Khanh La

Khanh La was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

He was the son of Bieu La and Ven Thi Ho. Khanh was born and raised in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Khanh was raised with four siblings. Khanh was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Khanh had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Khanh was an active child who took part in soccer. In his spare time he liked to exercise. However, to Khanh, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Khanh had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated high school in 1947. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

In 1940, Khanh exchanged wedding vows with Nguyen Thi Suong in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Empathic and loyal, Khanh was committed to making his new family happy.

Khanh worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Khanh was blessed with three children, Chau, Lan, and Hoa. Another blessing for Khanh was the gift of seven grandchildren, Brian, Kevin, James, and four other grandchildren who live in France.

Fortunately, Khanh enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Khanh worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as a Mechanic. He was employed for 30 years. Khanh always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Khanh was an Army veteran. He served in the Vietnamese Army. Khanh saw action for the French and Vietnam War. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Khanh found pleasure in sports. In high school, Khanh played soccer. Khanh was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were soccer.

Khanh enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Vietnam.

When Khanh’s retirement finally arrived in 1994, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in exercising. Even in retirement, Khanh continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Khanh was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Khanh passed away on July 5, 2010 at Regional Medical Center in San Jose, California. He is survived by his wife Suong; his children Chau, Lan, and Hoa; and his 7 grandchildren. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in room A. Khanh was laid to rest in Thich Ca Da Bao Temple in San Jose, California.

Simply stated, Khanh was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Khanh leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember and miss Khanh La.