Saying Goodbye to Dad

The last photo of Hung Dong Huynh, 1952-2009

Dad passed away peacefully gardening in his backyard.

His parents fled central China, Hubei, to get away from the communists. His family later settled in Saigon, Vietnam. Went to school, got a diploma in electronics. Hung served in the South Vietnamese Army as a scout during the Vietnam War. Got shot five times, once in the face and out behind his ear which almost took his life. Joked about cowardly American soldiers running away from Viet-cong. Sold cigarettes for a living and got married via match-maker to another Chinese decendent. Immigrated to the United States in 1979 and worked really really hard. Started out life in the United States with $25 from selling my mother's necklace and ate out at a pizza place. Learned English. Started up his first restaurant business in the early 80's. That business failed. Partnered up with someone and opened up another restaurant in Searcy, AR. The partnership went sour and Dad bought the business. Business in Searcy flourished. Opened up another restaurant in Little Rock. Business did okay, but not too great. Closed that business and started to rented out the building. Decided to retire after 10 years in the food business. Got bored, started another restaurant in Camden, AR. That business failed. Packed up and settled in Bryant, AR. Enjoyed retirement, traveled to China, Vietnam, Europe, Canada and visited his grand-children. Started a garden. Died gardening in May 8, 2009. He was fluent in several languages and he loved doing puzzles and playing puzzle video games (Tetris and Dr. Mario) at the hardest level at super speed. He was known for his light-hearted humor, taking walks around his neighborhood, upholding the ugliest Asian vegetable garden (so ugly, that the neighbors put up fences) and being incredibly smart. He will be missed.