Thoai Quang Trinh

Thoai Quang Trinh was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Thoai was born on December 28, 1944 in Khanh Hoa, Nha Trang, Vietnam. He was the son of Trinh Quang Chuong and Phuong Thi Nghi. Thoai grew up in Khanh Hoa, Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Thoai was raised with two siblings. He had two younger sisters, Huong and Hiep. Thoai was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Thoai had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Thoai was an active child who took part in soccer and cross country running. Thoai's memorable achievements included winning first place at a county cross country race where he represented the county at the regional race. However, to Thoai, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

On December 5, 1998 Thoai exchanged wedding vows with Kieu Thu Vuong in Saigon, Vietnam. Empathic and loyal, Thoai was committed to making his new family happy.

Thoai worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Thoai was blessed with three children, one son, Christopher, and two daughters, Courtney and Christine. Another blessing for Thoai was the gift of three grandchildren, Alexander, Joey and Cody.

Thoai was an ARVN Ranger. He was an instructor for the Rung Nui Sin Lay Ranger training course at Duc My in Nha Trang. He later served as an assistant director in the Psychological Warfare Department. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Captain. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Thoai enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, photography, and traveling. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Thoai found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Thoai was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were tennis, volleyball, and soccer.

Throughout his life, Thoai was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Thoai was an active member of the Van Nghe Quoc Gia Association, Biet Dong Quan Association, and the Nha Trang Community Association. He served as president on the latter two for a number of years.

Thoai enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included visiting friends and family all over the United States and Vietnam as well as lying on the beach in Nha Trang.

Thoai passed away on January 18, 2011 in San Jose, California. He is survived by his wife Kieu Thu Vuong; his children Christopher, Courtney and Christine; and his grandchildren Alexander, Joey and Cody. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Sunshine Chapel in San Jose, California. Thoai was cremated in San Jose where he lived for the past 32 years. His ashes will be scattered in the waters of Nha Trang.

Simply stated, Thoai was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Thoai leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Thoai Quang Trinh.