Dr. ton-Hoan Nguyen

Nguyen, Dr. ton-Hoan Died peacefully in Stanford, CA on September 19, 2001 at age 84. Dr. Nguyen-ton-Hoan led the Dai Vet Party, a world-wide political organization of Vietnamese Nationalists. He is survived by his spouse of 57 years, Mrs. Nguyen-ton-Hoan, his four children and their spouses: Dr. Chau Nguyen and his wife Phuong; Oanh Hanley and her husband Paul, Anh Nguyen and his wife Sabine Nguyen-Hort, Doris Nguyen and her husband Andrew Mason. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Lien and Katherine Gray, Truc-Tien Nguyen, Michael and Christopher Nguyen-Mason, and Keenan Hanley. Born in Tay Ninh, South Vietnam in 1917, Dr. Nguyen-ton-Hoan was trained first as a physician at the University of Hanoi but spent most of his life in politics. He became a distinguished and respected leader of the Vietnamese community. His political career and achievements spanned sixty years. Dr. Nguyen-ton-Hoan started his political work as the leader of the Vietnamese resistance student movement against French occupation. When the Communists took over North Vietnam in 1946 Dr. Nguyen-ton-Hoan was forced to flee to China. Later, under the Emperor Bao Dai of Vietnam he became minister of Youth and Sports. In 1964, he became Vice Premier of South Vietnam, until he was forced into exile to France. In 1965, because of a misunderstanding with the French President Charles De Gaulle, he was forced to leave France and settle in the United States. He continued his political activities in the U.S. Never waivering, he continued to pursue his commitment to a free and democratic Vietnam, working with communities of Vietnamese throughout the world. Unfailingly pursuing this commitment, Dr. Nguyen-ton-Hoan endured many sacrifices. Throughout his political career, he refused to be corrupted, and at times experienced extreme poverty. To escape communist attempts on his life he was forced to flee from Vietnam to China, hiding under the floorboards of a junk. He survived in China at a time of widespread famine trading medical services for food, sometimes resorting to eating grass. During his lifetime he had to move his family many times. He and his family also endured many separations over the years, sometimes for years at a time. In spite of all the adversities, and intense political activities, he remained a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, finding the time to change and wash diapers at a time when the family could not afford a washing machine. His constant commitment to his family's well-being enabled all his children to attain higher educations and become accomplished professionals. He is remembered by all who knew him - friends and family alike - as a kind and gentle man with limitless courage. Visitations will be held from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, with a prayer vigil and formal ceremony starting at 6:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Home, 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, 408-297-2447. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 28, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 80 South Market St., San Jose, CA. Arrangements under the direction of the Mountain View Chapel of Spangler Mortuaries.