Born on April 28, 1953, in Muang Sing, Laos, Long San was the second of ten children to Yao Ta and Farm Pou Saechao. From a young age, he took on the responsibility of helping raise his younger siblings while working on the family farm. After completing high school, he joined the Lao military in 1972, rising to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant before the government fell to Communism in 1975. While in a refugee camp in Thailand, he served as an interpreter, assisting the U.S. immigration service in registering and screening Mien refugees for resettlement in the United States and France.
In 1979, Long San immigrated to the United States, determined to build a better future for himself and his family. He took on his first job as a janitor, but his true calling soon emerged when he joined the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Oregon (IRCO) in 1980 as an interpreter. His dedication to uplifting others led him to become a Job Placement Specialist and later a Program Manager, guiding countless individuals toward opportunities for a brighter future.
Beyond his professional career, Long San was deeply devoted to his community. In the 1980s, he was honored to serve as one of the first Presidents of the Iu-Mien Association of Oregon and later completed two terms as Vice President of the Iu-Mien National Association. From 2007 until his passing, he also served as Treasurer of the Portland Mien Fellowship Baptist Church, where he was an active member, participating in leadership and ministry programs. These roles became cornerstones of his enduring legacy.
Following his retirement in 2015, Long San embraced his role as a loving grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with his grandchildren. He also discovered his passion for fishing, finding peace and joy in the simple beauty of nature.
Long San was a beacon of light, welcoming everyone with open arms, a listening ear, and unwavering support. Whether through a helping hand, heartfelt advice, or his comforting presence, he made those around him feel loved, valued, and cared for.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Muong; his beloved children, Jill, Nai, and Michael; his cherished grandchildren, Tyler, Jayzel, Treston, Nolan, and Payton; and his siblings, Long Fou, Long Tzing, Lieu Ta, Long Yuan, Long Tao, Thia Seng, E Ta, Farm Seng, Tone Seng, San Seng, Fay Seng, and Lai Seng. He also leaves behind a wide circle of friends, large extended family, and community members whose lives were forever enriched by his generosity and kindness.
Long San’s legacy of love, service, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, fishing to his heart’s content in Heaven.
