Binh Van Tran

Born in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, on December 10, 1948 to Ty Tran and Chut Thi Pham, he was the third of five siblings. He graduated from the South Vietnam Naval Academy in 1971 and served as a Naval Officer in the Vietnam war until 1975. When the war ended, he came to the United States and started a new life. With strength and resolve, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering all the while raising a young family. He spent a combined 32 years working for the Boeing Company and the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aerospace Engineer.

Binh’s journey in life has been one of determination in the face of much change. After having left his country at the end of the war, he created a new community of friends and family. He sponsored two of his brothers from Vietnam and their families and brought them to live in Washington State. He was the embodiment of hard work. One of his favorite stories to share is that he left Vietnam with only the clothes on his back (because his brother who came with him dropped their only suitcase with all of their belongings into the ocean) and see how far he came in life. His humor, sense for fun, and love for his family will be incredibly missed.

Binh is survived by his wife Loanne (Nguyen), daughter Tammy (Jonathan) Baden of Arizona, daughter Nicole (Daniel) Henderson, daughter Jennie (Nic) Hanson, step-daughter Theresa Graves, Grandchildren Hailey, Vera, Wyatt and Greyson, and brothers Ba Tran, Sang Tran of Minnesota, and Sang Tran of Washington.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen (Hlavka); sister Hai; and his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 29, from 11am - 12pm at the Vietnamese Martyrs Parish of Seattle, 6841 S 180th St, Tukwila, WA 98188. Time for prayer will be at 10am and a reception to follow the service. Burial service will be at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, 350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056 at 2pm.

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest

There is no need for tears

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years.