Oi Cavan was born April 7th, 1942, and died peacefully while surrounded by family on October 31st, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of eighty-two.
Oi was married to Neu Cavan for 57 years and had five children: La Fuller (Husband Jeff), Vanh Cavan, Seui Cavan, Somphiane Bresley (Husband Grant) and Erick Cavan (Wife Christine). His family blossomed and Oi has been blessed with 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and sisters. His lone surviving sibling is his beloved brother, Phanh Cavan.
Oi was born in Ban Bo An, Vietnam and was the son of Muon Cavan and Chieng Cathi. He graduated from College Technique in Pakpasak, Vientiane, Laos and earned a certification CA. P (Certificate Professional Commercial) on May 5th, 1965. He was an employee at the department of education from 1965-1966 in Laos, and subsequently, worked with the USAID department of public works until 1975. He married his lifelong love, Neu Cavan, on March 19th, 1967, and they moved to the US in 1975 after the Vietnam War. Oi worked his entire career in the states at R.R. Donnelly in Des Moines as a print magazine binder. He retired in 2001 after 22 years of dedicated service.
Oi was an avid fisherman in retirement and one of his greatest joys was teaching his grandchildren how to catch the big fish or the best tasting fish. When his children would take him on vacations, you would find him and his wife on a separate photo shoot. He loved taking pictures of his wife to post on social media for family to see. Oi also loved the excitement of the casino and was in awe of all the games, tall buildings, food, and entertainment options when he visited Las Vegas. A humble man, he lived his life with “family first” values and would often be heard guiding the youth with his stern voice and imposing gaze. Around the house, you would find him watching wrestling or the news stations, but when he had company, he would drop everything to offer a warm smile and handshake to family and friends. Oi and Neu loved having family to come visit them in their home in Dexter, IA. They knew most people took time out of their busy lives to travel to their place. No matter what time or if they came unannounced, they would cook food for their guests and offer up lively conversation. Even in his final days, he would spring to life to greet his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with the added blessing of being able to hold his 16th great-grandchild before his passing. Oi was a well-respected figure and a spiritual leader in the Taidam community. He was always spreading warmth, wisdom and will be deeply missed.
A special thanks to the Kadsan Thaidam Society and the T'ay H'ouam Chae Diao Society.
Service information:
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9th from 2 pm to 3pm at the Merle Hay Funeral Home. Funeral services begin at 3pm.
4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
A private burial will be held by the family at a later date.
