More detail on this person: HOI VAN NGUYEN, 75, beloved husband, father, and son, having `slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on silvered wings,' flew unexpectedly westward from Long Beach, California on January of 2023. He will be missed now and forever by all who knew and cherished him. He was born in 1948, educated, and became of age in Vietnam. It was also there that he met and married his dear wife. Shortly thereafter in 1968, he traveled to the U.S. to receive helicopter flight training from the U.S. Army Primary Helicopter Center at Fort Wolters in Texas. Upon graduating, he returned home and went on to serve valiantly as a Lieutenant in the Republic of Vietnam Air Force during the War, flying untold numbers of dangerous missions and medical evacuations. In 1975, with his family, he emigrated to the U.S. seeking freedom and opportunities, and worked tirelessly to provide for them a better life. At heart, he is a person of quiet sensitivity who is blessed with innate creative abilities. He often gravitates towards and finds joy in artistic endeavors. Throughout his life, he has pursued interests in photography, painting, writing poetry, and music. He has also reveled in spending time on the tennis court; exploring the wonders of nature -- its phenomena and intricacies -- for understanding, inspiration, and the immersive experience of being a part of it; and undertaking pet projects that tickled his curiosity and challenged his mental acumen. He is most remembered for his ready, bright, and disarming smile; charming persona; and especially for his compassionate and kind spirit towards those who are less fortunate and find themselves in need of help. In this respect, he is unconditionally selfless. In retirement, he often travels and finds comfort in and camaraderie among family and friends, and in particular, his grandchildren. He is survived by the mother of his children, Phuong Nguyen; four daughters: Uyen Nguyen, Tram (Kevin) Nelson, Han Nguyen, and Suong (Kenny) Wong; son: Hoan Nguyen; one sister; four nieces; five grandchildren; and many extended family members, in-laws, and life-long friends, both at home and abroad. Family members who have predeceased him include parents: Huan and Diep Nguyen; two sons: Nguyen-Triem (who passed away in infancy) and Huan Nguyen; and two younger brothers.
This information was last updated 05/02/2023
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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