Happy Birthday, Hai

Today was such a hard day for so many of us as we said our final goodbye. It still doesn’t feel real. You truly were a blessing in our lives always showing up with kindness, patience, and that calm way of listening that made everyone feel heard.

You taught us what it means to care deeply and to find solutions instead of giving up. You had this quiet strength that made people better just by being around you.

Your legacy will live on in all of us, and we promise we won’t forget you. You always wanted the best for everyone, and we’ll do our best to make you proud.

Dear Hai,

Happy Birthday. I just wanted to say it, if only once. If I had known your birthday while you were still here, I would have greeted you with joy, taken you out for lunch or dinner, and sung you a heartfelt “Happy Birthday.” You deserved that celebration.

I’m deeply sorry I couldn’t be there to see you off today. I had planned to go with friends, but this flu kept me away. I truly wanted to see you one last time. I didn’t know that the last I would see you was in August.  It’s hard to accept that you’re gone. You left too soon, Hai. Far too soon.

There’s still so much I wish I could ask you, tell you, share with you. You had so much more to give, so much more to do. The world needs more people like you - kind, brilliant, funny, and full of life. You were one of the best people I’ve ever known. Unique in every way. Smart, cheerful, friendly, and yes, when you were mad, you were really mad! LOL

I learned so much from you. Thank you for your guidance and support when I was just starting at TSS. I’ll never forget those moments. I truly cherished our conversations, we could talk about anything and everything under the sun. Thank you for inviting me to those group dinners. All those memories are etched in my heart.

I will miss you deeply, Hai. In God's time, we'll meet again.

With love and remembrance, 
Dan

He was very nice and considerate. I enjoyed our interaction and was sad to hear of his passing.

Hai, 

I’ll never forget my first year in 51B. I wouldn’t have survived without your guidance. All the crazy times with the kids (good and bad), you were always there to help me in anyway that you could. I always admired how much the kids looked up to you and loved you. I’m truly heartbroken that you’re gone.

Banyan forever, 
Loan

Dear NT & Chi & Family, 

We are stunned and our hearts ache to hear this news. The world has lost a bright soul, but Hai's legacy will live on. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. As you go through this difficult time, remember that you are so loved. We pray that the Buddhas will lead Hai Tan Nguyen to the Western Paradise.

With deepest sympathy, may you have comfort and peace during this time of great loss.

My condolences.  Hai lightened up our workplace with a good sense of humor.  He was laidback but sincere, witty but genuine.  No matter the circumstances, he was kind to everyone.  I will miss him.

The news of Hais passing was shocking, I wish to offer my sympathies  to Hai's family.  He was always polite, pleasant and intelligent to speak with.  I attended meals in Japantown in groups where he led the way in terms of the food ordering and the discussions.  Never boring.  On the work front he was dedicated and effective and good in a team.   Although he will be missed by all those who knew him we will keep the memories of him with us.  

Paul Kavanagh

Hai,

I can’t describe the sadness and emptiness  I felt when I heard of your passing, but I have wonderful memories of you that will always remain in my heart.  These memories will always make me smile and uplift my soul and spirit just as you did whenever I needed someone to lean on or to listen to my ramblings. 

I will miss your wit, your humor, your gentle mien and your amazing knowledge about everything and anything.  I enjoyed all our conversations, from ITIL processes, IT projects (and fiascos) to the latest K-pop groups, K-drama, K-beauty products and even “aegyo sal”! Who needs Google  when you were around?

I will cherish all the time we spent together - the laughter, the craziness,  and of course the calm after all that.  Most of all,  I want to  thank you for letting me be your older sister and playing along as my protective younger brother (at work and outside of work). 

You have made the world a better place by bringing people together, showing us how to live in the present moment, and how to live in harmony with all beings.  You were a gift to us all.

Your physical presence will be missed little brother, but your beautiful soul and spirit will remain with us forever.  Until we meet again. 

Your sister forever,

Claire

Ba Ngoai misses you the most and now you are together, forever.

Christmases together, ugly sweaters and all

Wearing Me Ha’s old favorite (ugly) sweater to Christmas

You came into my life and I became a “big sister” finally. And gosh did I love you! You were always such a good sport with all the things a big sister would do to a lil brother!

Dear Hai,

Back in 2001, during my internship, your parents meant, and still, a lot to me. It was not just them, your kindness left a lasting impression too. I feel lucky to have known you as such a kind and warm-hearted person. May you rest in peace, dear Hai. 

Best wishes, Ut

I had the pleasure of meeting Hai at various weddings, bachelor parties and birthdays and was always struck by his gentle and kind nature. He was quiet but funny as hell, and he clearly always put others before himself. At Hiep & Hao's 40th he brought a bunch of these Pop Mart figurines and gave them out and I chose this one, which sits on my desk. I am so deeply sorry for the family's loss and will always remember Hai.

I have no words to express the magnitude of this loss.  You were not just a friend, you were my brother. You brought joy and happiness to all around you. You will never be forgotten.

OMG! 🥲

It was truly heartbreaking to hear the news about Hai Nguyen . I’m still reeling from the shock of his life ending so unexpectedly soon. I have some fond memories of catching up with him over lunch at Sweet Tomatoes, and those casual get-togethers always brightened my day. 

He was such a genuinely good person, always so calm and helpful, especially when we were dealing with those tricky outages and notifications. Every week in the morning meeting I later heard he was contributing his talents to the Tiger team with Quincy , and it really just underscored what a capable and dedicated individual he was. He’ll truly be missed by so many staff in the TSS.

🙏 RIP 
Our condolences to the Hai Nguyen’s families. Sorry for your loss.

I'm deeply saddened to hear about Hai’s passing. He was always warm, approachable, and willing to help whenever needed. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew him. His presence will truly be missed.

My deepest condolences to Hai and his family. Hai was a very good friend and co-worker. He always made everyone laugh. He was a great problem solver. You would instantly be in a happier mood just talking to Hai while passing by. I will miss our lunch breaks and trying new places to eat. I will also miss being able to reach out and ask him a question. My thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family. Hai has touched so many people in a good way. I will miss him deeply.

I'm deeply saddened to hear of Hai's passing. He was such a kind and gentle soul. As a coworker and colleague of mine, we developed a close personal friendship. Although our time together was short, I will always remember the calmness and skill he would use to help resolve escalated issues assigned to me and/or us at the County when on Tiger Team duty. He will truly be missed by so many. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest peacefully my brother, see you on the other side.

I had the honor of working with Hai Nguyen for over 10 years through my role at Ubeo, while he served with Santa Clara County TSS. Throughout that time, Hai was more than just a professional contact — he was a trusted partner and a true friend. Our relationship was built on integrity, honesty, and mutual respect.

Hai’s professionalism, kindness, and dedication left a lasting impression on me and on our entire Pro-IT team. We valued his partnership and his unwavering commitment to excellence in every project we worked on together.

He was truly one of a kind — respected by everyone who had the privilege of working with him, and deeply missed by all who knew him. Hai was a great man, and I thought the world of him both as a colleague and as a friend.

Clarissa

I'm deeply saddened to hear of Hai's passing. He was such a kind and gentle soul. As a coworker and colleague of mine, we developed a close personal friendship. Although our time together was short, I will always remember the calmness and skill he would use to help resolve escalated issues assigned to me and/or us at the County when on Tiger Team duty. He will truly be missed by so many. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. I’m dedicating this song to you Hai (Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton), as we all mourn and grieve your loss…rest peacefully my brother, see you on the other side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUU1GLMdnkM

You were such a bad influence sometimes! But still managed to keep us out of trouble.

You're forever in our hearts. It was a privilege to have you in our lives. You were truly one of a kind!

When I first met you, you were suddenly my "boyfriend" and we were just wrecking chaos together. As years went by, I was suddenly your "wife" and it caused so many hilarious moments. Hope we didn't stress anyone out too much.
 
You helped me be braver and speak up for myself. But kept me in check like a true friend. You helped me meet so many wonderful people along the way. I'll never be able to thank you like you deserved.

I guess I'll keep the stinky scorpion after all...

Oh, Hai…
I see your photo, I read your name, and there are so many expressing their thoughts, feelings, and emotions over your passing. But still, I can’t quite believe it.

The morning commute is the hardest part of my day now. Driving down Lawrence Expressway, I pass by the restaurants where we used to meet, mostly for dinner, so we could take our time. We’d talk, laugh, and share stories, and you’d flash that sheepish grin whenever you spilled the latest tea you’d heard.

That’s when the tears start to fall. It’s still dark, the day hasn’t begun, and there’s nothing to distract me, only memories of the time I spent with you.

For you, I will live life to the fullest, no regrets. Because that, my friend, is your legacy.

You were taken far too soon, with so much more life to live, more stories to tell, and more tea to share. Friends like you are rare, once in a lifetime, and I was lucky to have known you.

With love and remembrance,
Lisa

Hai was a constant at many events with my brother's family. I always found him easy to talk to and very down to earth. I will always remember writing with him and my brother at Suju's, just a couple of young adults flexing our creativity and drinking coffee. Thank you Hai for being such a good friend and my most sincere condolences to his family and all of those whose lives he touches.

Halloween 2019 - missing you so much right now

Halloween 2019 - we all went to Ajisen in costume and weirded a lot of people out. You were always up for being goofy and not taking yourself seriously.

Hai,

I've always seen you as an inspirational colleague and one of my big brothers in the workplace. You had the answer for anything under the sun! Your friendliness and positivity is greatly missed, but I think your kindness is the most irreplaceable loss. 

We've worked on multiple projects in the past and you managed to show or tell me something new every time. Even after moving to another department, you were never a stranger. I'll be missing the opportunities to work together further or just getting to go out to grab lunch. I'm already saddened that we don't get to talk anymore...

I was truly blessed to meet you in this lifetime. You're unforgettable.

Rest well my friend,
Leslie

Hai Nguyen will be remembered for his exceptional work ethic and clear communication skills. He was recipient of the Employee Excellence Award and always exceeded the expectations. May he rest in peace.

Khalid Turk
Chief Healthcare Information Officer

I'm deeply saddened to learn of Hai's passing. He was a joy to work with - always kind, positive and generous with his spirit. He will truly be missed, and my heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends of Hai.  I had the privilege of working with Hai on a couple of my projects at the County.  He was always responsive, friendly and helpful.  I am sad to know of his passing and that I will not have the opportunity to work with him again.  He will be missed by many.  Best wishes and take care.

I'm shocked and saddened to hear about Hai's passing.  He will always be remembered for his friendliness and willingness to help others, both personally and professionally. My condolences go out to his family - he will be greatly missed.

Such heartbreaking news. Hai was kind, friendly, and very helpful.   My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be missed by all of us.

Sending my condolences to his family he left behind.  Hai is greatly missed.  He was so kind and very helpful leader to our project in CAD support matrix.  Praying God's hand to take him to Heaven.

Hai, 

You were such a friendly person to work with.  We will miss you.
I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.  I have offered a Catholic service for your intention.

Rest in peace,

David

It’s heartbreaking to hear about Hai passing. He was such a lively, kind, and genuinely helpful person — someone who could light up the workplace with his energy and positivity. It’s hard to imagine the office without his warm smile and cheerful presence. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength and peace in the beautiful memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

My heart goes out to Hai’s family and friends during this heartbreaking time. Hai was such a wonderful person — kind, genuine, and full of smiles. I feel grateful to have known Hai and will always remember the fun moments we shared. Wishing you all comfort, love, and peace as you remember the beautiful memories of such a special soul.

Dear Family,

Please accept my very sincerest condolences.

As many of us know, losing a loved one or close one is very hard and painful, but have you ever wondered if your loved one will ever live again?

Please allow me to show you a verse in the Bible, Acts 24 : 15 which in short says : “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous ”. 

Not only that, but gods word promises us in Revelation 21 : 4 that pain and suffering will be no more, “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.“

I hope this message may help comfort in times of grief and for more information about this topic you can visit the website jw.

My condolences to the friends and families. He was such a great person to talk to and be around. I didn't know him long, but the short time that I did, it was such a honor to have to done so. Heartfelt wishes to the family and friends

My condolences to Hai's family and all that loved him. Although I only just met him, he was so kind and nice and easy to talk to. I was looking forward to our friendship to develop and im sad our time was cut short. Rest in peace, Hai. You will be missed. -Zoe

So many memories to share and so much that will never be the same again. 

I love this photo. Such a special day for Michael and I and even more special that Hai was there right by our side as he often was for all of life's events. You will forever be missed Hai.

OBITUARY

Hai Tan Nguyen

11 November, 1983 – 19 October, 2025

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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