Vangtou Xiong X Toyed

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Vangtou Xiong X. Toyed, on the evening of January 20, 2022. His sincere, kind, and purposeful approach to life, will be deeply missed by many. Vangtou’s unexpected loss, came as a complete shock to all family and friends, as he always presented great health, with the most genuine smile.

Vangtou was born in Laos on March 8, 1952. He bravely immigrated to the United States with his wife and family in 1976. Arriving in the U.S. already with a teaching degree from Laos, Vangtou rapidly earned a B.A. in Education from the University of Montana in 1982. He then began his career as an ESL Specialist for Spokane Public Schools for over thirty-two years, before retiring in 2015. He truly loved his job and actually looked forward to being back at work on Mondays! Educators, former students, and families he served during his career still recall the lasting impact he made on their lives to this day.

In addition to valuing his profession, he dedicated his time to leadership and volunteer activities. Locally, he served many years on organizations such as, the Bilingual Advisory Board for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Spokane Police Advisory Board, and Peer Mediation Team for Spokane Public Schools. Within the Hmong community he was President of the non-profit, Spokane Hmong Association for three years and continued on for many more years holding various roles. On a national level, he served as a historian for the National Hmong Grave Desecration Organization, making a global change. Throughout all the projects Vangtou took part in and the people he encountered, the consistent description of him was: dedicated, hard-working, sincere, honest, gentle, smart, and innovative. His presence illuminated pure good will.

Vangtou’s unwavering faith in his Heavenly Father, is the foundation upon which he’s built his life. He was a loyal member of Saint Thomas More Parish for over thirty years. In his retirement, he devoted much of his time translating Bible parables and lead Bible study groups to help Hmong Catholic members build and understand their faith in Jesus Christ. His patient teachings of work for God will be greatly missed by his faith group community.

If you knew Vangtou well, you would describe him as an early bird, a handyman, health conscious and avid walker, an intentional teacher, and most loyal person you could count on.

You would also know that Vangtou’s one and only love of his life was also his best friend, his wife. They enjoyed traveling and having new adventures together, just as much as tending in the garden for hours. Together, they were an admired couple and the perfect balance for one another. Furthermore, he was a patient, supportive father and immensely proud grandfather. He loved every minute with his grandkids, cheering proudly at soccer games, riding bikes through the neighborhood, and making weekly facetime calls and texts messages. These memorable moments will live on in the hearts of each one of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife Xia, and four children:

Son ThaoShoua, daughter-in-law, Houakia Moua, granddaughter Rain and grandson Jaxon; Daughter GaoNhou, son-in-law Cha Vang, grandsons Alec, Andrew, and Anthony;

Son Meng, daughter-in-law Malee Moua, granddaughter Mila;

Son Yeng and granddaughter Aria.

Brothers: Ly Xiong, Zheu Xiong, Khouneng Xiong, ChongHoua Xiong

Sister: Mao Xiong Vang

Vangtou lived a fulfilled life, nurturing every aspect that was important to him with no remorse. His smile will live on forever. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.

A funeral service for Vangtou will be held Friday, February 18, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:59 PM at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Thomas More, 515 W. St. Thomas More Way, Spokane, WA 99208. A graveside service will occur Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall St., Spokane, WA 99208.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HazenJaegerValley.com for the Xiong X Toyed family.