Bot Van Nguyen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at his home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 80 years old.

Bot was born on July 3, 1946, in Cu Chi, South Vietnam, where he was raised in the countryside. As a young boy, he worked in the rice fields tending buffalo and learning from an early age the value of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility. He later moved to Saigon as a young man and became a barber, beginning a career that would become an important part of his life and the way he cared for his family.

In 1967, Bot married the love of his life, Lan Huong Thi Nguyen. In 1968, he was drafted into the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, where he served until 1975. After the Fall of Saigon, he faced difficult years and worked tirelessly as a barber to provide for and support his family. Through hardship and uncertainty, Bot remained a hardworking man with a positive outlook on life.

In 1995, Bot and his family came to the United States and settled in Middlebury, Indiana, beginning a new chapter of their lives. With courage and determination, he continued to work hard to build a life for his family.

Bot will be remembered most for his warm heart, joyful spirit, and love for people. He loved talking with others, and to him, no one was ever a stranger. His welcoming personality and beautiful smile made people feel comfortable and cared for. He always tried to see the positive side of life and cared deeply for his family.

He enjoyed traveling, fishing, bicycling, tinkering, and creating things with his own hands; often turning something simple or ordinary into something useful. He had a natural ability to make, fix, and create something out of nothing, and was always busy working at some project. What he loved most of all though, was spending time with his family and friends. Those simple moments together were among the greatest joys of his life.

Bot is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lan Huong Thi Nguyen; his oldest son, Loc Van Nguyen (Sandy); his granddaughters, Lia Nguyen and Kasey Nguyen of Hebron, KY; his second son, Duy Van Nguyen (Van) of Fairhaven, MA; his daughter, Tam Nguyen Stephens ( John); his grandsons, John Jr, James, and Jacob of Middlebury, IN; his brother, Thuoc V. Nguyen; his sisters, Hay Nguyen and Nen Nguyen; and several nieces and nephews in Vietnam.

Bot leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, perseverance, and devotion to his family. He was deeply proud of his family and all that they accomplished. His life was shaped by hardship, courage, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of life and the importance of family.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.

May he rest peacefully.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 4pm - 7pm in the Donaghy New Day Funeral Home, 465 County St, New Bedford, MA. For facility directions or memorial register, please visit www.newdayfunerals.com