Van Ly

Van Lý, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away gently and peacefully on New Year’s Eve in the year 2024 at 1:17 pm. He was surrounded by family and comforted by his Buddhist Monk and chantings as he transitioned. Born January 4, 1950 in Sài Gòn, Việt Nấm, Van grew up in war time and served in the army as a brave medic. In 1979, he boldly fled Việt Nấm with his wife, three young children and other relatives as boat refugees. After spending a year in a refugee camp, Van arrived in Houston, TX in 1980 and became a very proud US citizen. He settled in the Copperfield area of Houston and learned the trade of welding fences. He worked hard and found an opportunity to start his own metal fencing business which he named Van's Iron Works. He was a humble business owner (sometimes referred to as the Iron Man) who always tried to help those in need, either by using his trade or his generosity. He was overjoyed to be able to put his three children through college at the University of Texas in Austin (the first in the family). Van's aspirations and goals to achieve his American dream pave the way for a better and brighter future for later generations. That is the legacy he leaves behind. He enjoyed traveling with his family to Hawaii, France, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Việt Nấm among other places. The only thing he loved more than traveling is being a grandfather and great grandfather, and his radio or phone to listen to the daily news. Van was a kind, considerate, and gentle man who loved his family and always enjoyed large family gatherings. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Thu Lý, and their three children Trang, Chris, and Oanh, son-in-laws Thong Lam and Ron Eustis, daughter-in-law, Phung Diep, and younger sister Muối Tạ, brother-in-law Tài Lý, and nephews Nhân Lý and Nghĩa Lý. He is also survived by his grandchildren Toby Lam and Toby's wife Linesse Lam, Taryn Lam, Justin Lý, Linh Eustis, and great grandson Joel Lam.

Elective funeral condolence donations can be made directly to Van's Buddhist temple, TU VIỆN PHƯỚC ĐỨC, via Zelle at 281-999-1110.