Phat Quang Trinh

Mr. Trinh Quang Phat of Knightdale, NC, was called home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on August 10, 2020. Surrounded by his large family, God blessed him with a peaceful transition to His heavenly kingdom. The fourth of seven children, Mr. Trinh was born on December 17, 1922, in Lac Dao (Thai Binh), North Vietnam, to parents Trinh Duy Duong and Dang Thi Chen. In 1950, he married Truong Thi Hat and relocated (It was a massive forced/involuntary event, more like an escape, due to persecution of catholics by the new communist regime that just won the control of the North Viet Nam in that year) to South Vietnam in 1954. He emigrated to Australia in 1991 and then finally to the United States in 1993, where most of his children reside.

Although he did not have much formal education, his intellect and natural leadership abilities were greatly respected through continued military trainings and proven effectiveness in carrying out his assigned responsibilities, he was eventually promoted into the rank of officer toward the end of his military career. He served in the South Vietnamese army for twenty years. His officers respected him for his integrity, honesty, fairness, and empathy. Many officers viewed him as a father figure and would affectionately call him "Bo", which means father. After twenty years of military service, he retired in 1974. As a dutiful son, he honored his parents by assisting with the daily duties of life around the house, which for a time included farming. Even the livestock had an affection for his ways with them. In the village, people considered him to be brave. He was athletic and had a love for soccer, even playing with the grandkids in his later years. He enjoyed watching tennis on the television. Although he was not a musician like his father, he had a love for music. In Saigon, Vietnam, the neighbors would congregate around the house to hear the loud music that he was playing. Mr. Trinh enjoyed his many interactions with people and had a gift for speaking. His eloquence made his many stories come alive. If there was any opportunity for family and relatives to come together, he would be the one to organize the event, offering generously his time and talents. If there was a problem, one could count on him to come up with a solution.

Deep in his heart, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ. In Vietnam, he would have the biggest and most beautiful nativity scene in the neighborhood. Along with his wife, Mr. Trinh was faithful in his daily prayers. He passed this fear of God on to his many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. This is the priceless treasure that he has left behind. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Hat Nguyen; his parents, Trinh Duy Duong and Dang Thi Chen; son Huy and daughter Nhung; his brothers: Trinh Quang Dinh, Trinh Tat Dat, Trinh Lieng; and sister Trinh Hang.

Mr. Trinh is survived by his brothers: Trinh Cong Binh and wife (Australia), Trinh Duc Hiep and wife (Vietnam); his five daughters: Tuyet and husband Thanh (Australia), PhuongLan (Knightdale, NC), ThuHuong and husband Huy (Raleigh, NC), CamHuong and husband Hoan (Wendell, NC), LeHuyen and husband Long (Clayton, NC); his four sons: Phuc and wife Phuong (Moore,SC), Thai and wife Van (Indian Trail, NC), Hau and wife Loan (Youngsville, NC), Cuong and wife Lyliane (Raleigh, NC); his twenty-one grandchildren: Tien, Tien, Tung, Truc, An, Thuy Duong, Quang, Minh, Hoa, Maria, Thien Trinh, Tam An, Minh An, Khoa, Lam, Thao Nhi, Quoc Anh, Thuy My, Kevin, Jaiden, Gabriella; and six great grandchildren (Australia): Loan, Nhat, Gia Han, Duy, Thien, Vuong.

Prayer services and visitation : Friday, August 14, 2020 at Mitchell Funeral Home 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, Raleigh, NC 27612, Tel. 919-783-7128.

Holy mass for the funeral services: Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Catholic Church. 11701 Leesville Road, Raleigh NC 27613.

Graveside Service : Saturday, August 15, 2020: will be private to the family at Raleigh Memorial Park.