Bao Quoc Ha, 84, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in
Richland, Washington, surrounded by his family. Born on
February 15, 1942, in An Boi, Kien Xuong, Thai Binh, Vietnam, to
Ha Ngoc Truy and Dinh Thi Lung, Bao’s early life was shaped by
resilience. In 1953, his family fled their village on foot, traveling
more than sixteen miles over three days while evading gunfire.
After living in Thai Binh City and Hanoi, they settled in Saigon in
1954.
Bao excelled academically at Chu Van An High School, earning
the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in both his junior
and senior years. He studied mathematics and physics before
enrolling at the prestigious Trường Cao‑Đẳng Công‑Chánh, where
he trained as a structural engineer. During college, he organized
charitable efforts and cultural programs, later earning a
presidential commission to present Vietnamese cultural
showcases across Southeast Asia.
In 1972, Bao married Vo Thi Dao Nguyen. They welcomed three
children: My, Brian (Quoc Hung), and Dzi. After the fall of Saigon,
Bao continued working at City Hall, contributing to rebuilding
efforts. Determined to secure a safer future, he spent three years
planning his family’s escape. In 1978, he navigated a 40‑foot
fishing vessel carrying his family and nearly fifty others to
Malaysia. After five months in a refugee camp, they were
sponsored to the United States in 1979.
Bao worked for the Washington Public Power Supply System
(later Energy Northwest) and founded the Golden Croissant
bakery. He and Nguyen supported many newly arrived
Vietnamese families and later sponsored more than seventeen
medical students in Vietnam.
Bao retired in 2017 and spent his later years traveling and
enjoying time with his grandchildren: Liam, Zoey, Henry, and
Teddy.
He will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, and devotion
to family and community.