Amanda and Victoria. His first job in the U.S. was at Sonoma Hot Tubs making hot tubs. He later went on to open his own fiberglass company, which was maintained for over 20 years. His next endeavor consisted of working as a bodywork painter for Braun NW. For the last several years, he enjoyed retirement and spent his days focusing on his hobbies and the love for cars, especially his 1964 Ford Thunderbird. The Thunderbird was a project car that he wanted to fix for his father-in-law. Though his father-in-law passed away in 2000, he kept working on the car in memory of him.
Vincent was a man with simple needs. His favorite shirt captured his life motto, “I do what I want.” He had a cheerful character and made a unique impact on anyone he crossed paths with. He was selfless and would lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
He battled with prostate cancer for the last several years, and though it was under control, we are at a loss with his sudden departure.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sun and Bounmy Vongkhamchanh. He is survived by his wife Malia, daughters Amanda (Dennis) Sikhanthat and Victoria Vongkhamchanh (Erik Phimmachack), and 15 siblings: Phet Thongphet, Ket Vongkhamchanh, Thet Leutphaisan, Khammasone Vongkhamchanh, Kone Vongkhamchanh, Inpone Vongkhamchanh, Phimphone Chounlamany, Thavone Vongkhamchanh, Chansone Gillard, Khamkhoune Vongkhamchanh, Naly Prelow, Keomany Riley, Syvilay Vongkhamchanh, Saysana Vongkhamchanh, and Manivone Vongkhamchanh, along with nieces and nephews.
A Buddhist Funeral was held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in the George Washington Venue. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel.
