Cecil Kamai Chang Jr.

Cecil Kamai Chang Jr. obituary

Cecil Kamai Chang Jr.

Cecil Chang Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Serenity Funeral Home of Bluffdale on Jul. 24, 2025.
Cecil Kamai Chang, Jr. (64) suddenly left this world on July 21, 2025, at his home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Cecil was born December 13, 1960, in Honolulu, Hawaii to Cecil Kamai Chang Sr and Victoria Keawe-Aiko. He was the only boy of 5 children: Lei (deceased), Phyllis, Norma Jean(deceased), and Ernette. He was happily married to Lisa Chong for 41 years. Their living legacy consists of: 7 children, Chaundell (Will) Monn, Kamai (Kim) Chang, Chali (Kaipo) Lindsey, Candace (Brandt) Colvin, Chamei (Edgar) Escalante, Kahea (Joy) Chang, Kaleo (Sara) Chang. 22 grandchildren, Ethan, Tristan, Kaden, Mason, Tylee, Kolten, Hi'ipoi, Tinzlee, Amelia, Trexon, Kaisen, Ku'ulei, Teinani, La'ahia, Elsie, Taz, Theo, Ioela, Walter, Teanu, Keanu, and Lucille. 6 fur babies. Mochi, Nala, Milo, Koa, Maple, and Mo'o. 46 chickens, 2 sharks, and a partridge in a pear tree. Cecil was born and raised in Honolulu. From a young age until his passing, the two things that describe him are music and sports. Cecil grew up in a very musically talented family. Drawing inspiration from his Tutu, Aunty Genoa Keawe, he picked up the ear and love for music. He taught himself to play the guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, piano, and some kazoo. People loved hearing him sing, even though he doubted his own abilities. He was a proud member of the Roosevelt High School's Glee club. Cecil enjoyed several sports including surfing, basketball, football, and volleyball. He played basketball and football in high school and had opportunities to travel and play in Japan. After high school, he served a fulltime mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Denver Colorado mission. There he was assigned to serve in the first Hmong/Laotian branch. After moving his family to Sandy, Utah, Cecil began his legacy as a coach/mentor. He began coaching his oldest son's football team at Alta little league and over the years progressed to Alta high school. Next, he assisted in recruiting football players for the University of Utah. After that, he continued coaching in various high schools; Hillcrest, Cottonwood, Juan Diego, Corner Canyon, and ended his high school coaching career at Skyridge High School with a state title. After this accomplishment, he retired from coaching. An hour later, he announced his new coaching position on a semi-professional women's football team, The Utah Falconz. He is the current head coach of the program. His passion lives on through all his players. With all the lives influenced by Cecil, he lives on in our hearts as a coach, a friend, a brother, a father, a grandpa, and most of all a husband. In Cecil's words, "Aloha and make it a great day" A viewing will take place from 4:00pm to 6:30pm at the Sandy Crescent Ridge Stake Center, 1265 East 11000 South, Sandy, Utah. The Funeral Service will follow immediately after, starting at 7:00pm. The Chang family kindly invites all attendees who have played for or coached alongside Coach Chang to wear their team jerseys or coaching shirts in his honor. The Chang family would like to give a special thanks to the first responders, doctors, and Serenity Funeral Home for their care of our loved one. Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Cecil Chang's Guest Book

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July 31, 2025

Steve & Kathy Chapman posted to the memorial.

July 31, 2025

Herbie Kaili Basso posted to the memorial.

July 31, 2025

Elisa Salazar posted to the memorial.

Steve & Kathy Chapman

July 31, 2025

We have great memories of Cecil! He and his family added so much in our ward, sharing his Hawaiian heritage with so many activities! It seems that we never saw him without a smile on his face! He was such a talented man and eager to share that with everyone! Our prayers will be with Lisa and their family! What a great heritage! Love you, Cecil!!!
Steve and Kathy Chapman

Herbie Kaili Basso

July 31, 2025

Cecil , Kaleo and I grew up together in Papakolea and Auwaiolimu ward. We played ALOT of basketball at Papakolea park. We reconnected on internet. I have great memories and they are precious to me. We love you Ceec Alohanuiloa from
Herb and Wendy Basso

Elisa Salazar

July 31, 2025

Coach Chang had a warm excitement that drew you in. You could feel it when he spoke about things he loved. It would light up in him when we talked about football-when he talked about team dynamics, strategy, and team morale. He genuinely cared about everyone involved (players, coaches, admin). Coach showed a similar spark when he talked about food, especially cooking. He had a way of describing certain dishes that made you want to pull up a chair and eat whatever he was making. It wasn't even so much what he said, it was how he said it-like it was more than just a meal.

The time I remember most, when his warmth and love really shined through, was when we were at his house and he started talking about the pictures on his walls. Each one had a story. As he shared them, you could tell how much his family meant to him and how proud he was of them. That love for his family was the core of who he was.

Coach, you will be missed deeply, but always remembered with warmth and gratitude.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

His Friends at Douglas Guardian

Sent Flowers

Burr and Marie Barnhurst

July 29, 2025

God bless you and your family in this time of sadness.

Courtney Shaw

July 25, 2025

He was more than just a coach for the Falconz; he was family. He cheered for each of us to thrive both on and off the field. He attended my wedding in 2022, and you can see the joy on his face in the photos. He truly made me feel valued as a person. In another picture, his dedication as a coach shines through, captured during an intense playoff week in 2022, showcasing his unwavering support for us in football. That was simply the kind of person he was. Remember Coach, once a Falcon, always a Falcon. #Wingzup

Jane Brinkman

July 25, 2025

Becky Wright

July 25, 2025

Dear Lisa, I am so sad to learn of Cecil´s passing. I treasure the friendship we shared and I pray you can find comfort in the days to come. Kijuana and I are living in Phoenix, her oldest daughter just finished college at the University of Arizona and her son just finished his first year there. Kamilah and her husband and daughters are living in the Atlanta area-so far away! We were recently in Sandy and drove by your old house. We love you and pray for you and your kids in the days to come. Much love, Becky Wright

Here´s what we look like now!

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Serenity Funeral Home of Bluffdale

13863 South 2700 West, Bluffdale, UT 84065

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Sign Cecil Chang's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 31, 2025

Steve & Kathy Chapman posted to the memorial.

July 31, 2025

Herbie Kaili Basso posted to the memorial.

July 31, 2025

Elisa Salazar posted to the memorial.