Anousack Thammavongsa

Andy's EulogyGo Fund me for Skylar and Jordan Thammavongsa, please give at (click link) gofund.me/or copy and paste: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2m73s2-paying-tribute-to-andy?qid=84e0b1556019b93175cfefc0d4e01aecAndy's Eulogy I'd like to start off by thanking each and everyone who has reached out to our family and offered their condolences and support for our family in the loss of my brother Anousack (Andy) Thammavongsa. God had decided to call my brother home on Friday December 17, 2021. He was a beloved son, father, brother, boyfriend, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend who shall remain present and forever cherished in our hearts. Today, rather than grieving over my brother's passing, I would like to take this moment to share and celebrate the highlights, passions, aspirations, and values of his journey here on earth from childhood to adulthood. Andy was born on Tuesday February 15, 1977 in Vientiane, Laos. Although Andy had the opportunity to attend a Chinese Academy in Laos when he was almost 3 years old, his father, KhamsoukThammavongsa, had hopes and dreams for his son to have better opportunities. In 1980, they emigrated to America. Andy was raised solely by his father during his early childhood years while living in a small town called Ashton IL. His father Khamsouk Thammavongsa and our mother Chanthaphone Bounphisai united the families as one in the mid 80's. Yes, Kip and I became his step-sisters, but to us he was our true brother. There were many fun and fond memories of my brother for me and my sister Kip. Playing football, Atari, tennis, jumping off rooftops, riding bikes all around town to get candy and pizza from Casey's General store, car rides with dad to pick asparagus and wild mushrooms from the open fields or side of the roads, fishing trips in Savannah, playing Uno for each other's candies after trick-or-treating, and the long but eventful walks to school were the highlights of our childhood with Andy. His favorite childhood movie was The Karate Kid and favorite childhood song was "Eye of the Tiger". A few years later, the family moved to another small town, Ligonier, IN. Andy spent his entire adolescent years in Ligonier. He made true and quality friendships there. He had a deep passion for sports, especially football and basketball, and collecting sports memorabilias. For those who truly know Andy, his all time favorite athlete was the one and only #23 Michael Jordan. He also played football at West Noble High School. My brother graduated high school in 1995 and briefly attended IPFW in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1993, God blessed our family with our baby sister, Sopha. He was definitely a proud big brother. He was quick to protect and support her when needed. He was very proud of Sopha's independence and her accomplishments throughout the years. As my brother embarked into adulthood, he faced many trials and tribulations. One thing was certain, he NEVER gave up. He kept treading forward and always had aspirations and visions for his future. He had dreams of opening up his own business or a restaurant business venture with his sister, Kip. Though that did not transpire, God had better plans for him. Andy was truly committed and dedicated to his second family, Hydro Extrusions for 17 years. It was apparent through his dedication, sacrifices, and endurance he was able to elevate his skills and progressed to become a supervisor within the company. He was proud of his accomplishments at Hydro Extrusions, but humble enough to never boast or flaunt about his successes. Doing what it takes to be successful is a reflection of his work ethic. Andy made strides in his career that created a lasting impact at the company. He also had a third family, Hanayori. He was always quick to help out and fill in when needed as a bartender and sushi chef. Andy loved cooking and he had aspirations of becoming a Teppan chef at Hanayori. On behalf of my brother and family, I would like to extend and express our gratitude to the entire Hydro Extrusions and Hanayori family for loving and accepting my brother into your work family and for making a huge impact in his life as well. Family first is what Andy exemplified in his character. He was caring, loving, humble, and would do anything for his family. He would drop whatever he was doing and help out when needed. Andy made sure his family was taken care of and supported. Finding life's true purpose was something Andy sought for many years. Upon the birth of his first child, Skylar, with the mother of his children, Ling, his true purpose in life started to become clear. Then, soon after he was blessed with his second child, Jordan. He named his daughter after Skylar Diggins, a former Notre Dame point guard and his son after the legend, Michael Jordan. He felt his questions about life were answered when he was in the presence of his family. He was at peace knowing his why and true purpose in life. From then on he dedicated everything he did for his family. Living the dream was what Andy had accomplished during his time here on earth. He has positively impacted the community that he was surrounded by and is a role model to those around him. He created a wonderful life for him and his family, he found opportunities, and he achieved his dreams of finding his life's purpose. Andy will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Andy will forever be remembered for who he was. In the short but meaningful words by Andy himself, "Stay true to yourself…" -Rest in heavenly peace my dearly beloved brother.You shall be our guiding angel from up above.We love you.