Son Dao's Obituary
Son was born in France and raised in Vietnam till the age of 8 when he followed the family who fled to California at the end of the Vietnam war. He lost his father very early but the extended family surrounded him with love and care. As the first baby in the family he was the center of the grandparents, aunt and uncle’s worlds. We watched his baby steps, listened to his first words, and applauded his small achievements. Still wearing diapers, his favorite toy was a pencil which he used to draw with skill and delight on pages and pages of notebooks. After graduating from Loma Linda Academy where he had developed strong and loyal friendships which lasted throughout his life, Son went to the Pasadena Art Center which allowed him to deepen and expand his artistic inclination. As an artist Son was sensitive albeit with sometimes a saddened note. He had various interests, in particular with birds from doves to birds of prey. He was born under the sign of the horse and he loved the sight of horses. He also loved to write, but Son’s special skill was how he could easily make contact with strangers and develop beautiful relationships. He was a loyal and caring friend to many. To Laura, his wife Son loved and missed her till his last day. No experience can prepare us for his early departure. Each one of us has a destiny and sometimes the current of our destiny cannot be bent to our human will. His place in our heart can never be filled but Son will always be alive in our memories. Han, Son’s mother.
What’s your fondest memory of Son?
What’s a lesson you learned from Son?
Share a story where Son's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Son you’ll never forget.
How did Son make you smile?

