Tu Sanh Nguyen

Mr. Nguyen was born on June 11, 1935 in An Khe, Vietnam. He grew up during the time of the Great Depression with his brothers because his parents died while he was only 5 years old. Despite his difficult childhood, he lived a full life and achieved many great things.

His main profession was tailoring. His clients often said they felt beautiful in the clothes he tailored specific to their body types. He also served as an officer in the South Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War, and was imprisoned in the reeducation camp following the war.

He married Xuan-Huong Thi Le on July 27, 1960. He fathered 11 children (10 sons and 1 daughter). After serving his time in the reeducation camp, knowing that a better future for this family under the Communist regime was nearly impossible, he sent his four oldest sons on a boat as refugees to seek a better life.

He did everything he could to provide the best possible life for his remaining children in Vietnam under difficult circumstances, all while hoping one day to reunite with his four oldest sons. He made sure they all had a good education, often saying that was the way to a better future in any country. The whole family reunited on June 18, 1992 in America. This would not have been possible without his leadership and foresight.

In America he did the same, providing the best life possible for his family and still stressing the importance of a good education. He worked hard at many different jobs, including as a chef and kitchen assistant in a restaurant. He also owned three different dollar stores. While he achieved many successes in his life, his greatest accomplishments included raising successful and loving children and earning the love and respect of all those who came to know him.

He enjoyed gardening. He had a green thumb. Flowers that he groomed grew big and bright. Plants and trees that he touched grew tall and strong. Many nicknamed him the “plant doctor” for his ability to bring seemingly dead plants back to life.

He was a loving and generous person. He had an easy smile and a friendly attitude and loved the company of others. The things people wrote about him when he passed away include:

“A great man, a great father, my grandfather…”

“He raised me and brought me into his family like I was his real son…”

“I know he left behind great traces in everything he touched. We feel blessed knowing him. We cry to celebrate his life...”

“He was so warm and welcome…”

“He was always smiling and always happy in my memories and always glad to have me around…”

“I’m lost with words. He was a great man through love, wisdom, and laughter…”

He is survived by his wife, Xuan-Huong Thi Le; son Thong Sanh Nguyen from Westminster, California; son Thai Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and grandson from Rowlett, Texas; son Thanh Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters from Bossier City, Louisiana; son Tinh Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren from Anaheim, California; daughter Sanh-Dung Nguyen Tran, son-in-law, and grandchildren from Austin, Texas; son Tung Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and grandson from Arlington, Texas; son Tuan Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and grandsons from Austin, Texas; son Tin Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters from Little Elm, Texas; son Trung Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and grandson from Austin, Texas; son Thuan Sanh Nguyen, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter from Austin, Texas; god-daughter Nga Doan, god-son-in-law, and god-granddaughter from Arlington, Texas; brothers Nhut Nguyen and Nhi Sanh Nguyen from An Khe, Vietnam.

The Nguyen family would like to express sincere appreciation to all who have extended love and support to the family during this difficult time.

Prayer Service will begin at 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m., Friday, June 6, 2014 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home Chapel with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.