Avid gardener and philanthropist fled Laos and became 'true Minnesotan'
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Of all the world’s cuisine, a breakfast at a local McDonald’s was more than enough for Minnesota’s Phouangsouvanh Bouphasavanh.
“We traveled the world, but he'd always be so happy to come back to his home, because he just loved the air,” said his daughter, Nina Bouphasavanh. “He loved, you know, the local McDonald's and his Culver’s fish meal.”
Those simple pleasures extended beyond the Midwest past-time of eating deep-fried foods. He also loved to fish as well.
“He was a true Minnesotan,” Nina said.
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Growing up in the Laos countryside, Phouangsouvanh was always surrounded by land and animals. As an avid gardener he could often be found working his yard, in his all-denim outfit.
“He spent so much time outside,” Nina said. “And I know a lot of our neighbors got to know him that way because he would wear his cute Canadian tuxedo with his baseball cap.”
But that peaceful life he crafted for him and his family in Minnesota was born out of necessity. When the communist movement overthrew the Laotian government in 1975, Phouangsouvanh and his wife, Phavady, fled to France. It was the last time he saw his father.
Phouangsouvanh and Phavady arrived in the U.S. in 1977. Having to find his way again in a new country, Phouangsouvanh had to leave behind his financial background and enter a new field: electromechanical studies.
"He loved engineering,” Nina said. “We never had to call the handyman. Never.”
That love for engineering landed Phouangsouvanh in medical manufacturing at Medtronic, where retired from after 20 years. As a spiritual and mindful man, he took time to notice and appreciate every little moment.
“Everything that he did, I felt like it was some ritual,” Nina said. “he had such a glow and a light about him.”
But care and mindfulness outstretched past himself and family. Nina said she couldn’t keep track of the charities he donated to. He loved children and helping out people in need, especially those who are hungry. He would constantly carry around envelopes with money for various organizations.
“He understands the pain of having to start over,” she said. “So, I think giving back to humanity just filled his cup”
She said it was part of a larger lesson, or a seed of wisdom, that he left behind to grow.
"He always told me that— at the end of his life— whatever you choose, be kind, help others, no matter what,” Nina said. “Just don't let the world change you, just always have that heart of gold.”
Phouangsouvanh Bouphasavanh died May 22, 2025. He was 78 years old.
