Quyen Van Phan

Quyen Phan was born on November 1, 1961, in Hue, Vietnam. He was known for his unwavering resilience and love of life. He passed peacefully on June 16, 2024, after a heroic battle with cancer, surrounded by those he loved.

He spent the first 18 years of his life in Vietnam. Quyen and his family were fortunate to have survived the Vietnam War; however, the home they once knew was no longer. In 1979, Quyen was forcefully drafted into the Vietnamese Communist Army. The night he was to graduate from basic training, Quyen executed his plan to escape to the United States. Under an alias, Quyen spent the next 2 years hiding in the countryside until he was finally able to escape from Vietnam on a fishing boat. He faced many challenges during his journey to escape including being a victim of thefts and scams, and leaving his native land, the only home he’s ever known.

Quyen finally made his arrival to Houston, Texas in 1981. However, once he made it to the US, the hardships continued. Quyen was faced with having to learn a new language and acclimating to a new culture, while trying to make a living for himself, all on his own. He enrolled in college, but was unable to complete his degree. As an immigrant without higher education, he had to work multiple jobs in order to make ends meet and to sponsor his family to come to America. With a great work ethic and boundless determination, Quyen built a successful career in the oil and gas industry as a Geoscience IT Manager.

In the Fall of 1984, Quyen met his beloved wife, Chau. As partners in life, they naturally played a pivotal role in shaping each other. Chau taught Quyen how to drive stick shift. Quyen introduced Chau to his love of fishing and throughout the many hours, days, and eventual years of casting lines, they forged an unbreakable bond. And together, they traveled the world, grew in their love of photography, and brought into the world three beautiful daughters who continue to make them proud every day.

In 2021, Quyen was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer with metastasis in the brain. Doctors were shocked to see him functioning so well, despite the progression of his cancer. A diagnosis like his is often given a prognosis of 6 months or less. However, Quyen was in otherwise good health and was fortunate to begin treatment immediately at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He was blessed with 3 additional years from his diagnosis. Quyen lived life to the fullest with this extra time — he enjoyed the things he loved such as traveling, fishing, golfing, photography, and pickleball.

Quyen was quick to admit his good fortune in life. Along with his resilience through all of life’s hardships, he proved worthy of his nickname, “The Lucky Dog”. After his diagnosis in 2021, his children got matching tattoos in honor of their father with the nickname written in his own hand.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Quyen’s name to MD Anderson, who has worked so hard to continue the fight against cancer.

https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/campaign/theluckydog

Quyen was a fighter and stayed strong until the very end. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Que Van Phan. He is survived by his loving wife, Chau Doan; cherished children, Amy Deao and husband Bryan Deao, Sarah Phan and partner Brian Banjo, and Lace Phan; his mother, Thu Hoai Ton Nu; his sisters, Huong Phan and Hong Phan; his brother Quy Phan and family; his parents-in-law, Huu Doan & Dieu Nguyen; and his sisters-in-law and their families.

A visitation for Quyen will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park, 2454 S Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077.

A funeral service will occur Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park. The service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077.