My first impression of Uncle Tony was not one of glamorous glory, but a reminder of humility and appreciation for life. In 1997, on the 3rd day of my family’s newly settled life in the US, Uncle Tony, who had been here since 1975 and had been a successful FAA engineer for a while, introduced me to one of his favorite American delicacies:

It was the McDonald’s Apple Pie Bake.

And as menial and ordinary as that sweet little pastry was, the way he was enamored by it and enjoyed it with absolute delight - you might as well think he had bought it from a 5-star bakery in Paris.

And that is what I want people to remember about Tony: He Loved.

He was the embodiment of his Vietnamese name, Xuân Thu, which means Spring Autumn - vibrant and cheerful like a bouquet of Spring Daffodils, but also dreamy and romantic like a misty Autumn stroll.  If the Greek goddess Venus of love and beauty was reincarnated in male form, she would be Uncle Tony.

He fell in love with everything around him, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary. He loved the fine embroidery details on the curves of his furniture. He loved the fruity aftertaste of his Chardonnay. He loved cars and mechanics. He loved the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning. He loved his music, and there was no one he couldn’t cheer up when he whipped out his guitar and serenaded them with his soothing voice. And if he could, he would tell you how much he loved the beautiful flowers at his funeral. He loved life.

And even though he appreciated the finer things in life and would never be caught dead in a wrinkled shirt, his favorite place to eat was Long John Silvers, and of course the McDonald’s Apple Pie Bake. Nothing was ever beneath him. He savored every little moment, and his enthusiasm for life was infectious.

And even though he was far from perfect and, like all of us, battled his own demons, I will still remember my Uncle Tony by these two words: He Loved.

For the past year I worked closely with Tony as my conduit with the FAA and I  will be forever grateful for his unwavering quality education, help, support , friendship and professionalism behavior of dignity . Tony shared with me last time we met his plans for retirement in October and how he was so looking forward to going back to Vietnam and reflecting on his life he had started there. We talked about his journey to America and how he had been so blessed in this country with hard work to get his education, build a family and now his plans to finally move into his sunset years to relax and enjoy his family on a deeper and more relaxed level of living. We talked about a  FT Worth/Dallas visit and how our beautiful Asians wifes would be no doubt going shopping and how they would love spending the “Honey Money $s” His retirement or our family shopping trips planned unfortunately never happened, but the treasure of our friendship and working relationship will remain forever etched in my heart/ mind as a great treasure.  Our deepest condolences to the families and friends that feel the current pain of this tragic loss , may we now be covered with all of the good memories he made for us and as he would clearly want for us now to find peace of remembrance of his generosity, care and honor of respect he lived and bestowed on us all…..Love and admiration, Bob & Dessy Wiltse

I wish I could be there to give my condolences in person. I remember Chu Thu was someone who always wanted everyone to laugh and have a good time. Some of my fondest memories from childhood was him breaking out his guitar and singing during family get togethers.

Tony liked talking about cars, and sometimes he would ask for a picture by one of our cars, usually outside of one of his favorite places for lunch, Long John Silvers.  He was a great coworker and friend with a good sense of humor.  He will be missed.

Tony entertaining us at the office Holiday Party in 2011. He enjoyed his music.

I am so sorry for your loss. Tony and I used to have so much fun when he was a course manager in OKC - I wish I could find the words to convey how much happiness he brought others. He always had a smile for everyone. He was truly a one of a kind and just a great guy.

Dear Nguyen Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.  Tony was a great guy,
Sincerely,
Steven Lardinois (FAA)

Chi Hanh,
I have known Tony for over 20 years.  The first time I met Tony was when your family lived in Oklahoma City and Tony taught at the FAA Academy.  We hit it off great like we known each other for years.  Tony invited me over your house for dinner and I met your family when the kids were younger.  I still remember vividly my first encounter of Tony because it shows me what a great person he was with a huge heart.  I have kept in touch with Tony throughout the years even though we don’t work in the same office or city.  My sincere condolences to you and your family!!!! You and your family lost a great husband, a great dad and a great uncle.  The world lost a great man.   Vu Nguyen​

Sending peace and comfort to my sister Hanh and my nephew and niece, Sinh and Nhu during your time of grief. So saddened and heartbroken to hear of your huge loss.  Please know we love you and here for you all.

In memory of my brother in-law, anh Thu/Tony, you are like a brother to me!  Thank you for all the things that you did and made us laughs and the pleasant energy every time just being around you for all those years from college to raising kids together.  Rest in peace, my brother!

May peace be with the Nguyen family.  Tony was a great coworker and friend.  I sat next to him for several years and appreciated his friendship and pleasant personality.  He was nice to everyone he met and very well liked.  He will be greatly missed at the FAA.

In memory of my Uncle Tony who always made fun of me for my sass. We are going to miss you!

OBITUARIO

Thu Xuan Nguyen

17 octubre, 1961 – 27 julio, 2024

Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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