Yu Quan Truong

1974 - 2012

Yu Quan Truong May 5th 1974 - December 14th 2012 Yu Quan Truong travelled to health and peace on December 14th 2012 after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on May 5th 1974 in Saigon, South Vietnam. In 1975, Yu's parents Thanh and Bao Truong with the help of a group of churches, immigrated to Bakersfield, CA. Yu graduated from West High School in 1992 at the top of his class, and went on to graduate from DePaul University in Chicago with a degree in Psychology. After working in a wilderness program in Utah, and spending time in Maine as a stained glass artist, he returned to Bakersfield. While working as a social worker he met his soul mate, Jill. Their love deepened and from that love in 2007, came Yu's "little Buddha Wah-Wah", Jacob. Yu had an unwavering faith in God. A descriptive Bible passage of his faith is Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." Yu attended Valley Baptist Church`s CSI group. He was an exceptional person whether he was winning the Kern county doubles tennis tournament, playing guitar while belting out a heartfelt song, or guiding at-risk teenagers on a soul searching adventure in the high deserts of Utah. Yu enjoyed teaching others - whether teaching students at King George School in Vermont, teaching Kung Fu in Bakersfield, showing the kids how to bait a fishing hook, or taking a friends money at the poker table. Yu was and will forever be a champion for the power of love, and its healing properties. There were no strangers to Yu, a smile and a laugh later it was like he knew you forever. Yu reminded us that taking time to care for another person is the most powerful way to influence positive change in this life that we live. Yu is survived by his wife, Jill Truong and his children: Anthony, Rylie, and Jacob. He is also survived by his Mother Bao Truong and his brothers Hanh and Hau Truong. Yu is also survived by numerous family members including Jacob's godparents, Son and Irene Nguyen, and mother- and father-in-law, Diana and Johnny Hicks. Yu is reunited with his father, Thanh Hoc Truong, his grandmother, unborn daughter, Amari, his beloved friend, Bryan Shaw; and will finally meet Jill's grandparents and her brother, Brian. There will be a POTLUCK celebration of Yu's life on Saturday, December 29th, 2012 at the Bakersfield City Firefighters Hall, located at 7320 Wible Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93313. Celebration is to begin at 11:00 A.M. and an eulogy at 12:30 P.M. Bring your musical instruments as there will be a Yu-style jam session following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to assist with familial expenses can be made at www.youcaring.com or at any Kern Schools Federal Credit Union location under the Yu Truong Relief Fund, #23831. All friends and family are invited. Come share in remembering a truly magnificent human being. www.bakersfield.com/obits