Tran Phan Phat

While I didn’t get the chance to meet Mr. Tran in person, I was able to get to know him through the stories of his family. His life was one of strength, perseverance, hope and positivity. These stories have burned a forever impression in my mind that will last a lifetime. We had the pleasure of seeing him over FaceTime at Christmas and his big smile lit up the entire room! He is an inspiration to all of us! Thank you to the Tran family for sharing you dad and grandpa’s story with us!

Dearest Cau Hai,

I miss you, your smiles and positive, spirit. I wish you peace and love on your journey home.
Thank you for being a great patriarch to the Tran family, and the best uncle to me.

Thank you for teaching me the value of forgiveness in my own life.. and the resilience to keep on embracing life with joy and laughter..
I loved all the stories you shared about the family tree, your colorful childhood with the siblings, the military, your suffering and heroic escape from pow camp, and many other life stories. We’re always entertained and taught invaluable lessons when you’re around. Your resilience is inspirational to me.
You had an amazing mind who remembered all the nieces and nephews birthdays and anniversaries, we can always count on you for a birthday call.
You’re always there for any of my family events. You walked me down the aisle at my wedding, because my dad couldn’t be there, I’ll never forget that love and support from you.

Most heartfelt thing I remembered, when you got a call that my mom was in critical condition, at 84, you took a 30-hr bus ride to San Jose, California to see her, you got there in time before my mom passed.
Such a lovingly devoted brother ❤️

You were the father that I didn’t have, so many times you shared how much you loved me as your own, and I feel the same way.

Thank you for being a loving force in my life. You will be forever in my heart.

Until we meet again Cau Hai.
Love always.
Con, Tiffany

This is for you,Dad❤️

Bac Hai,
We wish you peace and joy on your journey home. Thank you for being such a big part of our lives. Thank you for your smiles, your kind heart, but most of all, your stories. You inspired us with stories from the past, stories of love and lost, stories of sacrifice and endurance. You inspired us with your resilience and strength. You inspired us to look at life through a positive lens, full of grace and mercy. Thank you! You will always be in our hearts and minds.
To the Tran family, hope that the following poem will give us comfort as we celebrate a life well-lived. Rest in peace, Bac Hai.
When tomorrow starts without me by David Romano
"When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
Are filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In Heaven far above
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love
But when I walked through Heaven’s gate
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne

He said "this is eternity
And all I promised you
Today your life on earth is past
But here it starts anew
I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And since each day’s the same way
There’s no longing for the past"

So when tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me
I’m right here in your heart

My Dearest Bac Hai,

First and foremost, we love you and miss you very much. During your short stay with us in California when we didn’t have kids yet, you used to tell me your life stories with a glass of wine or 2, those full of life and death experiences, about your heroic years, about being a big brother to my mom and dad when they were just married, about the Tran family tree and values, and those years you survived the cruel Vietnamese Communist beatings and torture in its prisons and camps, The Hilton Ha Noi. I remember asking you to write a memoir so generations to come can read and learn about what a great man, a great military leader, the adversities you overcome, a father, an uncle, a brother, and a tough survivor you were. You are now in heaven and memoir not written. But I remember many details and the galant stories you shared with me. I will share with my cousins, my family, my kids and will treasure these stories in my heart and our time together.

One of the many things I learned from you… that is be humble… be humble when you have everything… be humble when you’re on top of the world… be humble when you have nothing… because in life you just never know… Bac Hai, you have always been the same kind and generous person to everyone regardless of your situation.

Thank you for being the best uncle anyone can ask for. Every time, I think of you. I smiled a little because you were always made me laugh when we talk.

I love you so much, my dearest Uncle… sending you love, big hugs, and wishing you happiness in your new journey.

Until we meet again,

Con Kim Ngan

Thank you for teaching me how to drive, for inspiring me to achieve great things, and for instilling in us values we will carry with us forever. Even when diagnosed with cancer, you were always in good spirits and would make us laugh. Thank you for raising us children. This is not a goodbye but a see you soon. Love, Quoc

We feel honoured to have met such an incredibly inspiring, positive man. Even though our encounter was brief, it was obvious to us that he was a man of great integrity. His bravery, strength, hard work, commitment, and dedication to his family were all attributes of how he lived his life.
His brilliant smile will forever remain in our heart of memories. A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven and will be everyone’s Angel for eternity. May he rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.
Our love and prayers,
Tony and Rose-A Ciardullo

Our dearest Mr.Phat Phan Tran oh how I miss you. I wish we could have had you for a lifetime. I hope you know how much you meant to me. You were my hero, you did everything just to brighten up our life’s. Filling our hearts with joy and knowledge. There’s nothing in this world that could make up for your love and support you provided my whole life. It was truly a blessing having you as my grandpa. You made me strong little solider. And without my captain I will admit it’s been difficult. But I hope you know, you made me the strong independent women I am today. And I won’t let you down grandpa. I hope you enjoy all the accomplishments I have coming for you I love you grandpa💙

Hi Dad, I just don’t know how or what to write here because since you are not here anymore, every day is a different day. You were such a fighter all your life, after months of battling with cancer, you’re finally home with Jesus and the heavenly has gained a laughter.
Thank you so much for all of your love, care, supports and guidance, you are gone but not forgotten even you have left a huge void in my life and this void will never be filled because you are irreplaceable.
Every time that I make the dishes that you always enjoyed, tears ….
Love and miss you lots, Dad.
So proud of your achievements.