Hai Quoc Nguyen, a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, musician, and educator, passed away on April 19, 2023, at the age of 31. He was born the son of Duoc Nguyen and Yen Lam and brother of Huong on May 28, 1991, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Hai immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of two and grew up in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.
Above all, Hai enjoyed spending time with his close-knit family. He loved his parents, sister, and brother-in-law, Andrew. Hai was a devoted uncle to his nephews, Isaac and Calvin, and niece, Mirabel.
At a young age, Hai developed a deep passion for music, especially jazz saxophone. He was a skilled musician and enjoyed connecting with others through music. Hai carried his love of music into his adult life and enjoyed performing with various groups in the community.
In addition to his love for music, Hai was a dedicated educator. He had a special talent for connecting with students and saw potential in every individual. Hai often spent weekends providing free tutoring and coaching, determined to help students of every background. He was a lifelong learner and loved to travel, learn new languages, meet new people, and share his learnings with others. Hai’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge were contagious, and he inspired those around him to keep learning and growing.
Hai’s family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a kind, generous, and passionate person who always put others before himself. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the music he created.
A Celebration of Life with Memory Sharing was held on Sunday April 30, 2023 at 4:00PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) in New Richmond with a visitation starting at 2:00PM. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
7 Comments
I am so sorry for your loss Duoc, Yen and Haung. I remember your family when you first moved to the US. I worked in a program that your family attended and had the honor of having Hai in the kids room. I will always remember him as that absolutely darling little dark eyed toddler. Sending you all much love and my condolences.❤️🙏
I am so sorry for your loss and send my deepest sympathy. I met Hai when I served Journey House Campus Ministry in River Falls. It was always a delight to see him, sit with him, share a meal and visit. He was a blessing to the community and to me. You are held in prayer, with love.
I share my deepest sympathy in this time of sadness and loss. I met Hai when I served as pastor at Journey House Campus Ministry at UWRF. It was always a delight to see him, sit with him, share a meal and visit. Hai was a blessing to the community and to me. You are held in prayer, with love.
There are no words to say how deeply sad we feel now. I remember happy times with Hai and the rest of your family over the years. We hold you all in our hearts. We hope all the love you have given to others comes right back to you.
I work at Carleton College. I had many conversations with Hai, what a huge loss to your family. He was such a nice bright happy young man. My sincere condolences to you all as you say goodbye to your shining star. My prayers to you all.
My deepest sympathy to you Douc and Yen, my thoughts and prayers for you and your family. If there’s anything l can do for you feel free to ask .
As the current Ministry Director at Journey House in River Falls, I am deeply saddened by this loss. My our prayers and the prayers of others who were part of Hai’s life bring you some comfort in this time of grieving. Hai was a regular participant for the past few years, both before and after the pandemic. His curiousity was boundless and he was also generous and kind. He will be missed by many.
Add Comment