Brandon Nguyen Memorial Fund

On July 27th, 2020 - just days after his 20th birthday - our beloved brother, Brandon, tragically and suddenly left this world.


Although his time here was brief, we got to witness the growth of an outgoing and beautiful soul.


Throughout his life, he had many interests and talents. As a young child, he quickly learned how to use a computer and from there one could often find him making incredible rides on Roller Coaster Tycoon or refreshing the Luxor Las Vegas website to hear the trumpet fanfare that played as the site loaded. He enjoyed weekly trips to Disneyland with his parents and siblings, where he fell in love with the Haunted Mansion and a limited time version of California Screamin’ which featured music from Red Hot Chili Peppers. He quickly grew obsessed with the band and at a young age was already singing along with their music, which showed his impressive ability to switch between quick paced rap sequences and heartfelt singing verses.


Going into middle school he quickly picked up skateboarding, a hobby encouraged by his grandfather who would often take him to Vans Skatepark and watch him perform tricks on the half pipe for hours. Brandon and his grandfather also spent many hours together building model rockets that they would take to the Santa Fe Dam to watch them launch into the sky, sometimes seeing the rockets go as far as 600 ft into the air and safely back to the ground with a successfully deployed built-in parachute.


In high school, his love for music manifested in energetic and captivating performances with the Brea Olinda High School Choir. Brandon’s personality was reflected in his participation in the humorous all boys group, “The Thundercats,” and in a production of Young Frankenstein as Ziggy, the village idiot. His high energy also translated to impressive movement on the airsoft field. His grandfather would often take him to TAC City, where he would show quick reflexes and an ability to lead his squad to victory.


As he matured into a young adult, his love for rockets became a love for old fighter planes and sporty racing planes. He often volunteered at the Planes of Fame in Chino, after which he would excitedly come home and talk to his grandpa about the historical planes he would help clean, maintain, and help to restore. To fit his future pilot aesthetic, Brandon loved his Alpha Industries parka which was one piece in his fashionable ensemble. Brands like Supreme, Rip and Dip, Pink Dolphin, and Comme des Garcons graced his collection and he was never without a well-coordinated and unique outfit. 


Being the generous soul that he was, he hoped to one day be able to work a job that would help support himself and his family. He often talked about marrying his girlfriend and starting a family with her. He dreamed of owning a remote property where he would buy and restore planes, like a P-51 plane to fly his grandfather in. We all hoped to watch him live a life of health and happiness.


He leaves behind many family and friends who love him so dearly. He is already so very missed and although the time spent was brief we are eternally grateful to have been blessed with his presence in our lives. He was a funny and sweet young man, who lit up any room he walked in. We hope he knows that he is deeply loved and we pray that his soul finds peace.


Because his departure was so sudden and unexpected, we are humbly asking for donations to help minimize the financial impact of funeral costs as well as to try to give Brandon the send off he deserves. Our funeral expenses are currently estimated at $5,000. The donations received will be handled by his two older sisters, Ashley and Angela. With these funds we intend to hold a service for his family to honor his memory as well as pay for other services that come with these unfortunate circumstances.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpour of love and support from our family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all in advance for your time in reading his story and for any donations.