Strong, sturdy, true. Always came through for you in times of need.
Not only did he direct with his physical strength and manpower – he was steady as the wind, able, even-tempered, highly adaptable to changing needs and circumstances, and Our Guy Friday.
– MARY DO, sister-in-law –
The first time he appeared at my front door, he looked big (yet not tall) and my parents, who had just immigrated from Việt Nam back then in 1995, were so scared. My mother was in her late 80s and she took a step back and said: “Con, ông nào mà to vậy?”
At first glance, he may have seemed larger than life to all in my big family. Soon enough, he was happily welcomed and included in all our groups and at all our gatherings – a very patient and happy presence at birthdays, graduations, Thanksgivings and Christmases and beyond.
Gerry was fun and easygoing with everyone. Anyone could relax and be themselves around him. My granddaughter, Remi, would run to him and hang over his back and ask for some favors which her parents didn’t allow her. The same with my tiny-tot nieces, frightened no more. They gleefully kidded with him and around him. Who could resist going to get boba and a fun outing to Dave and Buster’s?
Gerry loved food and speed. Through so many meaningful years, we shared countless beautiful memories, long rides and short rides. Every time, my daughter, his wife, would say: “Gerry, you are driving Mrs. Do and Ms. Do.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he would quickly reply.
Sadly, no more. To God go dear, good fellow.
– LOAN DO, mother-in-law –
Gerry used to drive Bà Ngoại to the E.R. or anywhere else she needed when she was alive. He was so helpful and dependable.
In 1998 when he first came into the family, he and my niece would ask if they could take my two older kids to go out for ice cream and to the movies. Honestly, in my stomach, I was a little scared since we did not know him for long. Quyen was 3 years old, Vi was 1 and a half.
But everyone had fun. They constantly had fun together. Both of them love kids and they spent quality time with all the youngsters in our family.
For Gerry, a lot of people judged him as tough on the outside. He’s always been a very nice person, very gentle with everybody. I will always have so much appreciation for him.
– Cô Bảo, aunt –
My family and I are so sad and so sorry for this enormous loss! We know nothing can replace or compare to his wife’s sorrow right now, but you should be proud of him because he was a good guy to you and to our entire big family.
Rest in peace, Gerry!
– Bác Vân, aunt –
Gerry and Lin did not have kids. They were always fascinated by babies and toddlers.
At family gatherings, they would shower them with care and tenderness. They were good with “cranky” babies. You could see Lin holding an unacquainted baby (from outside the family), keeping him or her quiet and content for quite a while.
Recently, we did not see much of Gerry. He and Lin just adopted a small dog -one of them would have to stay home with the new “spoiled” pet. Gerry passed away suddenly at a park in Irvine; Lin and the pet were at his side.
Gerry was a “tender” and “jolly” big man. With us, he has developed a taste for Vietnamese “shaken beef” and “paddy field” crab soup with spicy broth, tomato slices, mixed with a heavy dose of shrimp paste on rice noodles.
We will miss him for a long time.
– UNCLE K. –
Thank you, Uncle Gerry, for all of the wonderful moments and memories through my childhood years. You are always the best.
– REMI TRUONG, niece –
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness to learn of Gerry’s passing. He is a cherished friend and brother in every sense of the word. At the age of 53, Gerry departed from this world, leaving behind an indelible mark in friendship, laughter and generosity.
Gerry lived life with an infectious laughter that could light up even the darkest of rooms. His cheerful greeting started with a high-five. Then he had a way of pulling you in for a homie hug and an elbow check to the chest as a sign of endearment, then his hyped welcome of saying “What’s up, dog !” LOL.
His jovial spirit was a beacon of joy for all who knew him and his laughter echoed through the halls of our memories – reminding us of the warmth and happiness he brought into our lives.
His generosity knew no bounds. Gerry had a big heart, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a comforting shoulder to lean on. Whether it was a kind word, a selfless deed or a simple act of kindness – he gave without hesitation, enriching the lives of those around him.
Beyond friendship, Gerry was a brother, a confidant and a steadfast companion. Through the highs and lows of life, he stood by our side. His presence filled our lives with warmth, humor and cherished memories that will forever live on in our hearts.
Though he may no longer walk beside us, Gerry leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will continue to inspire us for years to come.
Gerry will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit, his generosity and his unwavering friendship will forever remain etched in our hearts – a testament to the beautiful soul he was.
Rest in peace, G. Your laughter echoes in eternity and your memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.
– ALEX DO, cousin –
Gerry is a cheerful, caring person. What I remember is how ready he always is to help everyone – and how he loves children and animals.
This is truly a great loss!
– Cô Trang, aunt –
Since we were young, attending family gatherings was incomplete without Gerry. As little kids, we would sit on the carpet being enamored by the television. But when the excitement wore off, Gerry was there to entertain us when food was still being prepared.
Here’s a fond memory we like to share when we were much too small to join the older kids. We were sitting in the car trunk alongside our youngest sister, Francine, during one-Fourth of July party. To make sure we didn’t feel left out, Gerry and bác Lin handed us ice cream and kept us company while we watched the children run around with their colorful fireworks on the neighborhood street. As we got older, Uncle Gerry was just as sweet and caring, and he never failed to crack jokes.
We’ll forever be grateful to Gerry for looking after us. As twins, even when we were just born, our mom recounts this hectic period when Queenie, being smaller and having to be kept in the hospital to monitor her health, was suddenly ready to be discharged two days later. Mom had difficulty finding someone to take her there on such short notice. Gerry and bác Lin were able to extend their hands and drive her there to carry Queenie back home.
We will always cherish these memories of him and feel blessed to have had Gerry as a part of our family.
– Camille and Queenie Nguyen, nieces –
GERRY’S MILITARY TRAINING MEANT HE WAS NEVER LATE.
At 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. – at noon or midnight – he always arrived on time, forever ready and willing to do the task at hand. We did not hear reasoning, only offers of help.
Gerry knew just what to do with repairs and with busy itineraries. He knew how to have a good meal, where to go and the best route to get there. I rarely met someone so dependable and so deeply generous.
He wasn’t so much a talker as an attentive listener. I constantly think of Gerry as having the gift of being – being content in oneself, content with the world around him and the people moving within it.
Many among us rush from one place to another. Few among us stand in the stillness to witness the clarity of each day. Here’s a treasure of a person who lived for the happiness of other persons. He understood, after all, that that’s the meaning of life.
Dear Gerry, we send a toast to your spirit as it soars onward.
– ANH B. DO, sister-in-law –
***
Not How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?
(Author Unknown)
Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away.