Kenny Phước Tân Nguyễn, 78, of Valley City, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025.

Born on May 4, 1947, in Bình Dương, Vietnam, Kenny served in the South Vietnamese Navy, stationed in Đà Nẵng. Following the fall of Saigon in 1975, he came to the United States via the Philippines, Wake Island, and Medina, North Dakota as a “boat people” refugee, eventually settling in Valley City. There, he built a new life rooted in resilience and quiet strength.

In 1979, Kenny married Joanne L. Ryerson. Together they raised three sons: Brian Ryerson (Chad Raymond) of Las Vegas, NV; Dustin Nguyễn (Frances) of Valley City, ND; and Brady Nguyễn (Aereauna) of Hope, ND. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A welder by trade and a cook by passion, Kenny was known for sharing his Vietnamese heritage through food—especially his unforgettable chicken curry (Cà Ri Gà) and legendary egg rolls.  Kenny became a U.S. citizen in 2007 and returned to Vietnam three times, twice with his sons.  He is remembered for his big missing-tooth smile, quick trigger, and strong passionate spirit.

Thanks for showing us who you really were, Dad. Be at peace now, with love from all of us.

He was preceded in death by his brother Ga, sister Tao, and his parents in Vietnam.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at a later date.