TIẾN VĂN PHẠM

Tien Van Pham, 66, passed away on September 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Phan Rang, Vietnam on September 22, 1957, to his parents, Tuy and Khai Thi Pham. Tien bravely enlisted as part of the South Vietnam Special Forces who fought against North Vietnam and the Viet Cong. In the late 70s, he made the journey to the United States to start a new life and help support his family back home.

Tien graduated from Duy Tan High School in Vietnam. He then earned his Welding Certificate from Clover Park Vocational School in Lakewood, WA in 1977, and his Mechanics Certificate from Southeast Vocational Technical School in Sioux Falls, SD in 1980. Tien met his wife, Pauline, while working at Campbell's Soup Company in Minnesota in 1978. They had three children and were married for 45 years.

Tien was a self-made man whose natural abilities and analytical mind led him to work in various fields. Throughout his career, he worked as a security guard, welder at Ametek, mechanic and fabricator at Lockheed Martin, and plant maintenance supervisor and fabricator at Precision Stamping and Genesee Stamping and Fabricating.

Tien loved to travel, especially making trips back to Vietnam. He had a deep love for his country, including the food, rich culture, natural beauty, and vibrant nightlife, all of which inspired him. Tien was a foodie who always generously invited family and friends to join him in savoring the best meals and engaging in great conversation. He was a skilled handyman, able to troubleshoot and construct anything. His quick wit and clever understanding of subtle nuances were unparalleled. He was musically gifted, played the guitar, and he loved Vietnamese karaoke. Tien was an avid storyteller and loved telling jokes and making others laugh. The experience of being in nature on a beautiful day filled him with immense joy. He never turned down the opportunity to play poker, dominos, or go to the casino with his friends. He always embraced adventure, whether it was an impromptu road trip or his tradition of taking the family for a lobster dinner at his favorite airport restaurant.

Tien was always a man who defied the odds, and this was demonstrated in his courageous fight against Stage IV cancer for 5-1/2 years. His unprecedented response to a new cancer treatment even led to his oncologist submitting his case report for inclusion in a Medical Academic Journal. Tien took great pride in knowing that his suffering would ultimately lead to helping others beyond his lifetime.

Tien's family and friends will always remember him for his strength, resilience, generous heart, and unwavering sense of humor, even throughout his long illness.

Tien is survived by his loving wife, Pauline Pham; daughters, Jody Gurke (Tony) and Kim Pham; son, Tony Pham; grandchildren, Christina Rodriguez, Miley Pham, and Daniel Pham; and numerous family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

The Pham family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Narra and her team at JPS Hospital, as well as to his nurse, Irene, from Legendary Hospice, for their compassionate care and guidance. Most of all, Jody, Tony, and Kim want to acknowledge the selfless and loving devotion of their mother Pauline, who never left their father's side, and is truly an angel on earth.