of Walpole passed away peacefully on February 28, 2015 at the age of 57 at Brigham & Women's hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in the Village of Nyam Naib in the northern mountains of Laos on February 1, 1958, he was the son of the late Chia Toua Chang. His mother is Mee Lor. He was raised in Vientiane Laos by a Catholic priest since 6 years old and graduated high school before returning home to his hometown village which took about a half a day's travel since transportation was limited. Upon Fai’s attempt to travel home to his family during the unleashing of the Secret War in 1975 when the US supported the Royal Lao Government against the communist Pathet Lao and Vietnamese insurgents, he was lost for a week in the jungles of Laos with his cousin whom never made it home with Fai due to sickness and starvation. He eventually found his family and other villagers and married the love of his life, Xia Chang in 1976. Fai and Xia became farmers in the village of Thooj Xaas Tais and in
May of 1977, gave birth to their first son, Boua Lee Chang. On 12/28/1979, the war was over but fears from living with Communists made Fai and Xia along with 12 others seek help from the Thais to help them cross into Thailand. They were brought by boat across the Mekong River into Thailand where they lived among the natives, given food by the Thais only every 3 days until they could be interviewed by the US Embassy for their US Visas. On April 31, 1980, they arrived in the US and were greeted by other immigrants whom were also sponsored by Paula Verde, a most generous woman whom everyone refers to as "Mother Paula" who helped many refugees attain citizenship and guided them in acclimating to the American society. They first resided in the town of Brookline in a home owned by Paula with other refugee families Fai and Xia they found full time work and purchased their first of 4 homes over the course of Fai's life. 1st in Roslindale, MA , 2nd in Hyde Park, MA, 3rd in Brookline, MA then finally settling in Walpole, MA. Fai attained employment at Omni Parker House in the food industry, a historic and famous hotel in Boston and also started employment at Pulpdent Corporation on 1/30/1984, a dental product manufacturing company. He worked 2 full time jobs for 23 years up until 1999 when he stopped working at Omni Parker House. He was employed at Pulpdent until August 2015 where he was loved as a friend by his co-workers and peers. He was happiest spending time with his family at countless birthday parties, cookouts and holiday celebrations smiling and laughing. Beloved husband of Xia Chang. Loving father of Boua Lee Chang, Joshua Chang, Annemarie Chang, Louisa Chan and her husband Nguon Chan, Shong Chang and his wife Bou Xiong Chang, and Shane Chang and his wife Ena Lee Chang. Cherished Grandfather of Tommy, Jalen, Sora, Kairi, and Nayden. Brother of Vam Tub, Txhoob Thoj, Tsuas Tooj, Xeev Vab, and Maiv. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Fai's Life Celebration on Saturday March 14, 2015 and Sunday March 15, 2015 from 9AM-9PM at the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave, Lincoln, RI 02865. Mass Service will be held on Monday February 16, 2015 at 10:00am at the St John Baptist Parish Church, 69 Quincy Ave Pawtucket, RI 02860. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Cumberland, RI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Fai Mo Chang's name may be made to: Koom Siab Tsa Neej Attn: Pastor Hue Her, 45 Detroit Ave Providence, RI 02907-2007.