Missing you & thinking of you often, Thien.  Picturing you smile & laugh is a great comfort.  Love you always, friend. 

The memory I have of Thien and I goes back further than just a few years. I say between the years of 96-98. I knew him in 2000+ but we hardly spoke then.  I remember waiting for class to start outside of AVID and Thien and I had engaged in a short conversation where we ended up laughing. I can't remember a time where I have seen him angry or upset. I always saw him with a smile on his face and or laughing.  My only regret was not hanging out with him more to get to know the Thien outside of school.  When I saw the news I was in complete disbelief that I had to read it again several times to make sure that what I was reading was in fact true. It saddens me that he was taken at a young age but comforts me to know that God only takes the best, and Thien surely was that.  In heaven we shall meet again... rest easy .

T,

It's impossible to sum up your feelings for someone in a paragraph. I did, however, want to let you know how meaningful the time spent with you and your family was for me. How happy I was and how grateful I am for those moments. I was lucky enough to be allowed to help with your family's new restaurant. New staff was needed. It took a couple of tries on my part to convince her but your sister finally gave me a chance. You came along shortly after opening and we hit it off. Do you still remember us in our late 20's talking about buying a house together as an investment? In all I would say I was there on and off for just under 3 years and it never felt like a job. My memories with Mitchell, Adam, Joe,  and yourself are countless and priceless, I never took them for granted. I often think back to them with a big smile and a warm feeling in my heart. I feel I met you all at the time I most needed it. I'd been living in San Diego for a number of years but never really felt connected to the area until I met you all. After, I would often tell my family and friends that I'd been kind of adopted by this wonderful family and made long lasting friends. Seeing the way you all treated one another and watched out for each other made me want to get closer to my own family and I can't thank you enough for it. It's because of you all that I became a better son, brother, and friend. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your friendship and your love. You were family to me and you will be missed dearly. Until we meet again. 

I am so lucky to have known someone like Thien. We didn’t see each other or talk often but when we did, it always felt natural and normal, like family. The Phung’s can do that to you, they make you part of their family and you can’t help but love them. It doesn’t take a ton of memories with someone to be meaningful, a handful or just one great one with them can leave a lasting impression. 

One special memory I have with Thien started off with his little sister, one of my closest friends, Nancy, texting me to go out on a Sunday night (a sunday!), I was all set to tell her ‘no, thanks’ and stay home. She then texted me saying that Nas (a rapper) would be making an appearance there, I still wasn’t sold on the offer. Before I could text her back ‘no’, she messaged me again saying Thien was a huge fan of his and that he would love it if we came out with him as well. She got me there, I immediately said yes and went out to meet them. The night was filled with laughter, fun and chaos (a typical time with any Phung). I remember how happy and excited Thien was, that made it all worth it and it’s one memory i’ll hold dearly in my heart.

I wish it didn’t have to be like this but I am so honored and blessed to have known him. I know Dat is with him and they are smiling down and watching over us all. I will remember and cherish Thien forever.

Thien, 

Growing up with the Phungs was a blessing. Thanks for including me in your many family adventures. From snowboarding trips to camping out for the 4th of July, I always looked forward to hanging out with you guys. Thien always had a big smile on his face, I don't even think I have seen him mad before. He was always cracking jokes and always fun to be around. I rememberd when Dat passed away, he told me "You better say a eulogy for Dat, he was like a brother to you!" It broke my heart when I heard the news about you. But I know that you and Dat are in a better place watching over all of us. I miss you brother. Until we meet again, love you!

Since Thien and I were more than 3 years apart, besides family functions/games, I didn’t really get to hang out with him and his friends because of our age gap.  It wasn’t until my high school years that the age gap didn’t seem so big and I actually got to know and hang out with him and his friends quite often.  We would all hang out at Manny’s house, play tennis, go to house parties or clubbing—they were good memories.  

However, if I can accentuate the fondest memories I have of Thien, it would have to be playing two-hand touch football as kids on the side of my house.  Thien and Joe would be the team captains and I secretly always wanted to be on Thien’s team because his team would win like 9 out of 10 times—no offense to Joe lol.  

It truly breaks my heart to see Thien taken away from us at such a young age… but I sincerely pray that he and Dat have found each other and can find peace & solace in meeting again...  

Thien, my dear cousin, I want you to know that I love you and believe it when they say that “Goodbyes are not forever; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.”

Dear Anh Thien,
It’s so hard for me to believe that you’re not here with us anymore. I still remember the time that I just came from Vietnam and you went to Santa Ana to pick me up with your coolest car. You were so friendly , kind and we had a great conversation along the road. I will always remember your brightest smiles, your jokes, and your kindness Anh Thien. God has a plan for each of us but it’s so difficult for us to understand sometimes . We will continue praying for you until we meet again. I know  in heaven you and Anh Dat will always look after for your family  especially for your parents. 
You will be missed forever Anh Thien !!! 
We love you !!!

Thien, this week has been a roller coaster of emotions. I’ve gone from anger to sadness to complete disbelief and I’ve finally settled on one thing that keeps me at peace. 
It’s really hard to come to terms with you leaving us but when you think about a loss like this in retrospect you realize how it’s really based on our own selfishness. How we want you here for us because of the joy you brought to our lives. What if we can take the selfishness out of the equation and truly realize you are now in a place where you are free and at peace. Free from this ugly world filled with greed, poverty, corruption, hate, war, and all things that make life very difficult. Wouldn’t we want what’s best for the people we care about? Thien is now is exactly in the most desirable place beyond what the human mind can conceive. I truly believe this... the best place imaginable where your soul is free. I will never forget you thien. Until we meet again. 


Thien,

Whenever I think of you, I can’t help but think of the huge part of my childhood that was you. The Nguyens and Phungs are united by blood but bounded by a deep, irreplaceable friendship. We went to the same schools and lived down the street from each other. As kids, we were always together and always up to no good. I think at one point, our parents even banned sleep overs. From climbing out of two story windows, lighting fireworks in the backyard, sliding down the stairs in our sleeping bags, making tents out of sheets, to our countless games of football...it was never a dull moment. Whatever we were up to, you were always the ring leader. You were a natural born leader. You were always full of big ideas and big smiles. Even with the weight of the world on your shoulders, your motto in life was “Dream Big, Live Big, And Do It All With A Big Smile.”

Perhaps God needed your creativity, leadership, and ambition in Heaven. Or perhaps God wanted to hear your jokes and clever comebacks for himself so called you home. As I watch my kids grow and whenever they get into shenanigans with their cousins, I know you will be guiding them towards the ruckus and secretly laughing to yourself.

It’s hard for me to comprehend why you had to go so soon. It will be difficult for our families to fill the void, the emptiness of your absence. But I take comfort in knowing you are united with Dat and smiling down on our families.

We will miss you so, so much. More than you’ll ever know…more than words can describe. Love you, cousin. 

Thien was a such bright light. Having shared many classes and friends in high school, I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was always willing to help  and brought positive energy whenever he was around. Sending love to all his family and friends. 

- Derek Inouye 

Tim,
Thank you for all the great memories and the genuine friendship we created. I remembered you kept thanking me for planning the Seattle trip for all of us to go “hiking” but then when you heard it was a 9 miles hike you’re like  “HELL NO we ain’t hiking 9 miles!!! We doing the 2 miles one!” LOL You always know how to make me laugh and cheer me up. Your positive energy and bright smile  just light up the entire room. I feel so blessed to have you part of my life. You were more than a friend to me, we are like family. I’m going to miss you so much. Kai walks by your picture at night and said “ Good night Uncle Tim....” and waves his hand at your picture
Sweet dreams Tim, my brother in heaven... One day we will meet again... 

You were my fortune cookie. Any time I doubted myself in college, any time I lacked courage and motivation you always dug out the best in me with your corny comments.. the comments that I would tease you about but would lift me up and get me through more times than I'd ever admit.  You saw me and you believed in me. Your heart was so genuine and giving.
The other day I was pulling out an air mattress and I thought about the time when I bragged about how I slept on an air matress for a year in grad school and the next day you delivered a whole damn matress to middle of nowhere Texas because you said I needed a "real" bed.
Those hand written letters from you... that perfect cursive that was so much prettier than mine.. those greeting cards.. the newspaper clipping of some old man that made you think of me that hung on my refrigerator all those years.. it made me so happy to know that my emails made your day. You were so special to me and I wish I had verbalize that more... made more of an effort to see you when I was home, checked I'm more frequently. You were someone who I always could count to share that unconditional love and I never doubted the goodness in that heart of yours. I miss you. I love you. And I'm sorry, TP. I hope you know all you mean to me. Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you for everything that you are.



Uncle Thiện, 
I love you so much!! Every time I saw you, you always lit up the room with your jokes. You were the kindest person I’ve ever met, and I am honored to have been able to call you my uncle. My favorite line that you always said was “let’s get a picture together” because you wanted to keep a memory of all those moments. Although we rarely got to see each other, everytime we did, you always welcomed me with the biggest smile on your face. I hope that you and Uncle Đạt will reunite and continue to look over our family. May God welcome you into his house and together, you two will be the angels that look out for the Phùng Clan. I miss you so much Uncle Thiện!! 🤍 

Thien,

My coolest cousin. I looked up to you so much in so many ways. I’ll never forget the summers at your house growing up. It was always an adventure full of laugher. I’d come back from every summer break with a big bag of hand me downs. Your clothes were always my favorite. You always had the freshest gear. You know Joe and Dat never really had style... I’ll miss you so much cousin. Say what’s up to Dat for me. I hope both of you guys look after me. Rest in Paradise cousin. I love you. 

Thien,

How blessed I was to be graced with your friendship. My DJ partner, always on the same page when it was time to change the room mood with our many genres of music. Though I always made you DiP when I put your jam on P-Lo Get Me Lit! Thank you, for always sending good energy to my shoots and projects. You were a man full of love, compassion, loyalty and dreams, dreams not just for you and your family but for all people. You will be dearly missed. In your words, “See you on the corner of Heaven and Runnin Good” one day. Rest In Peace. 

Timmy,

When I heard the tragic news I was distraught, so sad I would never see your smiling face again, share a laugh or a toast.   I never heard you say a bad thing about anyone, you truly cared about others more then yourself.  I will miss you buddy, if I am lucky enough to make it to heaven I will see you there because that is surely where you are now.  

Thien,

I have only known you for less than a year but you made me fell like has been for ever.  Still remember the first time you came to my house with the guys to play tennis, you were just acting like a little kid, kid with a heart of gold as big as an ocean and when you said  " I appreciate you".  You became like a younger brother and protecter to me. You were always there to make sure I  am ok but you never told me what I can do for you.  You always kept your words but Your last word " I see you in 2 hours" . Waited , waited and waited but you never showed. 
Love you brother  and we shall see each other again.

Y2K, the year where people thought the world was going to end...the family gathered together at your childhood home for the countdown...5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Then sudden darkness... for a split second, we thought, is this really happening?!! Followed by so much screaming! Turned out you had purposely shut down the power during that exact second as a prank to the family. You proceeded to turn the power back on and walked back in the room with the biggest smile. “Thieeeennn!!” We all got a big laugh out of it and a great memory to always attach to Y2K. 

Your sense of humor was priceless. You’ve always had such witty, funny comebacks...always making people laugh. You’re leaving us way too soon cousin. May the Lord take you home where you can Rest In Peace. Love you!! 



Thien, 

I was lucky enough to know you for a year but you had the power to make me feel like family for a lifetime. You were one of the most generous , dependable , trustworthy guys I’ve met and I’m lucky to have bonded with you the past couple months . You had the ability to instantly light up any room with your hilarious sense of humor. One thing I learned from you is how important it is to always do the right thing in scenarios when its so tempting and easy to do the wrong. You were a man with a moral code that I quickly built huge respect for. You never let me pay a dinner bill - what the hell man ! Whether you were going through good times or bad , you were always able to put a smile on the faces of those around  you. You left us too young ; many good times and wild nights were ahead. Supporting local small businesses was a passion of yours. I’ll make sure your legacy lives on in that regard. Rest in paradise my friend- I’ll see you again. 

Uncle Thien, thank you for being so nice to Louis and I, to our family.  Thank you for all the beautiful memories. I always love your jokes and bright smile. You still owe us a tortilla warmer as our wedding gift :) 

You're gone on the Feast of Ascension Day, it's the day that Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven and return to his Father. He has called you to be in Heaven with him. Although I am extremely heart broken, I do believe God has a plan and He welcomed you to live an eternal life with Him.

You will be forever missed. Love you so much, Uncle Thien. #PHUNGFAM

Big brother Thien thank you for all the good memories. For making me laugh at the family dinners and being my dance partner at the weddings. I hold you dear to my heart. You will never be forgotten. We will all miss you dearly May you Rest In Peace. Love always your Mexican Hermana Glo <3

I love u bro I will always miss u brother thank for being an amazing friend ur gone but never forgotten love u always brother 

As one of Nancy's friends, I was always (and happily) given duties to hang the flowers, set up tables, or build decor for parties. The night before her wedding, I arrived at her parent's home to set up, not surprised one of the decors was Vietnamese signage. I was stumped, and when it came to Nancy, I took my duties very seriously. Thien strolled over, looked at me and laughed, and, without asking, started helping me. I didn't expect him to, but without judgment, we spent this quiet but heartfelt moment trying to figure it out (I don't think he knew what he was doing either). It took a while, and we kept making mistakes, but we didn't give up. Once it was complete, we high-fived, were pretty proud that we could make something nice for his sister. We didn't have many moments together since I was his sister's friend, but that moment, although small, was really special to me. I will cherish it, and I will never forget how selfless, funny, thoughtful, and generous Thien is. 

Being friends with one Phung meant being friends with them all.  Thien was always the cool older brother. He reminded me a lot of my own. He was always fun, easy going and a joy to be around. He will be missed. Rest in heaven. I hope him and Dat are reunited 🙏🏽 

OBITUARY

Giuse Phùng Chí Thiện

March 8, 1984 – May 16, 2021

Goodbody Mortuary

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