Kin Dieng

Kin Dieng was born in Hai Phong, Vietnam, on June 10, 1939, and spent his childhood in Qinglun Mountain on the island of Co To. He became a teacher and met the love of his life, Ngoc Chu, who was also a teacher. In 1963, at the age of 25, they got married and went on to have five children.

Life was difficult as they worked hard to provide for their growing family. In 1979, after the Vietnam War, Kin and his family were forced to flee their homeland. Alongside his wife, mother-in-law, five young children, and a niece, they escaped to Hong Kong. Life in Hong Kong was not easy, but they found joy in being together. Their youngest daughter was born during this time.

Kin and Ngoc worked in a factory doing hard labor, all while caring for seven children and his elderly mother-in-law. In September 1980, the family was relocated to a refugee camp in the Philippines. There, they supported themselves by selling fried Chinese donuts, baguette, and coffee.

In May 1981, a church named Jubilee sponsored the family to Georgia, USA. Later that year, they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to be closer to relatives. The family opened a Chinese restaurant where Kin was the main chef, and Ngoc and the children worked in the dining area. However, due to the harsh winters and the small Chinese community in Kansas City, they sold the restaurant and moved to Los Angeles in 1985.

They lived in Los Angeles for two years until a major earthquake in 1987 prompted their final move to Sacramento, California, in 1988. Kin remained in Sacramento until his passing on April 24, 2025, at the age of 85.

Throughout his life, Kin worked many jobs to support his family. He loved fishing, playing mah-jong, and, most of all, spending time with his loved ones. Kin Dieng was a devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Ngoc shared 62 happy years of marriage.

He taught his children how to swim, fish, and survive in difficult times. He instilled in them the importance of respecting their elders, and loving and caring for others.

Kin Dieng was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ngoc Chu; three sons: Quang Young, Sang Dieng, and Cahn Dieng; three daughters: Camille Hang, Jenny Huitrado, and Mui Dieng; and his niece, Evfa Quach. He is also survived by his sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, 15 grandchildren, and two beloved great-grandchildren. He was immensely proud to witness his family grow and thrive.

Although Kin Dieng has left us, his perseverance, love, humor, and warm smile will live on in our hearts forever.