Obituary: Steve Tran

Steve Tran of Alameda, California, passed away on July 20, 2015, at age 47 after battling lung cancer for nearly a year. An Alameda resident since 2005, Steve and his wife Oanh, owned Happy Feet children’s shoes on Park Street for six years.

Steve was born on December 6, 1967, in Vietnam. He moved to Utah with his family in 1975 and completed his education there before moving to California at age 20. Steve worked in facilities management for more than 10 years at Gilead Sciences.

Steve had many interests and skills, including cooking, gardening and entertaining. He was particularly handy around the house and excelled at remodeling and landscaping projects. He spent countless hours on home improvements and could fix anything. Steve loved wine, good food and sharing his talents with others. Along with his appreciation for the finer things in life, he enjoyed simple pleasures like fishing and spending time on the lake with friends and family members.

Steve and Oanh were married for 22 years. They met at a party and it was love at first sight. They felt an immediate connection. After a two year courtship, they married in 1993. Steve and Oanh were blessed with two children, Nicholas and Ashley.

A devotee of exotic cars, Steve founded NorCal Exotics, a Facebook group for fellow enthusiasts. He organized events and activities for the group, bringing people of similar passions together. His friends in NorCal Exotics set up a farewell drive for Steve, escorting him to his final resting place.

Steve was a wonderful son, brother, father and friend. He had a strong work ethic coupled with a love of life. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by his wife Oanh and his children, Nicholas, age 18, and Ashley, age 15; immediate family members including parents, Bui Tran and Mui Hoang; two brothers, David and Sam Tran; sisters-in-law, Sachon Mao and Hana Nguyen; and three nephews, John, Dennis and Justin.

A scholarship fund for the Tran children has been established. Contributions may be made in care of Oanh Tran, Wells Fargo, Account #8885703069, 2260 Otis Drive, Alameda, CA 94502. The family expresses its heartfelt appreciation to all who have shared their memories of Steve and condolences.