Nguyen and I did residency together at King Drew in 2002. From the very first day, Khuu stood out. He was unique—truly one of a kind. From the way he spoke, to how he carried himself, to the quiet confidence he possesses. He's still the only person I know who is allergic to Grey Goose. I cherish the nights when  "Brandon" came out to play!

Khuu was all about connecting with people. Whenever you needed someone to talk to, he was there. I’ll never forget during COVID, when my mom in HK became very sick. I needed to fly back immediately,  he and Johnny met me for my layover at LAX, bringing sushi for me to eat and taking me to Redondo Beach. We spent that time talking, reflecting, and sharing a quiet bond. It meant the world to me to have a friend who would drop everything, just to be there when I needed him most.

Khuu lives life to the fullest, as if he knew tomorrow wasn’t promised. He never made excuses—not about being too tired or too busy. He made time for the people he cared about, often at the expense of his own rest, his health, or even time with his family. And yet, he always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He never judged. With him, I could talk about anything. He was that rare friend with whom you could be completely honest, completely yourself.

Khuu is a great dad to his girls. For as long as I’ve known him, he dreamed of being a dad. When he met Kate, he told me he saw a future with her—a family. And when that dream came true, he couldn’t have been prouder. He loved taking family portraits—even for the smallest holidays—just so he could show the world how much he loves them.

I’m heartbroken that Khuu is no longer with us—no more backyard hangouts over a beer, no more trips filled with new cultures and incredible food, no more conversations about work or dreaming about retirement.

Rest easy, my brother, knowing that you are loved by all of us. You will be forever missed. Will see you on the other side.

Rest in peace my friend. I will miss your kindness, energy and friendship.

It’ really has taken me time to grieve. I am still so very sad. Dr. Nguyen Khuu wasn’t just a friend — he was family. I met Nguyen over 12 years ago through my husband Carson, who had already been friends with him for 17. From the start, he was a constant in our lives — showing up for every milestone, celebration, and moments in between.

Despite our busy lives, our group text was nonstop — full of daily banter, nonsense, and love. And no matter how packed his schedule was as an ER doctor, Nguyen always made time for our monthly birthday dinners. He insisted on planning them. That was his joy: bringing people together.

Nguyen had this rare, quiet kind of generosity. He made everyone feel cared for — whether you knew him for 20 years or 20 minutes. He was the one you could call from across the world — literally. Once, he was in Japan and still found a way to help me with a prescription.

We had a running joke — our alter egos. He was “Brandon,” I was “Angelica.” Whenever we needed a break from life, we’d say, “Let’s bring out Brandon and Angelica tonight!” Cue the laughter, freedom, and that unforgettable high-pitched Nguyen laugh I’ll miss forever….

Nguyen always showed up. In every way that mattered.

We love you, Nguyen. You truly were the best of us.

Until we meet again, my dear brother.

When we cousins were children, most of us still single digit ages, we'd play set up "traps" in the house during family gatherings. Then we would try to persuade an "adult" to follow us where we'd all be waiting hiding, usually around the banister of stairs to pummel the poor soul who came up with pillows and stuffed animals. Anh Khanh, as we knew him, obviously knew what we were doing, but he would still humor us and allow us to ambush him, letting us jump him, throwing and whacking pillows everywhere, and eventually pretending to be overwhelmed by us kids, all laughing.

The memory stays with me even now, over 2 decades later. It stands as a symbol of the patience and the love he had for his family, young as he was then. He was always someone we looked up to, that our parents, aunts, and uncles would point to and be so proud of. As a first generation in the US, he blazed the way for the younger of our generation to follow behind him. He stood for so much to everyone around him; he IS so much to those around him.

And every Christmas, Anh Khanh would make an effort to come to the family gathering, even as the evening drew late and he had worked that day. I hope that somewhere out there, he will continue to drop by each Christmas, and even if we light different candles than those that would be on his cake, that we continue to celebrate his birthday and who he was in our hearts.

OBITUARY

Nguyen Hoai Binh Khuu

December 23, 1975 – July 12, 2025

Peek Funeral Home

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation - Thăm Viếng

Memorial Service - Lễ Tưởng Niệm

Graveside Service - Lễ Hạ Huyệt