Henry Kinh Ho

He was born into a Catholic family in North Vietnam and left them to migrate to the South as a teenager with his uncle, not to see them again until almost half a century later. Growing up in the South, he identified the Republic of Vietnam as the only true representation by the people. Thus, at an early age he joined the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) to which he had dedicated his entire youth and part of his adulthood to fighting against the communist regime. In 1969, he was one of the very few Vietnamese men who were selected into the OCS (Officer Candidate School) program at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he learned leadership and survival skills that eventually helped him while imprisoned in the post-war “re-education” camp. As a soldier, he fought to the last hour. Going against the wishes of his wife, he returned to the front lines and helped civilians escape embattled areas. It is with the grace of God that he survived, as many were killed in the last hours of the war.

His faith in God also allowed him to survive the post war “re-education camp”, where over half a million South Vietnamese servicemen and US collaborators were gathered to be reformed into the new regime. However, the re-education camp was nothing more than a death camp. Faced with indoctrination, forced labor and privation, many succumbed to starvation, disease, and torture. Mr. Ho Van Kinh was once asked, “How did you survive all those years of torment?” His answer was “I prayed to Christ with meditation every night”. For eight years, it was his faith in God that saved him, and he believed that only the grace from God could be our true salvation. He was never afraid of death due to his steadfast conviction to his faith.

Yet he remained humble and modest throughout the rest of his life. It is sometimes hard to imagine a well-educated officer and gentleman end up working what one would consider a low-paying factory job. But this is what made him honorable. As a father, he made sure all under his care were supported in the best way possible. Him, his wife, and their youngest daughter resided in Massachusetts where he worked for Saint-Gobain until his retirement.

As a civilian, he was active in charity, community, and local politics. He cared for others, participating in community service, and translating at work or wherever his assistance was needed. During his time in Massachusetts, he was very much involved in the local community and was known for helping others. He actively donated to the charity organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Vietnam Veterans Association. He was also an active participant in elections and voting. In Nebraska, he helped a candidate get elected by encouraging others to vote. He always reminded us that voting is our civic right and responsibility.

Mr. Ho Van Kinh was able to adapt to his situation and did anything that would allow him to earn a good, honest day's work. He never complained or was bitter, and instead he embraced what God had provided him. Mr. Ho Van Kinh did everything with joy and pride. His life is reminiscent of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “A great man is always willing to be little”. We are blessed to have had such a great man in our lives.

He will be dearly missed.

A visitation and prayer service for Henry will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 E Libra Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283. A burial will occur Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248.