Long Kim Duong

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Long Kim Duong. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Long was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Long was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on October 3, 1920, Long showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Long came into this world in Bac Lieu, Vietnam. His parents were Thanh Lam Duong and Coi Thi Tran. Long was raised in Bac Lieu, Vietnam.

As a young boy, Long interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Long had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. Long took part in soccer and martial arts.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Long was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Lycee Petrus Ky. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers.

Long's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest him. Long became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He attended college in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Long was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On February 22, 1942 Long exchanged wedding vows with Tuoi Thi Nguyen in Bac Lieu, Vietnam.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Long was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Long was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Long was blessed with five children, four daughters, Phuong, Loan, Quyen, Chuan(Charlene), and one son, Tuan. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, John, Linda, Diane, Steven, Gabrielle, William, Andrea, and Veronique.

Long projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Long was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Long could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. He was self-employed- customs clearance, import and export.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Long was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Long took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were photography, gardening, ballroom dancing, reading National Geographic and cookbooks. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Long was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. Recreational sports included soccer and martial arts. Long was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were soccer and boxing.

Long was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was Buddhist and attended various temples.

Long possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included international travel and cruises.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Long accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1986, and Long was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in walking and exercising at Club One Fitness Club, and gardening.

Long passed away on April 12, 2014 at his residence in San Jose, California. Long passed away in his sleep of natural causes. He is survived by his wife Tuoi; his children Phuong, Loan, Quyen, Charlene, and Tuan; his grandchildren John, Linda, Diane, Steven, Gabrielle, William, Andrea, and Veronique; and his great-grandchildren Drew and Tyler. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park in San Jose, California. He will be cremated and his ashes will be spread at sea.

Though he could be a private person at times, Long was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Long carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Long Kim Duong shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Long for the strength of his convictions.