Chom Nignomsavanh Cavan

Chom was born in Son La, Vietnam on July 13th 1946 to parents Mouan Cavan and Khua Thi, and worked as a Registered Nurse in Laos. He immigrated to Des Moines, Iowa in 1979, where he earned his Associates in Agriculture Science from Des Moines Community College.

As a social worker at Iowa’s Department of Human Services, Chom helped place and integrate refugees from southeast Asia in to their new homes. Chom continued to be a part of the Lao community when he moved his family to Modesto, California in 1990. He was active as a member of the Laos Lanexang Association, eventually becoming the Association’s president.

His family was his priority, spending time with home cooked meals, or taking care of the people that needed him. Chom stayed humble towards everyone, giving the same generosity, empathy and respect to everyone.

His days tending to the back garden, playing with the dogs, or raising chickens; being around nature brought joy to him. Sounds and lights of the slot machines in the casinos made him smile at night.

Chom is survived by his wife Noey Cavan; sons Joseph Som Cavan and Phanh Bobby Cavan; daughters Phonesavanh Cavan (Joy Phaphohxay) and Leokham Cavan (Kosal Thor), as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Chom is preceded in passing by his parents, Mouan Cavan and Khua Thi.

A Viewing & Cremation service will be held on Saturday, September 28th from 11:30am to 2pm at Lakewood Funeral Home in the Heritage Chapel, located at 900 Santa Fe Avenue in Hughson. Donations are welcomed, and can be given directly to spouse Noey Cavan.