Ta Kiem Lang

(In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Ta Kiem Lang's honor to American Diabetes Association - http://www.diabetes.org)

Lang Kiem Ta

Our Beloved Daddy, our Hero

He was born on September 12th, 1928. For the past 83 years, he lived a full and wonderful life. Together with our mother, he raised 8 children. We did not have much money, but we were never want for anything.

He taught us how to be brave just like how together he and our mother planned our escape from Vietnam with an extended family of 14 in an era when you were lucky to get out with one.

He taught us the value of education and hard work just like how after arriving to American he polished his English, got a job supporting our family, and within a short time purchased a home for us to live.

He taught us how to give ourselves just like how he and two other shipmates had made everyone on their boat escape safely even as they were suffering burns. He also hid an American advisor in the water to save his life while he risked his own life to stay on to secure the ship.

He loved our Mother dearly. He taught us how to love each other just like how he had loved his wife. He did not like durian, but he always brought home durians because she liked them.

He was away from home weeks, even months because of his duty, but he always knew which favorite things to buy for each of his children.

Love, bravery, hard work and compassion are what made him our Beloved Hero, but the best part of him is what made him our Beloved Daddy.