Memorial and Cremation for Dennis Banh

Dear loved ones,

It is with deep sadness that we share that our beloved Dennis passed away on Wednesday evening, November 22nd, 2023, after a long battle with chronic physical and mental illness.

My brother Dennis had a big heart. He sought to do as much good in the world as he could, to make everybody happy, and importantly, to be a good person. He was an idealist, a dreamer, a romantic. He always yearned for a profound purpose in life, and he truly found it through helping others.

Dennis was sensitive and compassionate, seeing the good in people and putting himself in their shoes. He was incredibly selfless and generous, always giving with absolutely no regard to the cost and even to his own loss. He had immense artistic talent and creativity, which manifested in his culinary prowess, his beautifully carved gemstones, and his unique sense of style. He had a sharp intellect, playing professional poker for years with a trademark deceptiveness and cunning that intimidated everyone at the table. He also retained a kind of pure innocence, with a fond obsession for cats (and rats). He loved so deeply and wanted to live every moment to the fullest and on his own terms.

For those of us closest to him, we knew that he faced many inner demons. In recent years, he was constantly terrified about his health, believing that he had developed rare and fatal medical conditions that were not being detected by the dozens of ER doctors and specialists that he saw. Frustrated by the lack of a decisive solution and suffering through never-ending pain, he became depressed and had so much anxiety that he often questioned whether it was worth it to keep going on. He bravely faced these struggles every day. His final moments were so peaceful, his breathing non-labored, his face relaxed with a soft smile, his mind finally free of any worries.

We truly appreciate any financial contribution that you are able to make in support of Dennis. The funds raised will help our family cover costs for cremation services, a memorial event for his family and friends to celebrate his life, and any remaining medical expenses.

All additional funds raised beyond our family's need will be directly donated to The Marfan Foundation (https://marfan.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for patients, and funding research on the treatment of Marfan syndrome, a condition that had affected Dennis for his entire life.

Dennis was a genuine angel who was often too good for this earth. He brought light to everyone that he touched and inspired us to become better people, and we will all miss him so dearly. We shall never see his like again.

Rest In Peace

Dennis Van Banh Jr.

05/27/1989 - 11/22/2023

I love you all, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for being there for Dennis through thick and thin, and for giving his life so much meaning. He continues to live on in all of us as we carry his torch and try to change the world into a better place like he always dreamed.

Love,

Dalton and Family