Bounsouay "Boonie" Saiyavongsa

Bounsouay Boonie Saiyavongsa, 61, of Grand Island died Friday, November 18, 2016, surrounded by his family at CHI Health St. Francis after a courageous fight with cancer.



A traditional Buddhist service will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday at Apfel Funeral Home. To honor Boonies wishes, a cremation ceremony in Gibbon will follow after the service.



Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.



Boonie was born on Dec. 13, 1954 in Laos. Growing up in the city of Savannakhet, his dream was to pursue education. After proudly serving as a U.S. soldier during the Vietnam War, he came to America as a refugee in 1979 to escape communism and to raise his growing family. He later earned his U.S. citizenship in 1986 where he continued to work hard for the next 30 years providing for his family and building the life he dreamt ofbut he obtained so much more.



After landing in Illinois, Boonie earned his technical degree in welding that took him to Dixon, Illinois, Texas, and later, Alda, Nebraska where he worked as a welder for Swift (called Monfort at the time). He bought a home in Grand Island, the house he spent his final days, and started a new career at Case New Holland where he proudly worked for 26 years. He was set to retire this December.



Boonie spent much of his time outdoors, building a gazebo and shed in his backyard, raising his two dogs, Lucky and Bowdie, and gardening. Although Boonie was a simple man, he was extremely selfless and hardworking, always devoting his energy into helping others before himself. In 2013, Boonie became the owner of a Buddhist temple for the Laotian community of Grand Island. The temple, called Budda Matta Phaaphayaram Lao Buddhist Temple, is where Boonie spent the majority of his last three years and where he put most of his energy and heart.



Boonie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, member of the Laotian community, coworker, friend, and much, much more. He truly loved life and lived each day fully. He always had a big smile and an open heart.



Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Thonglay Saiyavongsa; two daughters, Keta and Sam; one son, Polo; and three grandchildren, McKensie Ann, Ty, and Paityn.



Other survivors include two brothers, Kamphenh and Sisaath Sayavongsa; four sisters Bene, Boo, Toma and Khamsay Sayavongsa; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends near and far.



He was preceded in death by his father, Chanephong Saiyavongsa; and mother Khamfoune Sayavongsa.