Banchong Vongsaath of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away on October 11, 2021 at the age of 86 years. He quietly passed away at Red Deer Regional Hospital from a long battle with prostate cancer. Banchong was born in Vientiane, Laos to Bun and Seng Limphapa. He was the oldest of 3 siblings. After his father’s death, he entered the Therevada Buddhist monastery and practised as a monk. Later on, he became the highest ranked scholar of Pali language at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. As a professor, he travelled between Laos and Singapore to teach hundreds of young monks and students; many who are still practicing across the world from his academia. After he left the monastery, he met the beautiful Roskeo. They had a brief courtship and married soon after their initial meeting. They had four happy and loving children. In 1980, the family was sponsored to Canada and arrived in Red Deer by the St. Leonards Anglican Church members, Mr. Clayton and Mrs. Edna Short. As an immigrant family in the 1980’s, they enjoyed summer vacations and meeting up with other Lao refugee families to explore the wonders of western Canada. He enjoyed fishing, music, dancing, swimming, watching boxing and Muay Thai fights. Buddhist principles were of the utmost importance to Banchong and he wholeheartedly passed down the sacred teachings to family and friends; preserving traditional Lao culture, customs, language and religion. He was an honourable elder who was very active in the Lao community throughout Alberta leading many of the Buddhist ceremonies. Over the last 40 years, he has officiated and blessed many baby showers, weddings, funerals and life celebrations. He is survived by his wife: Roskeo; his children: Ora (Darrell), Mouni (Chanthaly), Mani and Phetsamone; sister, Boon (Kevin) and brother, Bruce (Phontip); his 11 grandchildren: Samantha (Cyril), Mackenna, Sabrina, Cassidy, Keasa, Savanna, Jay, Jessica, Kitala, John and Keonna; and 3 great grandchildren: Darius, Finnan and Declan. There will be a viewing at Parkland Funeral Home on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 5:00-7:30PM. A Lao Buddhist funeral service and cremation will also be held at Parkland Funeral Home on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 2:30PM.

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

 

• Date : 2021-10-28
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com