Kevin Mai's Obituary
Kevin Mai was born on February 7, 1958, in Saigon, Vietnam to parents Sy Van Mai and Mother Phuong Thi Nguyen. He was the oldest of seven brothers. He passed away on April 15, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington.
Kevin came to America as a refugee from the Vietnam War in 1975, leaving his family behind in Vietnam. He settled in Vermont and graduated from High School there before moving to San Diego, California. He was hired at Rohr Industries in Chula Vista, as a machinist where he met Julian De La Cruz Sr. Kevin was new to the area and Julian and his wife Aida realized Kevin needed a place to stay. They offered a place in their home for as long as he needed to get on his feet. He would help around the house when he could and would buy Julian and Aida lottery tickets hoping for a “big win”. They admired him for his kind heart and loved him like a Son, he became one of the family.
Years later he got married to Phavan and started his own family; his first two children were Alan and Rasna. Julian Sr. and Aida were proud Grandparents and took care of the babies through their childhood years. Kevin moved to Washington for another job opportunity as a machinist several years later and worked there for over 20 years before retiring. Kevin maintained a close relationship with Julian Sr. and Aida through the years. While in Washington, Kevin and wife Lanh started his second family with daughters Dawn and Julie.
Weeks before his passing Kevin came back to Chula Vista and lived with Aida and family for a brief time, back to where it all began. He helped take care of Aida by keeping the house in order, making her food, taking her out for errands and keeping her company. They had a good time together and spent hours talking, reminiscing, and he sought sage advice and guidance from Aida.
Kevin was a humble, quiet, loving, kind, thoughtful, generous, and respectful person. He wanted his children to have a better life than what he had growing up. He cared deeply for his children and worked long hard hours to provide for his family. He was proud of his children who graduated from college and have successful careers and proud of his children going to college to further their education toward a career.
Kevin enjoyed playing basketball, riding his bicycle, reading, listening to his favorite music and watching Clint Eastwood westerns. He is survived by wife Lanh, children Alan, Rasna, Dawn and Julie, grandson Ari and a grandson on the way. He will also be remembered by all his extended family, friends, and everyone’s lives who he touched with his kindness through the years. He will forever be missed yet never forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace with his loved ones who are already with him in Paradise.
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