Obituary of Chiao Z. Juwong

Chiao “Sam” Juwong, 63, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at Kairos Dwelling House. Sam was born August 2, 1953 in Pakse, Laos, to Bounheng Jung and Nangpha Tan. He was the youngest of 12 children. On June 16, 1983 Sam married Julianne Holdridge, in Kalamazoo, MI. While they later divorced, she remained his steadfast companion until the very end. Sam is survived by daughters Nicole (Juwong) Gonzalez and Kimberly Bonenfant-Juwong; sons-in-law Jaime Gonzalez and Francis Bonenfant-Juwong; and grandchildren Amaya Gonzalez, Jaime Gonzalez Jr., Malina Gonzalez, Rowan Juwong, and Daniel Chiao Juwong. Sam came to the United States from Laos in 1976 as a refugee of the Vietnam War. He worked briefly for Catholic Family Services, where he met Julianne. Because he spoke Mandarin Chinese, Thai, a Lao dialect, and English, Sam provided translation services for other Lao refugees. He later worked for Parker Hannifin, where he took an early retirement.   Sam loved to travel, drink coffee, and eat just about anything, but mostly Asian foods. He was a talented artist who enjoyed painting and drawing portraits and still lifes. Sam had an infectious smile and a knack for sarcasm. He also took great joy in playing with his grandchildren. Some of our fondest memories include playing catch in the backyard, eating together at Hunan Gardens, and traveling abroad to visit family. Please join us in celebration of Sam’s life: Thursday March 2, 2017 Visitation 10-11am Memorial 11am Luncheon to follow in the Threshold Radiant Church 8157 E DE Ave Richland, MI 49083