Nguyễn Quang Bê

Our beloved Nguyễn Quang Bê, the heart of our family, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his wife and children. He was 82 years old.

Born on October 10, 1943, in Sa Đéc, Việt Nam, Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Nguyễn Văn Cẩn and Trần Thị Quý.

He leaves behind his cherished wife and lifelong companion, Nguyễn Thị Đông, the woman he loved and cared for every single day.

He is survived by his four children who meant the world to him:

• Nguyễn Quang Hùng (Robert) and his wife Mỹ Liên Pham

• Nguyễn Quang Dũng (Doug) and his wife Nguyễn Sinh Cindy

• Nguyễn Thị Xuân Quang (Susan)

• Nguyễn Thị Thanh Quang (Jasmine) and her husband Ding Mesina Raymund Gerard

His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Nguyễn Quang Kenneth, Nguyễn Quang Nathan, Nguyễn Quang Andrew and his wife Nguyễn Mae Casey, Nguyễn Mai Katelyn, Lee Quang Joshua, Lee Quang Anthony, Lee Quang Matthew, and Watson Link David — and his precious great-grandson, Nguyễn Quang Kai, whom he was able to hold in his arms just days before he left us.

A civil engineer at heart, Bê began his career as a City Transportation Engineer in Saigon, Việt Nam. After relocating to the United States, he worked as a Bridge Engineer with the California Department of Transportation, where he served with dedication until his retirement. He treasured the many lifelong friendships he formed throughout his career in both Việt Nam and California, maintaining close connections with colleagues until the end of his life.

At home, Dad was happiest living simply. He turned his five-acre piece of land into his little paradise — planting fruit trees, growing vegetables, and raising sheep and goats. He was our real-life MacGyver, the man who could fix or build anything with whatever he had lying around. We still smile remembering the time he “repaired” the front bumper of his car with 3M double-sided tape. It actually held for a few days — classic Dad!

More than anything else in this world, Dad loved his family. He lived a selfless life, never spending money on himself so he could provide for Mom, us kids, and all the grandkids. In 1978, he risked his life escaping Việt Nam on a small fishing boat just so we could have a better future in America. That courage defined him.

Nothing brought him more joy than our weekly Sunday night dinners. He loved having the whole family around the table — laughing, eating, and simply being together. Seeing his grandchildren grow and succeed filled his heart with pride, and holding his first great-grandchild was one of the happiest moments of his life.

Dad, we will miss you every single day. Thank you for teaching us what it means to love, to work hard, and to always put family first. Your spirit will live on in all of us. We love you forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bê’s memory to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service to celebrate Dad’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary in Elk Grove, California.

Order of Service:

08:00 AM      Private Prayer service (by Family and Relatives)

10:00 AM      Viewing and Incense Offering (by Family, Relatives, and Guests)

11:00 AM      Opening words

                        Presentation of Buddhist Name

                        Eulogy

                        Tributes from Family and Friends

                        Closing words

12:30 PM       Final Prayer (by Family and Relatives. Optional for Guests)

01:30 PM       Burial Procession (by Family and Relatives. Optional for Guests)

02:00 PM      Burial and Dedication of the Grave (by Family and Relatives. Optional for Guests)

03:30 PM      Reception (Family, Relatives, and Guests) 

                        Asian Pearl Restaurant - 6821 Stockton Blvd., Ste 165, Sacramento, CA 95823