Choua Yang Memorial Fund

On April 11th, our hearts were torn after receiving news about the unexpected passing of our beloved brother Choua Xeng Yang. He was 46 years old and left behind a son and daughter. There are no words that we could  possibly put together to convey to you the pain we feel in our hearts. No intelligible way to describe the frustration with our inability to get off this train, perpetually moving forward in time, so we can run back to him for a final word and a big hug.

It was just a year and a half ago when Choua set out to the other side of the world. He wanted to set a path for his children to one day follow, and establish a place so that they could grow and learn away from the familiar and comfortable- just as he himself was doing. During his travels, he taught English classes in remote villages when given the opportunity. His journey though came to a tragic end in Bali, Indonesia.

He was the kind of person who didn't put too much value in titles and material possessions, unafraid to walk away from the beaten path if there was a possibility to uncover and grasp a more profound understanding of life and our connection to the world. But at the same time he never forgot his love and loyalty to his family.  It is an understatement to say he was a wonderful being who thoughtfully took on the role of father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. He was a blessing to many with his selfless and loving actions, his encouraging words, his protection, and his unreserved support. We are deeply hurting, and know this is a result of the special bond and love we shared with him. 

We are devastated by the loss of Choua and are not prepared financially for this unique situation.  Being an international death, we are still trying to get answers and figure out how to bring his body back to the US so that we can give him the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory, and say our last good bye. More information and details of Choua's funeral service is to come. 

During this time, we humbly ask for your prayers and support as we sort everything out. If you would like to donate, you can do so through gofundme or directly donate to the family through William Yang's paypal (please contact him directly for it). Any amount will be greatly appreciated by all of us.

All your donations will be used toward bringing Choua home and for his funeral expenses. Any left over funds will be given to his son (15) and daughter (10).


"It’s possible I am pushing through solid rock
in flintlike layers, as the ore lies, alone;
I am such a long way in I see no way through,
and no space: everything is close to my face,
and everything close to my face is stone.

I don’t have much knowledge yet in grief
so this massive darkness makes me small.
You be the master: make yourself fierce, break in:
then your great transforming will happen to me,
and my great grief cry will happen to you."

Pushing Through by Rainer Maria Rilke