Thien Chi Dinh

Thien Chi Dinh was born on April 11, 1959 in Saigon, Vietnam to parents Dac and Muoi Dinh.

Thien came to Spokane, Washington in 1981 sponsored by the Catholic Charities. He was one of the "boat people" who escaped Communist Vietnam with only the clothes he had on. Later he moved to Arlington, Virginia. Thien worked as a furniture repairman for many well-known companies and moved steadily up the ranks to master cabinet-maker. He eventually opened his own repair shop and prided in fixing furniture at an affordable price.

He met his wife, Carol, playing co-ed adult volleyball in Northern Virginia in the mid-80's. The two ended up playing on the same co-ed team winning several area tournaments and leagues.



The family moved to Plano, Texas in 1999. He was a devoted father who enjoyed watching his girls in school and sport activities. Even though it was never pushed, both Sara and Teresa took to volleyball and excelled.



Thien enjoyed being with his friends, fishing, relaxing by the beach, and occasionally playing volleyball (if his knees held up).



On July 23, 2011, Thien passed away peacefully at his home in Plano, Texas with his wife and daughters by his side.



He is survived by his loving wife Carol, his daughters Sara Hill and her husband Drew and Teresa Dinh, his mother Muoi Thi Nguyen, his 5 siblings; sister Tuyet Thi Dinh and her husband Lam Son Nguyen of Boston, MA, sister Mui Thi Dinh and her husband Hoang Kim Dinh of Saigon, Vietnam, sister Huyen Thi Bich Dinh and her husband Chinh Pham of Saigon, brother Cong Chi Dinh and his wife Hanh Thi Vo of Saigon, Vietnam, and brother My Chi Dinh and his wife Thao Thi Trugong of Saigon, Vietnam.

Thien was preceded in death by his father, Dac Dinh.



A vigil will be held in memory of Thien on Monday August 8, 2011 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday August 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Chuch.



In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Seton Fund that helps people in need. Donations may be dropped off at or mailed to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas 75023 or call (972) 596-5505.