Dr. C. Nguyen Canh, loving husband, father, grandfather, and self-declared philosopher, died Monday, September 11, 2023. He was surrounded by family and Buddhist monks who tenderly helped his wife and daughters say their farewells.
Dr. Canh was born Canh Ngoc Nguyen in Quang Nam, Viet Nam in 1942, and was the eldest of eight brothers and one sister. He was an English professor and met his ever-caring wife, Kim-Chi, in Nha Trang and they married in 1971. They welcomed their first daughter, Nhu-Y, a year later. Soon after, Dr. Canh emigrated to the United States after being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship. He earned his Ph.D. in American History, with an emphasis on Diplomatic Relations in Viet Nam, from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Mrs. Canh and their daughter joined him in Ohio in 1973. The family moved and settled in Dayton, Ohio, where they welcomed their second daughter, Minh-Y, and he taught English as a second language at Sinclair College. While in Ohio, Dr. Canh helped establish the Vietnamese Association of Dayton and was elected as its first president. He and his wife sponsored several of his family and friends from Viet Nam and supported many other families who escaped the country after the fall of Saigon in 1975.
Dr. Canh led a successful career in the life insurance industry where he was honored with numerous sales and leadership awards. During his career, he and his family also lived in the Bay Area in California and Chicago, Illinois. After retiring, he and his wife relocated to Viet Nam where he worked as a life insurance consultant for numerous years. Upon returning to the U.S., Dr. and Mrs. Canh settled in Dallas, Texas, and then eventually, Orlando, Florida. There, he was able to spend the last two years of his life with his sister, brothers, and their families; sharing in memorable stories, ballroom dancing, good food, and many hours of laughter.
Dr. Canh is survived by Mrs. Canh, Nhu-Y, Minh-Y and her husband, five granddaughters, and his siblings and their caring families. He will be remembered by many as a loving husband and father, doting grandfather, scholar, and professional with great wisdom; a connoisseur of cognac and an amusing storyteller who loved reading, swimming, soccer, tennis, and classical music; and a man with a kind, gentle, and caring heart.