Bay Van Nguyen passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Rach Gia, Vietnam, on February 20, 1948, he lived a life of extraordinary courage, quiet humility, and deep devotion to his family.

A true man of the sea and the land, he spent his youth in the countryside as a farmer and fisherman. During the Vietnam War, he used his skills and his boat to help many others flee to safety, showing a bravery that saved lives. He eventually made the difficult journey to escape the war himself, leaving behind a family with the hope of creating a path for a better future. After spending a few years in a refugee camp in Thailand, he was sponsored and immigrated to the United States in 1983. Upon arriving, he returned to the waters he loved, continuing his life as a fisherman and shrimper and providing for his family with the same grit and determination that had carried him across the ocean.

Despite the many hardships he faced, he remained a humble and simple man. He never sought recognition for his sacrifices, finding his greatest joy in the simple moments of life. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren deeply, and his life was a testament to that love. He was a man of action who was always willing to help others and was well liked by many, whether he was fixing or building boats or helping a friend.

He moved through life with a gentle spirit and a generous heart, always putting the needs of his family above his own. His legacy lives on through the stories of his bravery and the values of resilience, kindness, and selflessness he instilled in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Canh Thi Le, and his devoted children and their spouses:

Suoi Van Nguyen & Dep Thi Thai, Danh Van Nguyen & Mai Thi Thai, Gai Thi Nguyen & Hien Van Tran, Bong Thi Nguyen & Tam Van Le, Deo Thi Nguyen & Tung Van Trieu, Ut Van Nguyen & Van Thi Nguyen, Thu Thi Doan & Tran Doan, Thao Thi Nguyen & Hoa Le. Thoa Kim Thi Nguyen & Phi Nguyen, Mary Le Nguyen & Jason Nguyen, Tony Van Nguyen & Christina Phoung Pham, Linda Le & Dung Trinh, Diana Le Nguyen & Hiep Nguyen, Bill Viet Le & Phoung Lai.  He also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

Service Information

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

• 5:00 PM: Parish Rosary at Our Lady of La Vang, 100 Vietnam St, Palacios, TX

• 5:30 PM: Mass at Our Lady of La Vang

Thursday, April 30, 2026

• 5:00 PM: Parish Rosary at Our Lady of La Vang

• 5:30 PM: Mass at Our Lady of La Vang

Friday, May 1, 2026

• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Viewing at Palacios Funeral Home

• 4:30 PM: Viewing at Our Lady of La Vang

• 5:00 PM: Parish Rosary at Our Lady of La Vang

• 5:30 PM: Rite of Commencement, Blessing of the Mourning Bands, and Vigil Mass at Our Lady of La Vang

Saturday, May 2, 2026

• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Final Viewing (closed casket) at Palacios Funeral Home

• 10:00 AM: Funeral Mass at Our Lady of La Vang

• Burial to follow at: Palacios Cemetery, 12th Street CR 317, Palacios, TX