In Memory of David Van Nguyen

In the afternoon of January 4th, 2022 our family, friends, and community was shaken to its core from a devastating turn of events. Our world as we knew it would never be the same, David Van Nguyen was ripped away from us far sooner than we expected, or he deserved.

David was someone who would step into a room and draw everyone’s attention. Anyone blessed enough to have met him would immediately be drawn to his passion and love for his fellow man; he was instilled with a desire to serve his community and show what human kindness truly was. His selflessness and natural born leadership qualities is what led him to pursue service via the California National Guard, and later to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department. During his tenure in the National Guard, David was an exemplary serviceman. When the call went out, he was always the first to report for duty. From helping evacuate citizens during the wildfires, to providing provisions and deter the looting, David did everything in his power to make sure others were safe, secure, and comfortable.

Above all else, David was a human being. He was taken from this world way too early, before fulfilling the great potential we all knew he had within him. He was a son, a friend, a brother. He was a leader, a mentor, and probably the silliest clown one could ever know. With David, there was never a dull moment or wasted minute. Even in his passing, he continues to spread laughter and unity; I know that deep down he’d want us to celebrate his life rather than mourn his death.

If you’re reading this, it’s because David also had an impact on your life, however minute or fleeting. Whether you knew him through his service background, as a friend, or just happened to be blessed by his personality, thank you for paying your respects and spreading the same compassion he had for this world. There aren’t enough words to put into perspective what this hero meant to us and our community, so please drop some comments on fond memories you had of him.

While we harbor no ill intent towards the individual(s) who caused this tragedy, we do hope that justice will be served, and his body may finally rest easy. The senseless and random violence must stop. We hope David's passing will bring awareness and progress to the situation.

David was a humble man, and we’re asking for any help at all in spreading his message and continue his legacy. Donations would be greatly appreciated to help cover the costs of closing this chapter and beginning the next for the Nguyen family, but in no way at all are they expected. David was a deeply caring and compassionate individual. Someone who made sure everybody ate and taken care of, regardless of who they were, what they could afford, and what relation he had with them. In his passing, we wish to respect the same energy.

Look to social media for updates on when his services are to be held and if you’re reading this, you are without question, invited to help celebrate this man into the gates of heaven. As he was in life he will be in passing, the type of leader to rally all sorts of individuals together and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Please spread this message in any way you can, your efforts are truly and deeply appreciated.