The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Stephen.

Our hearts go to Stephen’s family. Stephen was a kind man, a good friend of my late father, Thien Toan for a long time. They played music together, shared their passion for music as well as their life stories. Now that they have united in heaven, they can continue to play songs that they love together again. Once again, please accept our deepest condolences to your family.

Sincerest,
Thien Toan’s family

We have many fond memories of Steve and the McHenry family from our time in Moora. They all had a big impact on our lives.
Thankyou for your friendship Steve. RIP mate

I was deeply saddened to hear about Steve’s passing. When I started playing the violin, he wasn’t just a friend but an incredible source of encouragement. One thing I loved about Steve was how he always told me never to say “tam biet” but instead say “hen gap lai.” That optimism and warmth perfectly captured who he was and the hope he brought to everyone around him. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Sometimes, I think about why we met and became friends. We were special friends when Steve was much older than me (let me call him by this nam- he liked it that way). I used to ask how we could talk about all kinds of political topics, past wars, Vietnamese culture... and then stories about family life, children, gardens, bee traps, about his love for his children, for Vietnam, and for his VC dog... Then I gradually stopped asking and understood that a great fate in a previous life had brought us together and made us friends. A beautiful and meaningful friendship. Now Steve has continued his new journey. I hope that on that journey he will meet Mr. Bui Hai again—an old friend who cannot speak English but can be with Steve for as long as he wants; they just need to drink coffee and look at each other to understand the other.
My beloved friend, if fate allow it, we will meet again.
Farewell to a beloved friend and best wishes for your new journey!

I am so sorry for your family’s loss. My deepest condolences. Our family and friends love him and think of him often. He was a great friend and teacher to many of us kids growing up. I could never express my full gratitude for his visit to the US for my graduation. I am happy that we played music together, stayed in touch, and shared many postcards and photos. Your family and Stephen are in our prayers.

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“The most beautiful things in the world are hard to see and touch, they are only felt with the heart”

“See you again Mr. Steven MC!”, he - our family's respected friend. We will always remember you. Rest in peace friend!"

Vietnam - Vung Tau is his second home. He came and breathed his passion for music into this beautiful coastal city. His street band friends in VT respected and loved him very much.

We are so sad to hear that our beloved Mr. Stephen has passed away! Our condolences to his family. KL has not been able to return to Vietnam since 2018. This Christmas, KL and I were going to apply for a visa to Australia to only go to Perth and visit only one person, and now it is too late!
He was your father but also a great friend of our family. My children loved him like their own grandfather. We respected and loved him as our father. He taught my children and my friends in Vung Tau to love music and love people.
His coming to the US for a month to attend KL's graduation was a source of pride for KL and our entire family, a blessing that not everyone has in life.
We are so lucky and proud to have such a kind and loving father. He was willing to stay in a smaller house instead of renting a luxury hotel every time he returned to Vietnam and he donated the remaining money to support Mr. Hai's violin class in Vung Tau. His friends in Vung Tau loved him very much and were always happy to welcome him back to Vung Tau.
He always taught us to say "See you again!" instead of "Goodbye!". Once again, on behalf of our friends in Vung Tau, on behalf of my children, my family and I, I would like to express our deepest condolences for your loss. We loved him very much!

I contacted the Australian visa centre but they said it would take a month to get approved. We are so sorry that we did not get to see him, hold his hand as he lay in his hospital bed and share the beautiful memories with him. Our family would like to send flowers to pay our respects.

I have told all my friends in Vung Tau so they can pray for him. We loved him more than you can imagine.

Our family is so sorry for your family ' s loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies during this challenging tim!