Tony Thammavongsa, 36, of Exeter, Ontario, passed away suddenly Thursday July 27, 2023, of a fentanyl overdose after a long battle of addiction. Tony was born in London, Ontario on January 19, 1987.
Tony is survived by his parents Oudom and Mounsin Thammavongsa. His son Dontae Raymond and daughter Jaelynn Slaughter. His sisters Mary Thammavongsa and Mariah Thammavongsa. His grandparents Kong and Thanome Thammavongsa. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his grandmother Gneng Thammavongsa, and grandfather and grandmother Bountham Phaenglit and thadum Phaenglit.
Tony had a heart of gold that anyone from his childhood could confirm. He was kind, funny, charismatic, selfless, loyal, and he always tried to find the positive in any situation. In turn, doing his best to block out the negatives, which is where his addiction came into play. Tony lived a hard life and drugs offered Tony an escape from his demons that he faced throughout his life.
On Thursday July 27, 2023, Tony overdosed on fentanyl. His family would like to speak the truth of his death. Silence would mean Tony’s death was in vain, but if one person’s life is saved by his story, we would tell it a million times. We know the pain of his suffering. We know the pain of our own suffering as his family, and we know that there are hundreds of other people in our community suffering as addicts or as loved ones to them. Speaking the truth, no matter the circumstances surrounding the epidemic of drug use may be the difference between life or death for someone. In honor of Tony’s life, we ask that truth be spread regarding this epidemic and awareness be raised.
A traditional Buddhist ceremony will be held on Tuesday August 1, 2023, prior to his cremation at Southwest Crematorium for family and relatives.
Following his cremation, Tony’s life will be celebrated at 4 PM on Tuesday August 1, 2023, at his parents Oudom and Mounsin’s house at 70650 London Road, Exeter Ontario. Everyone is welcome to come by for food and drinks.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Krissy
Idk how to start this other than my Deepest sympathy to the ones that were there for the hard times with Tony.♥️
My heart breaks looking at the picture of what he could’ve been. Tony kept in touch with everyone whose ever crossed paths with him.
I still remember when he broke his hip riding his dirt bike over the hill in Huron Park at the school. I still hear the landing when he hit the ground.
Exeter hospital said there was no fracture………………but if u knew Tony he had a limp til the end. I truly loved Tony as a friend and like a lil brother.
I would give him rides into town when I seen him walking from his parents house. Even as lil as that drive was he would let me know how he was doing and we would talk about people who lost their lives the same way he went out. I could scream at the top of my lungs how sick to death I am over Drugs every facking one of them.
I hope people do read what took Tony out and change for themselves as well as Tony and realize ur not immortal. You’re not gonna win or come out on top. F… DRUGS. They took a beautiful soul n I hope it wasn’t in vain so take heed in what’s said. Get off the shit ask for help. Reach out to whoever will listen. Just please realize ur life is worth more!!!
Helen Hearn
Our deepest sympathy to your entire family. I admire your honesty and openness in the hopes of saving someone else. Our thoughts are with you now and in the future as you carry on without Tony.
Helen Hearn
Randy and Vicki Geoffrey
Behind every addiction there is a family that is suffering. Remembering those who have lost their battle with addiction and those who are still struggling. No more Silence, no more Stigma and no more Shame. We offer to the family of Tony our sincere condolences may he rest easy!
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss….Thankyou for your honesty as this will make a difference for others…john & Arlene
EL
shine on, Angel
Mark Patriquin
Rest in paradise Tony, sorry you had to go out like this but you will save lives in honour of your battle with addiction 💯 till we meet again.
MLLHR
Jordan Darling
Wishing your entire family condolences on the passing of Tony. I went to public school with Tony and remember him to always be smiling and very friendly to everyone he was around. I am sorry for your loss.
Jade Wuerch
So sorry to all family and friends. Tony was a great person, and addiction has taken way too many of those. R.i.p Tony. May you rest in peace and serenity.
Mike Corriveau
So sorry for your loss. Drugs are taking too many, too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jane F Haggitt
My deepest condolences to Tony’s entire family
The openness of his family to share the circumstances of his death will surely move many and hopefully help thousands
Courtney Campbell
Sending all of my love to you guys, Tony had a personality that could fill any space no matter how big or small. I pray no one forgets that!!
Ducharme
I remember Tony as a kid growing up was always smiling! My deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Sandra Schroeder
To the family of Tony T. I did not know Tony or any of his loving family but I am so inspired by your honest sharing of your loss of such a good man. You set a great example of how we must open ourselves up to the truth of this addiction epidemic individually and as a society. To help ease the suffering in silence. Bless you all on your journey through the grief.
Anne Gallant
My deepest condolences to Tony’s family. In this difficult time, I applaud you for speaking the truth, my hope is that someone will be saved through your good deed. May your memories, guide you through the days ahead of you.
Jordann Hern
Tony your sweetness lives on through your Angel Shine. Thank you for being such a kind soul and being good listener. Rest In Peace friend
Carol Redmond
I’m so very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I remember Tony since he was about 10 years old. He came to our house all the time. He was such a sweetheart! I loved him to pieces. So sweet and kind and shy . Tony will be missed. God Bless
Aldeen Skinner
Dear Oudom and Mounsin and family. So sorry to hear of the death of your son Tony.
I knew him as a young man when we lived next door in Centralia.Sincere sympathy to all.
Aldeen Skinner.
Doug&Nireen Smith and our family
My heart felt condolences to the family. I don’t know him real well but my cousins and oldest daughter knew him and spoke so kindly of him. May he rest in sweetest peace and mat the good memories help you through this difficult time
Mike G
To the entire Thammavongsa family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Tony and I were good friends for years.
A cool and kind soul gone too soon.
Rest in peace man.
Kendra Slaughter
Thanks Tony for the relationship we shared and for giving me our beautiful daughter. May you no longer suffer and may you rest in peace. my condolences to the Thammavongsa family.
Megan Kirk
So very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Even though I hadn’t seen him for many years. I will always remember his full bodied laughs and jokes. He definitely knew how to light up a room.
Thinking of you all through this difficult time.
Connie Lesperance
Our condolences to all who knew Tony. And to our nephew Dontae may your father Rest in the sweetest peace. May you all find comfort in all your memories you share.
R.I.P. TONY
Melanie
To Tony’s family…
My heart aches for you. I want to thank you for your honesty and truth.
Every word touched my heart.
Barbara Mitchell
My sincere prayers and condolences to your family
Ann Brabender
Thammavongsa Family, thank you for sharing your story. My deepest sympathy! Yes addiction and mental health need to be talked about and help given to those individuals. It’s not only large cities where addiction is found. It happens right in our rural communities and to family. I did not know Tony but cherish his memories.
Mitchell
Dear Thammavongsa family very sadden to hear about Tony he was a outstanding man who always had Time to talk even if he was busy he had a heart of gold and cared for anyone he passed he’s definitely going to be missed by everyone who he passed by in his travels Rip Tony gonna miss you my Friend
wendy Gregoire
My thoughts and prayers to all that knew Tony. He was a good man. Will missed by all that knew him. R.I.P.
Bob Dawe
My deepest condolences on Tony’s passing . May you all remember the good in Tony and happier times.
Carole Alce
Although I did not know Tony, who has left this earth far too soon, I want to thank you, his family, for speaking the truth about his battle against addiction that resulted in his death. I can feel the pain in your written words and I understand your willingness to share his story to save the lives of others, as I have also lost my beloved grandson, Tanner Steffler, to an opioid poisoning at the young age of 19. I know that Tony was a good person and loved by many just as my grandson was. Tanner’s parents created the Tanner Steffler Foundation with the same determination that you have to bring mental illness and addiction out of the darkness and bring light and hope to those still struggling. Sending you much love at this saddest of times and keeping you close to my heart.