Sinh Khac Tran's Obituary
Sinh Khac Tran, 95, of Honolulu, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on July 6, 1930, in Minh Hai, Vietnam, to the late Phuoc Duy Tran and Chinh Thi Huynh. As the oldest of six children, Sinh took on responsibility early in life, helping to support his family through hard work and determination. That sense of duty remained a guiding principle, shaping his lifelong commitment to family and community. He began his working life in farming and later learned tailoring, gradually building a respected and successful business. His integrity and diligence earned the trust of those around him and led to positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Chairman of the People’s Committee of Cai Nay. His leadership reflected both competence and genuine concern for the people he served.
As a young man, Sinh answered the call to serve his country, fighting against communist forces during the Vietnam War. His service reflected courage and sacrifice, grounded in a deep belief in freedom and human dignity. After the war, he endured imprisonment and years in a reeducation labor camp—experiences that tested him profoundly, yet never diminished his determination or his commitment to helping others.
Even under personal risk, he helped hundreds of people flee Vietnam to escape political persecution and start new lives in freedom. A handful of boats were built by his own hands, and he organized the safe departure and filling of many more, ensuring that families could reach safety and opportunity in other countries. Only after helping others escape did he focus on his own family’s departure. He remained behind until his final boat was completed and launched. With his family aboard, they pushed off as the sound of pursuing gunfire echoed in the distance. For the hundreds whose lives were changed by his courage—and for their children and grandchildren—Sinh Khac Tran is remembered as a hero. His actions reflected a simple but powerful belief: that people deserve to live in safety, with opportunity and dignity.
When Sinh emigrated to Hawaii, he arrived with nothing after losing his remaining possessions to pirates. In a new land, he did what he had always done—he worked. He began anew as a gardener and custodian at the Hawaii Film Studio, taking on demanding labor with humility and persistence. Through steady effort, he once again built security for his family. Over time, careful saving and long hours made it possible to start a family business. There, he returned to the craft he had learned decades earlier. Year after year, he sewed tens of thousands of garments, including aloha shirts, children’s outfits, and jams. Each piece reflected precision, patience, and pride in workmanship. His skill and dedication formed the backbone of the business and ensured that his children would have opportunity, education, and stability.
He also showed his family what it means to honor one’s parents. He brought his parents with him to America and cared for them in his home for the final 25 years of their lives. Providing for them daily—with respect, dignity, and gratitude—was not an obligation he spoke about, but one he simply fulfilled.
Outside of work, Sinh found joy in gardening and raising dogs. Tending plants and caring for animals brought him peace and reflected his thoughtful nature. Above all, Sinh was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His guidance, support, and example shaped generations, leaving a legacy grounded in responsibility, perseverance, and integrity. He is survived by his beloved wife, Hoi T. Huynh; his children, Phuong D. Tran (Nga N. Ly), Tan D. Tran (Thiem D. Dang), Hang M. Tran (Binh Tran), Anh M.T. To (Nghia To), Jonathan Tran (Arlena Tran), Jenny M.T. Hee (Allan G. Hee), Christina M. Tran (Alfred Low), and Thomas Tran (Alex Le Tran); his grandchildren, Diana L. Leung (Calvin Leung), Jason L. Tran (Rhonda Aoki), Bao Duy Tran (Erica T. Tran), Alice Tran (Mark Quitugua), WinifredM. Tran, Kevin Tran (Trinh Nguyen), Ashley N. To (Christopher Jung), Aaron To, Adrian H. Tran, Jolien H. Tran, Haisan T. Tran, Rachel E. Hee, Jacqueline E. Hee, Waverly E. Hee, Avery Low, Isabella L. Tran, Christopher L. Tran; and his great-grandchildren, Brayden K. Leung, Ashton K. Leung, Kenzo Tran, Aiden D. Tran, Zoelle M. Tran, Devin A.D Quitugua, Dylan A.D. Quitugua, Evelyn V. Tran, Aaliyah A. Jung, Jordan N. Jung.
Sinh will be remembered with admiration for his commitment to family and community, his remarkable work ethic, and the courage and sacrifice that helped secure freedom and opportunity for so many. Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.
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