Hao Trinh

On December 29, 2020, our adored brother, beloved father, and devoted grandfather, Trinh Hao, passed at the age of 88. Hao was born to Trinh Am and Vi Phao on July 16, 1932. As a child, Hao never had the opportunity to receive a formal education, but his curiosity and ambition enabled him to find innovative ways to learn. He built his knowledge by veering into school windows and reading books as well as newspapers to grasp the material. Everything he learned, he learned by observation and he mastered the ability to speak many different languages, including Teochew Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. At the young age of 5, Hao emigrated from China to Vietnam with his mother. He worked in the family business, opening a store with his father that sold dried goods to vendors in the community. This work built his perseverance and led him to develop into an earnest young man that worked diligently, hauling bags over his shoulders to deliver goods.

He later married at the age of 22 to Van Chau, and soon opened a second store to provide for his growing family. Hao always deemed his greatest achievement to be raising his ten children. They lived a modest life rooted in Buddhist values, and he always made sure they were never without clothes or food. Even when enjoying his time with friends, he never stopped thinking about his children. On the way home, he would pick up wonderful dishes to eat with his family and from time to time, they would crack the shell of a durian to share the sweetness of the fruit together. Besides being undoubtedly handsome, Hao had a natural gravitation that made him loved by many. His generosity with both his time and money translated to often allowing others to pay him back as they could. A man of principles, he willingly gave from his heart. When his wife died, his nobility never once allowed him to complain and he graciously took on the role of both mother and father. Later on in life, he would immigrate to the US and continue his journey in raising his grandchildren.

In the states, Hao lived a wholesome and fulfilled life with many hobbies, spending his days tending to his garden, going to the casino for fun, and living vicariously through Chinese dramas. He made countless memories with his friends as he frequently visited for tea and good conversation. His shoes traveled thousands of miles as he visited the beautiful countries of Thailand, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. Hao’s truly one of a kind nature was stern yet loving; a man of simple words, he demonstrated his love through the meaning of his actions. Being of strong character, both mentally and physically, he exemplified determination with commitment in being a righteous man. To the end, he was always independent, never divulging his burdens to his children and always putting the needs of others before himself. In old age, he spent his time imparting his wisdom and love to his grandchildren and could often be seen walking them home after cherished hours at Westview Park. He will be missed dearly, and his efforts will forever influence and deeply impact the generations to come.

Hao is survived by his sisters, Helen Vi and Anh Vi, his brothers, Trung, Hoa, and Quoc, as well as his children: Chieu and her family in Logan, UT & New York City, NY. Tru and his family in San Diego, CA. Trinh and her family in Malmö, Sweden. Patricia and her family in San Diego, CA. Le and her family in San Diego, CA. Kien and her husband in Anaheim, CA. Vinh and his family in San Diego, CA. Dieu and his family in Santa Ana, CA. Lan and her family in Anaheim, CA. Ninh and his family in San Diego, CA.