Oliver Pham

Oliver (Trinh) Ba Pham passed away Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, surrounded by the comfort of his family who loved him so much. Oliver was born in Hue, Vietnam, the youngest child of Dung Ba Pham and Bong Thi Ngo. Oliver married Tina Thi Doan in 1957, in Hue, Vietnam.
Oliver was in the Special Forces of the South Vietnamese Army as a Paratrooper and was courageous and proud to fight for his family, people, and government of South Vietnam in the Vietnam War. Oliver’s greatest and proudest accomplishment was providing protection to his family and ensuring their safe exodus from Vietnam to the U.S. soon after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. His family will always be grateful for this great accomplishment. Upon arrival to the U.S., Oliver was faced with the daunting duty to provide for his family in a new country knowing that he did not have any English skills or wealth since all of his and family possessions were surrendered in Vietnam prior to the family’s departure. Oliver immediately sought to learn limited English just enough to secure employment in order to support his family. Oliver was a long time employee as a welder at and retired from PDM Steel Service Centers, Inc. at the Spanish Fork, Utah facility.
All who were around Oliver knew he loved to have healthy discussions related to politics, history, and current social trends. Many may not know that Oliver was a great “seamster” who sewed many pajamas and blankets for the family throughout the years. Oliver may not display his affection outwardly but he loved his wife and family and always inquired about his children and grandchildren’s welfare.
From Oliver’s children: We love our daddy very much. As a result of all his sacrifices to his family, we were because of our daddy; we are because of our daddy; and we will be because of our daddy. We miss him very much and he will always be in our hearts.
The family wishes to thank close friends and relatives for their love and support during this difficult time. Thank you to all of Oliver’s physicians who provided support, comfort, and consultation to him while under their care. The family wishes to extend a huge heart-felt thank you to Dr. Douglas R. Newbold, Dr. Ronald W. Asay, and Dr. Peter F. Crossno.
Oliver is survived by his wife of 58 years, Tina Thi Doan who loved him and was always by his side and his constant companion; son, Billy (Nhung) Pham; daughter, Kim (Vinh) Ngo; son, Mike (Thanh) Pham; son, Jared Pham; daughter, Michelle (Ryan) Nelson; and 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Oliver was preceded in death by his father, Dung Ba Pham; mother, Bong Thi Ngo; 2 brothers; 2 sisters; and son, Hau Ba Pham.
The public is invited to a viewing on Friday, October 16, 2015, from 6pm-8pm at Redwood Memorial Mortuary at 6500 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville. Another viewing will be held on morning of Saturday, October 17 from 9am-10am at same location. A Buddhist religious ceremony will also be held on October 17 from 10am-11:30am for family and close friends. Oliver will be laid to rest at Redwood Memorial Cemetery. The Pham’s respectfully ask that no monetary donations be made to the family.