Linh Van Tran

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linh Van Tran, who died peacefully in his sleep on May 19, 2025, at the age of 96, with his beloved wife and son at his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Hong Thi Nguyen (Vancouver), son Thong Tran (Seattle), daughter-in-law Linda Nguyen (Seattle), and grandson Anthony Tran (Seattle).

Born in 1929 in Vietnam and raised by a surveyor father and homemaker mother, he grew up experiencing the turmoil of the wars, regime changes, and economic challenges. During the Vietnam war, Linh was the managing director of the Central Logistics Agency working with civilian and military personnel from South Vietnam government and American advisors to support the war efforts to defend against the communist North Vietnam. After the Vietnam war ended in 1975, like many South Vietnam civilian public servants and military personnel, Linh was discriminated against in his own country, and struggled to support his family working numerous labor-intensive jobs to make ends meet. As a result, he suffered many health issues. Despite the daily grueling work schedule, he managed to find time to tutor his children and was instrumental in deprogramming the brainwashing that they absorbed in the Communist school system.

Aside from being a devoted husband and father, Linh was a talented and dedicated Judo practitioner. He was a direct disciple of Venerable THÍCH TÂM GIÁC who studied theology in Japan for 10 years and earned a Sandan (3rd degree black belt) from the Kodokan Judo Institute, and who was responsible for leading the grassroots movement to spread the great Japanese combat sport of Judo in Vietnam. Linh was a big influence on his son and grandson to follow in his footsteps. His son, Thong Tran, is currently a USA Judo International Coach, and his grandson, Anthony Tran, a national athlete and USA Judo National Coach.

In 1996, Linh migrated to Canada and settled in the beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. He immersed himself in the life of community and renewed purpose at his new beloved home country. He volunteered at the Vietnamese Canadian Seniors Society of Vancouver, loved to play Chinese chess with his grandson and travel to reunite and catch up with old friends and family in Canada and Southern California.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Paul’s Hospital and BC Cancer Agency for their compassion and care. Your support brought comfort and dignity to Linh’s final years.

A celebration of life will be held for close family members only. In lieu of flowers, our family encourages you to honor Linh’s memories by spending meaningful time with your loved ones or donating to a hospital or charity.