Wanh Thai

Wanh Thai Yang was born Yi Yang on March 4, 1944 in XiengKhoua, Laos. He is the son of Nplas Xyooj Yang and Phuab Vaaj. At a very young age, Mr. Yi Yang was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, fishing, cooking, and hunting in Laos. Mr. Yang graduated in 1961 from Phoudou High School in Xiengkhouane, Laos; and graduated from Phoudou College in 1964 with an Associate Degree in Arts and Education. He became a teacher at Samthong High School in Xiengkhouane, Laos from September 1964 to 1967, teaching math, science, physical education, French, social studies, history and geography. From September 1967 to June 1975 he served as Principal for the Phoudou Unified School District. His responsibilities included the planning and administrative work for educational programs for grades one through twelve. Mr. Yang was also involved in public relations and interactions with the community. He was a well-respected leader and educator amongst the Hmong community. He married Pang Keu Yang in 1965 and they have seven children: MayKou, TouFoua, TouMoua, GaoNou, TouNou, TouNzeu, and Adine. He changed his name to Wanh Thai Yang based on Hmong Traditions, but many people remember him as Principal Yang Yi. He lived in several different places throughout his life. He lived in Laos until 1975 where he immigrated to Thailand; he then moved to France in 1977 until 1987 and finally moved to the United States where he took on the responsibility of becoming a US Citizen in 1994. Wanh passed away peacefully on March 24, 2014 alongside his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pang Keu Yang, his seven children, nineteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. Yi Yang will truly be missed. Rest in Peace.