Vinh Khac Nguyen sadly passed away on June 18, 2022, at the age of 90. As a fun-loving husband, father, and grandfather, Vinh exuded leadership, compassion, generosity, and a great sense of humor. Born to Thao Khac Nguyen and Quyen Thi Le in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, Vinh enrolled in the Vietnamese Military Academy during his youth. He eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), fighting alongside American soldiers during the Vietnam War. After the fall of Saigon, Vinh escaped the Communist regime of Vietnam and relocated to Oklahoma City in 1975.

Vinh graduated high school in Vietnam and continued his education at Central State University (now University of Central Oklahoma) in Edmond, OK. He earned a Bachelor in Computer Science in 1980 as well as a Master in Business Administration in 1983. At his first job, he did clerical work at the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services. He then became a counselor for the Comprehensive Education Training Act (CETA) program of Oklahoma City, assisting refugees with English training and job placement. He eventually took on the position of Computer Programmer Analyst at the Internal Revenue Service for 20 years before retiring.

Vinh's passion for civic engagement and big heart made him a beloved pillar of Oklahoma City's Vietnamese community. As the former Chairman of the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma from 2002-2009 and 2013-2016, he was dedicated to helping both Vietnam veterans and Vietnamese refugees, strengthening cultural awareness of Vietnamese traditions, and raising funds to help numerous global disaster relief efforts.

As a Vietnam veteran, Vinh wanted to honor those who had sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Vietnam during its civil war. In 2017, he was instrumental in jointly developing, with the City of Oklahoma City, the Vietnam War Memorial Monument ("Brothers in Arms") in Oklahoma City. He considered the memorial to be one of his greatest accomplishments.

With his gregarious and easygoing personality, Vinh tended to be the life of the party. He also had a great love for his adopted homeland, and especially enjoyed American food such as hamburgers with fries and Tex-Mex enchiladas. During his free time, Vinh loved to garden, fish, watch tennis, and travel with family and friends. Most recently, he looked forward to spending time with his youngest grandson, reading, playing the keyboard, and exploring plants together.

Vinh will be deeply missed by his family, many friends, and the countless lives that he has touched. He was preceded in death by his father, Thao, and mother, Quyen. He is survived by his wife Hoan; daughter Yen Khanh and spouse Ban; daughter Trang Khanh and spouse Luan; son Quang; daughter Mai Khanh and spouse Quan; daughter Angie; son David and spouse Julie; and grandchildren Minh, Khoi, Pauline, Nicole, Ben, Celine, Gabrielle, and Leo.