He was an extremely hard-worker, had a zest for fitness, a passion for cooking and enjoying good food, and enjoyed spending time with his small grandchildren.
As a teenager, he fell in love and married our mom, Nuoi Nguyen. The years after the war were difficult. Knowing he wanted a better life for his young wife and children, he used his boldness to plan the dangerous journey to escape Vietnam. He not only did this for our family, but for many others in their small village who entrusted him to captain the boat that would lead them to safety.
This would eventually lead them to the United States in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After opening a Chinese restaurant (Golden Palace), he moved his family to the Pacific Northwest. The call of the sea was strong and he found work on a commercial fishing boat in Alaska for a number of years. The work was hard and dangerous and took him away from the family for months at a time. But the sacrifice was worth it and the family was able to save enough money to start another business, a catering truck (before it was fashionable). With daily hard work and perseverance, the business was successful.
Our parents amicably separated after a long marriage and he found love again and remarried. He spent the last 14 years in retirement traveling back and forth between the United States and Vietnam, enjoying the best of both cultures.
Earlier this year, he was unfortunately diagnosed with late stage cancer. He was a man of God and drew closer to his faith in Jesus Christ in his final months. He fought a hard and brave battle but ultimately it was his time to be returned to GOD. He passed surrounded by his loving family.
Dong Le is survived by his wife Chau, six children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Due to his bravery and sacrifice there will be many generations to follow
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