May His Soul Be Reborn in the Pure Land.

My dad passed away on Wednesday.
Kenny, not Kenneth or Ken… Luther, or Alfonso, but Kenny Phước Tân Nguyễn, the man who knew everything. So, thankful for living 50 long years of his immigrant life here in America. The “boat people” refugee from South Vietnam who made some killer chicken curry (Cà Ri Gà) and taught me everything I know about those egg rolls you all love. He taught me how to change a tire from summer air to winter air and knew when to throw Dut-tee-wee’s Smurf underwear into the river. The temper was short along with the man. We learned never say Yes to a No question. His birth name so close to F*#k many wouldn’t say it aloud, thus Kenny. The man who declared that “Lunch-a-bles” were everything you needed for your life when traveling! The man who was quick to call you out as a dumbass when you don’t roll your car windows down when it’s “hot like oven” outside. The smile with the missing tooth who my grandma still didn’t understand what he was saying most of the time will be greatly missed. Now he can finally rest. Thanks for showing me who you really were on those trips to Vietnam. Be with your mom, your dad, your siblings and know that through the tough facade you did passionately care for us and love mom deeply.

Enjoy all the crispy (kri-py) roast pork you want now, dad.

All my love, Brian

Obituary for Kenny Phước Tân Nguyễn

May 6, 1947 – October 22, 2025

Kenny Phước Tân Nguyễn passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Fargo, North Dakota, at the age of 78.

Born on May 6, 1947, in Bình Dương, Vietnam.

Kenny served in the South Vietnamese Navy, stationed in Đà Nẵng, where he worked on radar equipment. Following the fall of Saigon in 1975, he came to the United States via Philippines and Wake Island as a “boat people” refugee, eventually settling in Medina, North Dakota. There, he built a new life from scratch in Valley City, embodying resilience, humor, and quiet strength.

In 1979, Kenny married Joanne Ryerson, and together they raised three sons: Brian Ryerson (Chad Raymond) of Las Vegas, NV; Dustin Nguyễn (Frances) of Valley City, ND; and Brady Nguyễn (Aureauna) of Hope, ND. Kenny was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A welder by trade and a cook by passion, Kenny shared his Vietnamese heritage through the food he lovingly prepared — from his unforgettable chicken curry (Cà Ri Gà) to his legendary egg rolls. His cooking brought people together, blending the flavors of two cultures he called home.

Kenny became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2007 and returned to Vietnam three times, twice accompanied by his sons, reconnecting with his roots and family. Though small in stature, Kenny was larger than life — quick-tempered, opinionated, and endlessly resourceful. Those who knew him will remember his large missing-tooth smile and the many stories told by friends and family of a life with Kenny.

Kenny’s legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the meals he shared, and the love he gave, often hidden beneath his tough exterior but deeply felt by his family.

He is preceded in death by his brother Ga, and sister Tao his parents in Vietnam, and is now reunited with them.

There will be no funeral at this time. A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to share stories, laughter, and his favorite foods.