Charlie Vongratana

VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE Charlie Vongratana 68 passed away with a smile on his face on December 5th 2006. He was born into a privileged life in Bangkok Thailand. After graduating from Thammasat University he escaped an arranged marriage by moving to the United States. He worked day and night at any job he could find to save money so he could send for the love of his life Molly. After graduating from the University of Akron they raised 2 children. Charlie retired from BFG/Michelin and started his own business Microlab. The business grew to add LEK Computer Systems and LEK Internet Services. All of his accomplishments in the business world are overshadowed by the tremendous love he had for his friends and family. His passions were golf good food with good friends (especially Fish Head and Chicken Feet) and his grandchildren. Golf: He had at least 5 holes in one we can remember. He suffered his first heart attack in Hilton Head right after getting a hole in one AND loved to tell the story of it. He loved his golf league and was especially smug that he had won some money this past month from men 10 years younger than him. Good Food: Every Friday for the last 20 years he made it a point to make the standing date with the Shin Family rotating between Siam Café Li Wah and Tom's. Without fail there would be a fight on who got to the bill first he or his 'brother' Victor Shin. Charlie loved the fact that his grandchildren joined him for this family dinner at least 3 out of the 4 Fridays of the month from the moment they were born. He is survived by his by his wife Molly and children Sam (Karen) Vongratana and Bunny (Joe) Oldham; grandfather to Jordan Oldham he gave the ability to love everyone without question her gentle soul and her commitment to 'do the right thing'; Molly Oldham he gave her a wonderful sense of humor her ability to make you laugh and smile and compassion for others less fortunate; Lilly Oldham he gave her fierce determination and the ability to weave a story from scratch and Noah Vongratana he left an analytical mind and a passion for knowledge. These were his little shadows and they promised him they would keep his love alive in their hearts. Charlie spent his fortunes on his grandchildren's whims. From buying up timeshares in Orlando and Atlantis just because his grandkids said 'I like this place'.... to taking them to the 'Secret Place' (Toys R Us) so they could ride the bikes around the store...to having a permanent jumpy house and play tent set up in his living room. He has given them a lifetime of memories and for that we are grateful. The family would like to thank Sharon and Kevin Silver for their actions kept him with us so we could all say goodbye. We thank Akron City Palliative Care for treating him like a King and keeping him comfortable. Special thanks to Luke and Chris who will continue to service the customers of LEK and Microlab. We thank all our friends and family for making this journey much easier than it should be. Calling Hours will be held on Friday December 8 2006 from 5-7 PM at Hummel Funeral Home (COPLEY CHAPEL) 3475 Copley Road. There will be no funeral service to follow. Charlie would not have wanted flowers. If Charlie has touched your life in anyway please help us make Charlie proud by donating to a fund that will establish a Chinese language program at Our Lady of the Elms Elementary School. He was always about his grandkids having 'an edge' and that will be his legacy. 'Charlie's Gift' c/o Our Lady of the Elms Elementary School 1290 West Market Street Akron OH 44313.