Duc Huu Nguyen

Born in My Tho, Vietnam as the sixth of eleven children to Phuoc and Kiem, Duc served as a South Vietnamese Airforce helicopter pilot. He married his wife of 47 years, Nghiep, in November 1971 and had two children, Thanh and Bao, in Saigon. After the 1975 fall of Saigon, the family fled to the US as refugees to begin a new life in Texas and a third child, Shirley, was born.

Duc was known by many as a stoic man who rarely showed emotions and worked tirelessly to ensure his family was never in need. He instilled in his children the importance of maintaining a strong family foundation as well as the values of perseverance and humility. Throughout his life, he suffered many setbacks, including a downed helicopter during his military service and medical challenges during his latter years. He never quit despite the odds being against him and he never failed to surprise those who had doubts. He was the epitome of a fighter.

To his grandchildren, Duc was and always will be their source of unconditional love and support. He did not believe that it was possible to spoil his grandchildren and gave in to their every wish, including ice cream sandwiches for breakfast and weekly trips to the store for toys. The most trivial accomplishments were rewarded with Ông Nội/Ông Ngoại opening his wallet. A visit with him was incomplete without extra pocket money.

Duc is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren Gwen, Emma, Oliver, Charlotte and Elliott, brothers Sanh, Tuoi, and Chi and sisters Tot, Nu, Trong and Quyen. He is greatly missed and our memories of him will never fade.

**********************************************************************************

Message to my Ông Nội / Ông Ngoại (Grandfather)

Ông Nội, I would like to thank you for being there for me in my childhood as a great caretaker, and for everything you’ve sacrificed up to this point. If it were not for you, I would not be the hard-working person I am today. You have influenced my life in ways I didn’t realize until much too late, and I am so grateful for everything you’ve given me. I love you, and I hope you are able to eat as much food as you want now. Emma, 18

***********************************************************************************

Dear Ông Ngoại,

Thank you for all you gave to me. I really appreciate it all. I liked when you always took me and Elliott to HEB to get toys. You are kind and brave. Oliver, 9

***********************************************************************************

I liked spending the night with Ông Ngoại and he tickled me. Elliott, 5

***********************************************************************************

Dear Ông Nội,

I am going to miss you so much. It was always funny when you called me a boy. I hope you are having fun in heaven. I hope you are flying helicopters and eating whatever you want. Charlotte, 6

***********************************************************************************

Dear Ông Nội,

It will be rough not having you around anymore, and there’s so much I have to thank you for. I don’t know if there’s any amount of thank you’s I can return that even out all you’ve done. I have no idea how the rest of my life will go, but I’m sure you will guide me, somehow. You risked your life for your family, and I know you will continue to inspire me to fight when life gets difficult. Gwen, 19