Nguyễn Duy Đức

In Loving Memory of Đức Duy Nguyễn 
(Pháp Danh: Nhựt Tiến)

Đức Duy Nguyễn was born in 1965 in Vietnam, where he spent his childhood surrounded by a large and loving family. He was one of nine siblings, growing up with two older sisters, two older brothers, two younger sisters, and two younger brothers. From an early age, Đức was known for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, sincerity, and unwavering devotion to his family, qualities that would define the way he lived his entire life.

In September 1981, Đức immigrated to San Diego, California, to begin a new chapter in the United States. After completing high school, he pursued training in mechanical and aviation technology, developing the precision, discipline, and craftsmanship that would become the foundation of his lifelong career in aircraft maintenance and manufacturing. His exceptional work ethic and skill earned him the respect of colleagues throughout his professional life.

Beyond his career, Đức found another lifelong home within Gia Đình Phật Tử Hướng Thiện, which he joined around 1983. Through years of dedicated service, he grew from a young member into a respected Huynh Trưởng (Youth Leader), eventually serving as Deputy Leader of the youth division. He attended Lộc Uyển Training Camp in 1989 and A Dục Training Camp in 1992, deepening both his leadership and Buddhist practice. His quiet example, kindness, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on generations of younger.

In the early 1990s, Đức combined his technical knowledge with his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for serving the Vietnamese community by becoming a co-founder of Pro-Graphics, a graphic design, layout, and printing company in San Diego. Through Pro-Graphics, he helped publish Điện Toán San Diego (San Diego Computer Magazine), the first and only free Vietnamese language computer magazine of its kind in the United States. First published in March 1995, the magazine was distributed free of charge throughout San Diego and Vietnamese communities across the country. At a time when Vietnamese language technology resources were scarce, Điện Toán San Diego became an invaluable source of information, education, and connection. Countless evenings and weekends were spent designing, laying out, printing, and distributing each issue alongside close friends, a labor of love dedicated to serving the community. When Đức and his wife later moved to Wichita, Kansas, Pro-Graphics concluded its operations, but the friendships formed and the impact of the magazine remained an enduring part of his legacy.

In 1996, Đức met the love of his life, Thảo Thu Phạm. Their relationship blossomed through mutual respect, friendship, and unwavering support for one another. They were married on November 7, 1998, beginning a partnership that would span nearly three decades and be marked by love, sacrifice, perseverance, and deep devotion.

Later that year, as employment opportunities shifted in Southern California, Đức and Thảo made the courageous decision to relocate to Wichita, Kansas, to build a future together. Never one to stop learning, Đức pursued additional education in Avionics and Airframe & Powerplant (A&P), combining his mechanical expertise with aviation maintenance.

He began his aviation career at Learjet, where he quickly earned a reputation as a dependable, hardworking professional who was always eager to learn and willing to lend a helping hand. In 2015, he joined Textron Aviation, where he found work that he genuinely loved. Throughout his career, supervisors, coworkers, and friends admired him not only for his technical abilities, but also for his humility, honesty, calm demeanor, and generous heart.

Although he moved away from San Diego, Đức never drifted from the people who had shaped his life. His love for Gia Đình Phật Tử Hướng Thiện remained so strong that he helped establish a new chapter in Wichita, carrying with him the same spirit of service, friendship, and Buddhist values that had nurtured him as a young man. He later continued his Buddhist practice at Chùa Phật Âm and Đạo Tràng Bửu Quang, quietly living his faith through compassion, service, and integrity.

After nearly ten years of hoping and praying for children, Đức and Thảo welcomed their greatest blessings. Their first son, Tín Duy Nguyễn, was born in 2009, followed by their second son, Bảo Duy Nguyễn, in 2011. Becoming a father was one of the greatest joys of Đức’s life. His sons became the center of his world, and every decision he made reflected his desire to provide them with love, security, guidance, and opportunities for a brighter future. He was a devoted husband and a deeply loving father whose greatest happiness was simply being with his family.

Friends and family remember Đức as a man who never sought recognition. He was dependable, patient, and selfless, someone who quietly showed up whenever others needed him. Whether caring for his parents and siblings, supporting friends, mentoring younger generations, or working tirelessly to provide for his family, he lived with humility and compassion. Those who knew him best often spoke not of grand accomplishments, but of his genuine kindness, gentle smile, and willingness to help without expecting anything in return.

In late December 2025, Đức faced an unexpected medical journey that required multiple surgeries. Despite months of intensive treatment and extraordinary determination, including specialized care at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, he courageously battled serious complications surrounded by the constant love, prayers, and support of his wife, children, family, friends, and countless members of the Buddhist community.

On June 27, 2026 , Đức Duy Nguyễn peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy far greater than words can express.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 28 years, Thảo Thu Phạm; his cherished sons, Tín Duy Nguyễn and Bảo Duy Nguyễn; his brothers and sisters; extended family; and countless friends, fellow Buddhist youth leaders, coworkers, and community members whose lives were enriched by his kindness and generosity.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Đức’s life remains a beautiful testament to quiet strength, steadfast faith, unconditional love, and selfless service. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

May the blessings of the Triple Gem accompany Đức as he gently releases all worldly attachments. May he, through the compassionate vows of Amitābha Buddha, be reborn in the Pure Land a realm of peace, purity, and liberation. Though his earthly journey has ended, his gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and selfless love will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.