Funeral Expenses for my Dad

My father, Alan Soukhamthath, was a great man who was taken away from us far too quickly. His illness happened so suddenly, but he is no longer in pain.  As our family grieves, we must also handle the expensive and exhausting journey of putting a great man to rest. 

As a first generation Lao-American, he truly embodied what it meant to be hard working and strive for a dream. He came to the US with his parents and siblings with little to their name, but was determined to make something of himself and create a legacy for the Soukhamthath family. Through years of hard work at a variety of different profesions, he was able to find love, start a family, and provide like only a driven father could. 
As he worked to build his foundation, he touched the lives of so many. He became an outstanding citizen in the Lao community, a stand up father, and a father figure to those who needed one (and many who didn't but appreciated the fatherly advice!).  Even in his hardest of times he showed how important it was to give to others.  For this, many people looked to him for advice, assistance, or just a helping hand. He opened his home to those who needed one, and lent a helping hand to projects for friends as well as at his neighborhood temple. Truly a source of reliability and generosity. 
His charm, personality, and humor drew in anyone who would listen to him recant stories of fishing, singing karaoke, and stories of his past that seemed a million light years away.  If you had an ear to lend, he definitely had a story for you that was somehow always just what you needed to hear.  
Knowing the man he was makes it all the more difficult to have lost him so suddenly. In mid-August, we realized he wasn't well and took him to the doctor. He was immediately admitted for liver failure and internal bleeding. After a slew of tests, cancerous masses were found in his liver. These masses were determined to be stage 4 cancer, giving him a month at best to be with us.  He was placed on hospice and made as comfortable as possible in his home surrounded by friends and family. Though he was lucid and talkative, it was evident that day by day, he was slowly leaving us. After visits from those near and far and allowing those visitors to cherish their last moments with him, he peacefully passed on the morning of September 12. 
His impact is seen far and wide through his children, family, and extended family which is why we are seeking your assistance in putting him to rest. He truly deserves to be honored for the life he has led, and we want to make sure we do him justice. Lao traditions of hosting guests have been welcomed, but are also expensive. We have already seen so much generosity from many, and are hoping to expand our reach to all who are willing to give.  Please know any contributions are whole heartedly appreciated, and your support will be known and felt by his family as they grieve his passing.