Bounthavy Xayyarath

Bounthavy (Vee) Xayyarath, 48, passed away on September 6, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa. Bounthavy was born on April 4, 1968 in Khong Phousi, Laos. He was the second of seven children of Surin Xayyarath and Boualy Panyanouvong. He is survived by his loving wife Thane, daughters Gunyanee Xayyarath, Nee Xayyarath, stepdaughter Gigi Hosic (Admir), granddaughter Maja, and siblings Somsy Xayyarath, Bounmy Xayyarath, Kongsinh Xayyarath, Khamdy Xayyarath, Souphy Panyanouvong, and Noi Panyanouvong.

Bounthavy grew up in Savannakhet, Laos. He moved to Thailand where he became an apprentice monk. He then moved to the United States on October of 1989 and finally settled in Des Moines, Iowa. Bounthavy met his wife Thane Xayyarath in 1994 and married her the same year on November 24.

He studied computer software at Hamilton College and criminal justice at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). He later graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2008. Bounthavy earned an internship at the Ankeny Police Department where he dreamed of becoming a correctional officer. He later worked as a security guard and then in janitorial services at the State of Iowa Building in downtown Des Moines.

Bounthavy spent most of his time gardening, listening to music, reading about current events, cooking, spending time with his children and grandchild.

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