Richard Anh Pham

Jean-Baptiste Richard Anh Pham was born on January 10, 1922, in Binh Thuan, Phan Thiet, Vietnam. Richard was raised in a Catholic family. His father was a respected teacher. His mother was a gentle, loving, devoted housewife and mother. Richard was the eldest son in a family of six siblings. To his parents, he was a devoted and filially pious son. To his siblings, he was a kind, gentle and loving older brother. From an early age, Richard was an ambitious and successful businessman, and always interacted with everyone in a joyful and kind manner. He never hesitated to lend support to his friends and family in their times of need. His generosity and kindness earned him much respect and love among all of the people in his life. He was married to Anna Ngoc Nhu Thi Nguyen. Together, they had eleven children—five sons and six daughters. Richard and Anna cared for and loved each of their children deeply, and raised them in a caring and loving household, and taught each of them how to live a virtuous life. In 1977, Richard and his family escaped from Vietnam after the war. He brought his family to Portland, Oregon in 1978, to start their new life in the United States. In America, Richard continued to work hard and diligently until his retirement. In his spare time, he helped each of his children by babysitting, caring for and teaching his grandchildren so that his own children would have time to work and develop their careers. With his love and support, all eleven of his children became and remain successful individuals and built their own nuclear families. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and generously gave his love and support to all of his children and grandchildren. During his entire life, Richard always lived an honorable and exemplary life for his children and grandchildren, and was an exemplary role model to them. During his long period of illness, he was well cared for by his doctors and nurses. But he was especially well cared for by all of his children and grandchildren, who were very devoted to his well-being and comfort. After receiving his last sacraments, the Lord called upon Richard to join Him in heaven on March 13, 2015. He passed away in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 93, resulting in each of his children and grandchildren feeling such sorrow and sadness that nothing can cover up. Richard lived a full and enriched life, full of love, joy and happiness, and he was always surrounded by his devoted and loving children and grandchildren. Richard is survived by his younger brother who lives in Texas, his youngest sister who lives in France, his eleven children, and many, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. "Oh, father of ours! We do not know when we will be able to hear your loving voice again. We do not know when we will be able to see your loving shadow again. Oh father, you have left us forever and ever. Writing these words is like cutting our hearts. Oh father, we miss you very much!"