Dad was born in Hue, Vietnam, on November 18, 1953, to Nguyen Van Mai and Tran Thi Nguyen. He was the fourth of ten children, learning the values of hard work, humility, and resilience from a young age. After earning his doctorate from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 1978, he moved to Hàm Tân, where he served as a village doctor. It was there that he met and married Ellen Thu Be Le in 1982, beginning a beautiful 44-year partnership that would bless them with two daughters.

In 1995, Dad emigrated to San Diego, CA with his family in search of a better future. He worked hard to provide for us, first as a manual laborer and then as an X-ray technician, always with a quiet strength and unwavering dedication. Despite the challenges of starting over, he was well-loved by his coworkers and made a lasting impact through his work.

As Dad’s health declined, we came to realize that his resistance to medical treatments stemmed from a desire to avoid burdening us. He had accepted his condition with bravery and resilience, enduring suffering in silence and preferring peace over further medical intervention. In his final days, we came to understand him not as a stubborn patient but as a loving father who simply wanted to be with family, quietly helping Mom and enjoying his time with us.

Dad was a man of great humility and courage. He gave up his medical career in Vietnam to provide his family with a better life in the U.S., prioritizing us above all else. He taught us perseverance, work ethic, and the importance of living with love and integrity. His legacy will live on through his grandchildren, as we strive to pass on the lessons he instilled in us.

Dad lived a life grounded in service—quiet, humble, and meaningful—dedicating himself to caring for others with compassion. We will remember him as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a compassionate soul whose kindness and resilience left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Ba, we love you. May you rest in peace, free from pain and suffering, and may God shelter you in His loving embrace.

Funeral Service:

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10 AM

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

1450 S Melrose Dr | Oceanside, CA 92056

Following the Mass, Dad will be interred at 

Holy Cross Cemetery

4470 Hilltop Dr | San Diego, CA 92102

In lieu of floral wreaths, offerings may be made as a tribute for the Our Lady of La Vang monument at St. Thomas More Church