Mongkol Tungmala

Mtn. GREEN - Mongkol Tungmala passed away on January 18, 2009 at his home in Mountain Green, Utah, after battling brain cancer for 15 months. He was born to Sheinghieng Pantong and Wichai Tungmala on September 15, 1949 in Lamphoon Thailand. In 1970 he joined the LDS church in Thailand and accepted an invitation to study at BYU Hawaii. He married Nancy Elena Vargas Barriga on May 23, 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. He graduated from BYU Provo with a PHD in ESL linguistics and administration in education.

Mongkol was an active member of the LDS church and served in many capacities, as a missionary, an interpreter for the general conference, stake counselor and temple worker. He always had an insatiable desire to learn, study, and to improve himself. As a father he enjoyed camping, fishing, racquetball, hiking, and traveling with his family. He was always willing to help wherever he was needed and so happy to share his knowledge with others. His kindness and gratitude touched many people. He will be missed very much by his family and friends.

In his professional life he worked for Jordan School District, Weber State University and Northern Arizona University. He received many awards during his teaching career. He developed numbered materials for education. His love of teaching reflected with everyone he came in contact with. He was an inspiration that brought about change in those who loved him

He is survived by his wife Nancy and his five children: Derek, Tyson, Tanya and Trisha Tungmala, and his adopted daughter Amy Ampon; as well as his two grandchildren Carson and Sophia Ormond, and his brothers and sisters in Thailand.

His life will be honored at a viewing Thursday, January 22nd at the Highlands Chapel (5387 W Old Highway Rd) from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 am. Following the services, relatives and close friends will gather at a memorial graveside service at the Mountain Green Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the mortuary to cover funeral expenses.

Email condolences to the family at www.walker-mortuary.com