Phung Duong Vu

passed away at age eighty-nine. He rejoins his beloved wife of 61 years, Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh (deceased

2/12/17).

An immigrant refugee of the Vietnam War, Vu‘s life is a lesson in what it takes to weather a storm and

find your rainbow. They had just a deep sense of faith and only the clothes on their backs when Vu fled

Vietnam with his wife, children, and two of his nephews. Upon their arrival to the United States in 1975,

he was in a foreign country and had twelve children under the age of 18 to support.

During those early years, Vu held down three jobs just to take care of his family. He impressed upon his

children the meaning of sacrifice and familial duty so they would all work and contribute to the

household expenses upon coming of age. Vu’s legacy lives on as the family tree continues to branch and

grow. He is survived by two sisters, ten children, nineteen grandchildren and one great grandchild (with

two more on the way).

Vu was an appreciative and joyous man with a million-dollar smile. We will not soon forget that

boisterous laugh or his loud and joyful greetings in which he repeated your name. Passionate about

poetry and music, Vu often broke into song or verse spontaneously. It was a blessing to be in his presence, and he will always be remembered as a loving parent, grandfather, relative, and the king of our family.

Vu also enjoyed gambling and was an avid poker player whose favorite card was the king. He won the

first International World Poker Tournament in Los Angeles. In the later years, Vu enjoyed playing home

games for fun on the kitchen table. To him they were worth “millions” but those imaginary high stakes

games he always won are worth so much more to us now. The family is forever in his debt.

His life’s principles and purpose were guided by a daily practice of teachings from the Buddha. As a

Buddhist, Vu saw the love and value in all living creatures. He instilled that same respect and appreciation for life in all of his family.

On Wednesday, November 16, from noon to 4pm, there will be a celebration of life at the Phap Vu

Buddhist Cultural Centre in Orlando, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to the temple or another charity of

your choice.

If you are able, please join us as we honor and celebrate the life of Vu Duong Phung.