Khamla Lawrence Pranikay, 75, of Kennewick, WA, passed away on December 17, 2017 at Trios Hospital following a neurological degenerative disease.

Lawrence was born on April 3^rd, 1942 to Khamphanh (Father) and Damdy (Mother) in Thakhek (Khammouane Province), Laos. This meant his early formative years were during the time of French Colonialism and influence. As Laos declared their independence in 1945, it wasn’t until 1953 that they were free from the French. However, civil war was inevitable following the declaration of independence. 

When Lawrence became of age, he joined the Royal Lao Army where he fought alongside American soldiers against the Pathet Lao and Northern Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. He married his wife Bounnhang Pranikay in 1972, a year before he was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1973 for further training with the US Military. Not too long upon his return to Laos, the Lao Civil War ended in 1975; this meant the Royal Lao Army was defeated. This was a defining moment that granted Lawrence political refugee status permitting him to take asylum in the United States in 1976. They settled in Kennewick, WA where they have spent the last 40+ years.

Lawrence provided years of service to his community and was an active member of the Buddhist temple at Wat Lao Thammayanaram of Kennewick, WA. He served on the board and held various positions to help oversee the temple. He oversaw funding for the temple’s expansion and modernization.

He took great satisfaction in spending time with his family and friends. He was an advocate of higher education and always stressed the importance of it with his family. He took great pride in seeing his family succeed in their endeavors. He continuously encouraged everyone to be good citizens of the community.  

He is survived by his wife Bounnhang Pranikay, his older sister Khamva Detsadachanh, 9 nephews and nieces, 25 grand-nephews/nieces, 13 great-grand nephews/nieces, and many more relatives back in Laos.

He was preceded in death by his mother Damdy Pranikay. A

Buddhist funeral service will be held at Einan’s Funeral Home in Richland, Washington on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 1 PM.