Trong Bao Trinh

(pronounced Zhèng Zhòng Bao)

Loving husband, devoted father, joyful grandfather (Gong-Gong) and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, at the age of 98.

Bao was born on March 9, 1926, in Danang, Vietnam, to Chinese immigrant parents. Although Bao’s father passed when he was only 9 years old, he greatly admired him. Bao, like his father, grew up to be kind, intelligent, and righteous. Bao was a kind brother and had 3 older sisters, one older brother, and one younger brother.

Bao was an avid reader, excelled in school, had an incredible memory, and was an amazing mathematician. Bao was known for his intelligence and was recruited to be a Cryptologic Analyst under the leader of China and the National Revolutionary Army, Chiang Kai-Shek. This was a highly selective and prestigious position. Even though Bao was proud of his country he disagreed with the values of the Communist Party that he was fighting for. Bao bravely escaped rule under China with a group of friends that shared similar beliefs. They walked by foot from China to Vietnam. He was strong-willed and resilient, enduring the most brutal conditions (rain, no food, no water, no shelter, all under shelling, bombs, and warfare). Most of his group died on the perilous journey, but Bao and one of his friends survived and made it to Vietnam alive.

In Vietnam, Bao began to build a life for himself and his family. He became a prominent and well-respected businessman, opening many successful factories and trading companies in Vietnam. Bao was also passionate about philanthropy. He gave often and generously to many local schools. He never hesitated to help people in need.

Bao met Quynh when he was 38 years old. Quynh was 24 and from another prominent family. They met through Quynh’s dad who had many businesses on the same street. Quynh was very popular and had many suitors. She was drawn to Bao’s kindness, honesty, and patience. A year later they got married. They lived in a 4-story house that Bao designed and architect himself with Bao’s family. In the span of ten years, and in pursuit of having a son, Bao and Quynh had 8 children. Bao was a loving father to 7 daughters and one son. Bao was a kind father and never acted authoritarian. He valued freedom and believed in encouraging his children to go for their dreams. Bao worked hard to support his family and manage his business.

His life was disrupted when the Vietnam War began in 1955. Although the family could have chosen an easy way out by going to Quynh’s parents in Hong Kong or America, Bao was too loyal to leave his friends and family behind. Bao, always a visionary, devised a route to Hong Kong, and tested the risky route himself, his wife, and children first. It was a perilous and costly journey, costing 8 ounces of gold per head, but they made it to Hong Kong, and eventually Denton, Texas sponsored by Aunt Josephine, Quynh’s sister.

Bao risked everything to save his family and friends. His family and friends were able to escape Vietnam because of him. In Denton, Texas, Bao had to start all over. He was humble and hardworking, unwilling to accept government help, saying he had “two hands and two feet”. He and Quynh worked as janitors and kitchen workers at a private school. They biked for over an hour every day to work, rain or shine.

Bao wanted to open a restaurant. He worked hard to learn the trade by working at another Chinese restaurant. It was an hour away traveling to Dallas and he had to work long hours, which kept him away from his wife and kids only to come home once a week. Eventually, Bao opened Mei Li Wah. Years later, he sold the restaurant.

After working hard his whole life, he retired and lived his dream of traveling every corner of China. He always had a deep appreciation for Chinese art, opera, and was an avid reader. He entrusted his brave wife to watch over the household.

Bao’s life underwent a profound transformation thanks to faithful Christians from Dallas Chinese Baptist Church, Denton Chinese Church, First Chinese Baptist Frisco and others. Bao dedicated his life to Jesus and was baptized on August 12, 2007, at Frisco Community Bible Church. His contentment, trust, and quiet devotion to the Lord served as an inspiring example to those around him. Bao was an amazing grandpa. Over time, he became the loving grandpa to 19 grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Survived by spouse (pronounced, Jia n Cuì Ju n), eight children (Laurie, Mary, Marian, Jane, Doris, Helen, Meme, John), 19 grandchildren (Preston, Alexandra, Victoria, Mitchell, Megan, Gabriel, Charissa, Joycelyn, Ethan, Katelyn, Isabelle, Andrew, Nathan, Katherine, Jackson, Tristin, Paige, Hope, John) and great-grandchild Micah.

A celebration of Bao’s life will occur on November 9th at 11 am at Chase Oaks Church (281 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas). Though deeply missed, his love, wisdom and gentle spirit remains in our hearts.

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