Ngoanh Kim Tran

Ngoanh Kim Tran, 71, passed away at home in the early morning of November 5, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born in Soc Trang, Vietnam on September 25, 1951, the 4th child and youngest son of Hai Ngoc Tran and Ba Thi Bui.

Growing up in Soc Trang, he spent his younger years playing a variety of sports such as badminton, volleyball, tennis, pingpong, and even a little bit of billiards; however, his favorite was soccer. During the rest of his free time Ngoanh would enjoy drinking coffee, singing while playing the guitar, the company of friends, and at times the peace and quiet of nature. That love for nature carried over into his academic interests, so much so that he aspired to become an educator on the subject. However, his dreams were put on hold as, due to the conflict of the Vietnam war, he was sent to Thủ Đức Reserve Officers School shortly after completing his teaching certification.

Upon completing his training as a reserve officer, he was sent back and allowed to be a teacher, sharing his expertise in agriculture in Dalat, Vietnam. Even as a teacher he would still pursue his own education at the University of Dalat. It was here in Dalat where he would meet and marry the love of his life on November 4, 1978. Due to strained conditions after the end of the war, Ngoanh would have to escape Vietnam in 1979 and be apart from his family and newborn daughter for 10 years. While apart, he would work diligently to provide for others, at times even working 3 jobs. It wasn’t until later that he would then find his calling as a postal carrier, working for the US Postal Service for over 33 years.

He was always known as a hard worker amongst his family and peers. There wasn’t a moment where he would sit idly by when others needed help. What he didn’t know he would teach himself, whether it be auto mechanics or repairs around the house, he was always striving for more knowledge. In his spare time he would still keep his passion for agriculture alive by spending time in his garden.

In his final years, Ngoanh fought long and hard after being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Following his diagnosis in August of 2021 he would undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite the toll it was taking on him he would keep his spirits up, enjoying the time he had with his family and friends. Even as his strength waned he would still ask how others were doing, a testament to his dedication to family and friends.

Hard working, dedicated, and protective of his family, Ngoanh leaves behind a family that cared for him as much as he loved them. He is survived by his wife, My Kim Nguyen, daughter Quynh Taylor, sons Sean-Tri, Viet-Bruce, and Bryan Tran. He also leaves behind his sister Mai Tran, and brothers Minh Ngoc Tran and Em Kim Tran.

A funeral service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park on Thursday November 17th, 2022 at 10:00 PM till 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to the American Lung Association in his honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Tran family.