Hi everyone, my name is Angel, and I’m the daughter of Van Thai.
My father, Van Thai, passed away after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of Stage IV lung cancer. Over the past six months, my family and I put everything on hold to care for him only to learn, just days before his passing, that hospice was our only option. He left us peacefully at home, surrounded by love, family, and the many people who meant so much to him.
We are now planning his funeral and final arrangements, and we’re reaching out to ask for support in helping us honor his memory and fulfill his final wishes.
A Life of Resilience, Service, and Legacy
Before his diagnosis, my parents, Van and my mother Tuy, shared a loving relationship of over 30 years. Together, they raised four children and played a vital role in building and uplifting the Vietnamese community in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Van Thai was truly a jack of all trades. In the early 2000s, he worked as a shrimp boat fisherman in Louisiana, saving enough money to help my mother start her first business, Ngoc Nu Oriental Food. In 2004, our family moved to Nebraska to be closer to our grandparents, and Van and Tuy opened Hong Kong Market Inc., which became a cornerstone of the local Vietnamese community.
Many came not only for the groceries but also for the incredible roast duck and pork my father mastered over the years. He became well-known across the U.S. for these specialties, with customers traveling from New York, Texas, California, Iowa, and beyond just to get a taste.
He also regularly supported Vietnamese churches, Buddhist temples, and countless local events. Through the business, Van and Tuy connected with hundreds of families and brought comfort, nourishment, and joy to many.
Artist. Builder. Provider. Dreamer.
My father’s talents didn’t stop at food and business. He had a background in mechanical work, trucking, and even captaining large fishing vessels. He was also a deeply creative soul, an artist who painted murals and works that reflected his journey escaping the Vietnam War and rebuilding his life in Minnesota.
Van Thai was a man who could do anything he set his mind to. His story, his hustle, and his heart touched so many.
Help Us Fulfill His Final Wishes
Van’s final wish was to be cremated so that his ashes could travel with us as we begin the next chapter of our lives. He also dreamed of giving back—especially to those facing the same battles he did. He wanted to help fund cancer research, make treatments more accessible (especially for those in wheelchairs or isolated communities), and support anyone navigating serious illness with dignity.
If you are able to contribute, your donation will go toward Van’s funeral, cremation, and helping us continue the legacy of compassion and community that he lived by.
We are beyond grateful for any support you can give whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply keeping our family in your thoughts during this time.
Thank you for helping us remember and honor Van Thai.
