John Vien Dao's Obituary
John Vien Dao
February 17, 1934 - August 31, 2024
John Vien Dao, a devoted physician, father and member of the Catholic Faith, passed away on August 31, 2024, at the age of 90. Born in Nha Trang, Vietnam on February 17, 1934, John's life was marked by unwavering dedication to his faith, his family, and his profession.
John received his early education in Catholic schools in Nha Trang and earned his medical degree at Saigon Medical School. He dedicated his professional life to serving others through his work at Duy Tan Military Hospital and operating a private Ham Nghi Hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam.
In 1978, John and his family braved life threatening dangers to immigrate to the United States as "boat people" refugees. He was determined to rebuild his career and life in a new country. John successfully retested and regained his medical license and practiced in Winfield, Kansas for 10 years. He also completed a Family Medicine Residency at the age of 56, and continued to practice medicine until the age of 75. His last 14 years of work was at Kings Winery Medical Clinic, a non profit clinic for indigent patients in Fresno, California.
John was faithfully married to Dieu Teresa Daotran for 61 years, and together they raised four children: Tram, Anh, Thanh, and Tu including eight grandchildren. As a father, John exemplified hard work, sacrifice,
and integrity, leaving a lasting impact on his family and those around him. John enjoyed traveling, fishing, swimming, and hitting golf balls in the backyard. His perfect day would be swimming, fishing, gardening, reading medical journals and eating the local cuisines in Nha Trang beach with his extended family. After retirement, he and his wife attended daily Mass service and evening prayer of the rosary, reflecting his deep spirituality and commitment to his faith.
John Vien Dao's legacy is one of quiet resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith. He will be remembered for his exceptional contributions as a physician, his enduring love and dedication as a father, and his steadfast faith as a devout Catholic. He is survived by his wife, children, and the extended family, who will cherish his memory and profound example he set throughout his life.
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