Hoang Van Nguyen

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Hoang Van Nguyen (Don), who passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on December 14, 2024, at the age of 65 years.

Born on February 24, 1959, in Ben Tre, Binh Dai, Vietnam, Don led a life marked by hard work and perseverance. In his youth, he would take a boat daily to attend Nguyen Dinh Chieu High School in My Tho, Vietnam. After the Vietnam War, Don fled to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1978, where he began his career as a cook. He spent his whole life learning how to cook different types of cuisines. Throughout his life, Don was known for his strong work ethic, enjoying the company of his co-workers, and always kept busy. He never liked to be idle, even during his retirement years.

Don had a variety of interests. He was an avid fan of hockey and a boxing enthusiast. His admiration for boxing promoter Don King led him to adopt the name "Don". He also had a deep love for fishing and reading philosophy.

Buddhism was important to Don. He received his Buddhist Passport (Ordination Certificate) in 2016 from the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation Calgary at the Prajna Pagoda, Chua Bat Nha. His Dharma name is Duc An Bao.

Hoang Van Nguyen is survived by his children Huynh Trung Nguyen and Thi Huynh Nhu Nguyen of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Judy Nguyen, Johnny Nguyen, Jimmy Nguyen, Ana Nguyen, and Tina Nguyen of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Nhu Thanh Ha Nguyen, Phuoc Long Dang, Nam Khanh Nguyen, and Du Khuong Nguyen of Ho Chi Minh City, and Hazel Woo and Cecelia Woo of Calgary.

Don was predeceased in death by his youngest sister, Thi Yen Ngoc Nguyen.

A Buddhist funeral service will be held for Don on Saturday, December 21st, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. from Pierson Funeral Service, Buddhist Chapel, 4121 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta.