Ratpaja Joe Phetmixay, beloved son of Phosa and Khamtanh Phetmixay passed away at the age of 38 on Sunday, May 5, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was able to leave peacefully surrounded by his closest family and friends.

Joe was born in Thakek, Laos and was the second of three children. Joe was extremely smart, kind, giving and caring. He lived his life surrounded by friends and family at all times and was loved by all. He was the big brother that was always true and loyal. As his friends would say, "When Joe loves you; he loves you to the fullest and was always there for you."

Joe enjoyed music and traveling but his true love was food. He was a huge foodie and enjoyed trying new foods and restaurants all of the time. He loved to experiment and was always coming up with new, "special recipes." Most of all Joe was a jokester and comedian, even to the very end.

Joe taught us all what the true meaning of friendship was and for that we are so very thankful to him.

Joe is survived by his mother, Khamtanh Phetmixay and his older sister Neenon Phetmixay, many cousins, aunts, uncles and most of all his brothers and sisters from another mother, in the US and in France.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Einan's Funeral Home and Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 10, 2013 from 1:00pm-8:00pm at Einan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 3:00pm at Einan's Funeral Home. Family inurnment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.