I had such a wonderful time working with you at Fremantle. Your passion, love of life and flare complemented your care and compassion for people. Always holding a special place in my heart for wearing a purple bra with me for raising money for breast cancer. There remains photographic proof.
Shocked to see you have left the earth for elsewhere. May it be blessed for your presence. Sending love and blessings, your colleague Christine.

Duy.

I was shocked to hear of your passing - truly shocked ...

During our short but memorable discussions on how the design of architecture can have a therapeutic quality you showed nothing but passion, knowledge and kindness. You were wholly invested in creating a better environment for those that require mental health support and those that provide this support. You were a champion of change.

You will be sorely missed. But importantly I will remember how you lived - with kindness and humanity at your very core.

Rest in Peace and Love.

Dear Tran Family and Friends,

You impressed upon me the meaning of family and Love when I lived in Perth and had the divine opportunity to share countless months filled with time and memories next to Duy. You all opened your hearts to me and it is a glimpse into the warm and full life that Duy was able to lead on earth.

It pains me to hear someone so good gone so, so early, but I could only wish to be a fraction of the man he was and forever will be. I am so lucky to have been a recipient of his love, and you all are responsible for helping to make him absolutely amazing.

With Love,

Dear Duy,

My wife has taught me a valuable life lesson…if you choose to be anything, then choose to be kind.

My most incredible memory of you is your kindness and generosity.

You were kind to me at school.
You were generous to me.
You teach me Physics, Chemistry and Calculus.
You helped me to understand how to solve maths questions and complex chemical formulas.
You always helped me and everyone with our assignments, homework, tests, and examinations.

You are always the smart one!!!

I will forever remember that you were always happy to share your answers and helped all of us pass our assignments, exams and tests.

At school, you have already learnt the valuable lesson of being kind and generous to others. You have applied this practice in life by dedication your life to helping people, especially the under privileged.

I will miss you seeing your car driving around with the plate: “MINIDUY” and “R2DUY2”.

You might be “mini”, but you have a “HUGE” heart!

You are too young & gone too soon. Life is never fair.

Forever I am grateful and will miss you dearly, little brother.

We have lost the most kind, loving and wonderful human, son and brother to Vu and the Tran family.
Heaven has gained another Angel to watch over those of us left behind, till we once again reunite with Duy.
Love always.

Gordon, Lynette, Savannah and Jalen. xoxoxoxo

Dear Duy,

I can’t quite believe that you’ve left us.

We first met as medical students when Hamish and I were doing an elective at Royal Perth. We didn’t know anyone at the hospital and were both a bit anxious about our first clinical attachment after a year out for research. You and your wonderful group of friends took us under your collective wing and not only supported us on the wards, but looked after our every need in Perth. We were so bowled over by your unbelievable generosity, hospitality, good humour and kindness. I remember one night Hamish and I were both a bit under the weather, and you and Jane came to our hostel to check in on us and drop off some soup. It was such a special time in my life and I think of it - and you - very often.

We were so lucky to have the opportunity to spend time with you again, when you came to visit Scotland around six months later, for your own elective. I’ll never forget taking you ceilidh dancing in your own tiny black kilt - I think Glasgow is still recovering.

You are without doubt one of the most warm, engaging and generous people I’ve ever met. WA and the world is unfathomably better for having had you in it. I feel so lucky just to have known you.

I’m sending love and strength to your family, friends and colleagues. Rest well, dear friend.

We always love you and miss you a lot

Duy was such a compassionate and kind person! The kind of person that people struggle to put into words how great he was! Feel honored that I met him and had the privilege of working with him. Time goes by so quick and sadly it seems the best really do die young. My thoughts are with Duy’s family and friends xxx

There’s not too many people make such a big impact. Duy showed a level of compassion kindness and humour in his work that is so rare - he really stood out. What a huge loss to this world…. he truly did help so many people, colleagues, students, families and patients.

He left a mark on so many….thank you Duy! I am so glad to have worked with you.

Rest In Peace legend.

Duy, we once talked about what we’d be doing if we weren’t in medicine. I told you I’d be a gardener….you told me you would be a rock star. You will rock forever
Katy

I am so privileged to have known Duy, a gentle soul with a big heart and big brain. You were a warrior of humanity with your generosity and compassion. You lived life to its fullest.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Raam Naam Satya Hai

Dear Duy
Thank you for touching my life. Your fierce intelligence, your profound compassion, your cheeky and beaming smile, your love of exotic Range Rovers, your energy, your generosity, your warmth and joy, your thoughts when trying to figure out difficult work, your warm and joyful companionship, and of course your style…
I'm lucky to have known you and shared time with you, my heart is broken at your passing. Love and respect to your family.

Duy was a very precious co worker and friend whilst Terry and I worked for the health department in Broome. He was a massive support and advocate for the Aboriginal mental health workers and in particular Terry. I will always be grateful for his support of Terry when work was rough.
He worked with his patients with such kindness, empathy and compassion. His bedside manner was perfect. His compassion and care for his colleagues was even evident in his communication style with his co workers, those who have worked with him will remember his beautiful emails, always with a reminder to look after our selves and our co workers, plus those lucky enough to eat a slice of his Chocolate Tart will never forget it. Duy was the kind of psychiatrist you would truly hope you or your loved ones lucked upon if you were ever that unwell.
Vale Duy. 💖

The first time I met Duy, he walked into our office like a tiny, friendly, enthusiastic, funny, breath of fresh air. I couldn’t believe that someone so humble, friendly, and young could also be a fully qualified psychiatrist, and soon to be clinical director. He turned out to be one of the most incredible professionals and people I had ever met. Duy and I became fast friends, with his quick wit, love of dogs, genuine humility and cheekiness cementing a big place in my heart that will always be his. The world has lost a true legend, who will missed and loved always. Thank you for being my friend Duy ❤️

Love always,
Liz xx

Dear Duy
I feel very fortunate to have landed at KMHDS to your warmest of welcomes and support. Thankyou for your friendship over the past 5 or so years- I’ll remember your impeccable dress codes, your tech passions, your designer furniture bringing a touch of class to Broome, your fancy dress efforts, your inexplicable love of land rovers, the unreliable lady Di, and many dinners and dog walks ( when we could coax Winnie to walk). But mostly I’ll remember your generosity, passion, inclusivity, fine intellect, love for your family, and your huge smile. We will all miss you greatly. I have heard grief described as all the love you wanted to give the person that is gone. We’ll carry our grief as a sign of our love, and your legacy will still shine brightly. Sending upmost love to your family
Renee

Dear Duy,

I feel lucky to have met you Duy. It was only for a short space of time, but you made me feel instantly welcome into a new team. Such a kind and thoughtful person all round, that I am fortunate to have had the chance to learn from.

Dearest Duy,
Thank you for always being a genuine, kind-hearted, fun spirted gentlemen making a difference to all those that met you. I am so blessed that I had lots of opportunities to work with you, in your early career at Fremantle and PARK MHS. Work was always so much brighter when you were on the team, your dedication and compassion in supporting people living with mental illness was truely remarkable. You will always be remembered for having the kindest soul and given so many hope, love and laughter.
Goodbye my friend. Sending thoughts and love to your family and friends.
Rochelle xxx

Dearest Dr Tran (Duy),

It is with great sadness that I learnt of your passing. You will always be remembered for your skill, dedication and respectful manner in working with the local Aboriginal clients and staff at KMHDS Broome. I will always be proud to be known as one of your A TEAM. May your journey cross over into the dreamtime where I know your spirit will be welcomed.
Galiyo my friend rest in peace.
Mary Ozies

There is a new star in heaven. Rest In Peace to the best head boy our high-school ever had. Love forever xoxo

Thirty Five years ago, our family was blessed to have the Tran family move in next door. We could not have asked for better and kinder neighbours.

Over the proceeding years we had the pleasure and honour of watching Duy grow up from a young toddler, into the man he became.

Both Vu and Duy would venture over to our house and sit outside on a little red plastic table and chairs with Michael, our son and eat fruit. They would chat together as kids do, with language and culture no barrier. Even then, Duy's kind soul and quirkiness shone through, along with his effervescent personality.

During our son's health struggle, Duy showed such kindness, empathy and love to our family in making us individual CDs with our favourite music wrapped beautifully in brown paper with hand made personalized cards. Also, along with his famous Chocolate Brownies. Such simple, but so thoughtful heartwarming gestures.

We remember Duy's passion for 4 wheel driving and fishing, both which were shared with the Brynjulfsen boys. Our boys have special memories of adventures at Moore River that will be cherished and talked about for many years.

As neighbours "looking over the fence", Duy was incredibly blessed to have parents like Dzung and Tuyen, who installed such high values into Duy. Duy's upbringing and strong bond with Vu shaped him into the compassionate, caring, funny and intelligent man that he became.

Thankyou Duy for the memories, that will never be forgotten and always talked about.

We still live next door to the Tran family, sadly now with one less family member.

The Brynjulfsen Family

My heartfelt condolences to Duy’s family. Duy was a kind, funny and thoughtful colleague- and like everyone whose paths crossed his, I am so very sorry that we have lost him. Sending all best wishes and strength your way.

The premature death of the virtuous man
The virtuous man, though he die before his time, will find rest.
Length of days is not what makes age honourable,
Nor number of years the true measure of life;
Understanding, that is man’s grey hairs,
Untarnished life, this is ripe old age.

He has sought to please god, so God has loved him;
As he was living among sinners, he has been taken up.
He has been carried off so that evil may not warp his understanding or treachery seduce his soul;
For the fascination of evil throws good things into the shade,
And the whirlwind of desire corrupts a simple heart.

Coming to perfection in so short a while, he achieved long life;
His soul being pleasing to the Lord,
He has taken him quickly from the wickedness around him

My heart breaks for you, your family and all those who have been touched by your love and kindness.

You came into my life when all felt lost and I was looking to move on. You gave me hope, always listened and inspired me to get over my fear of failing. Your compassion to our clients was beautiful. You were always there to support us and stand up to poor behaviour, we mostly laughed and occasionally cried, this was always followed by a fix of brownies or chocolate. I will always carry your strength and compassion throughout my life and your love of Koko Black chocolate. You were a remarkable man.

Duy was a courageous leader who always had a smiling face and a willingness to help. He supported the inpatient teams across the Midwest without fail despite overwhelming medical staff shortages in his department. He was forever looking to improve patient care in the hospital despite his working predominantly in the community. He was always an advocate for clinicians and patients.

I cannot recall one time that I saw him upset or angry. The health services and community of WA have lost a wonderful person, clinician and leader. May his soul rest in peace.

Duy and I once had a conversation about what we would do if we weren’t in medicine. I told him that I would be a gardener. He told me he would be a rock star.
He was the best...
Duy, you will rock forever. Rest in peace

It is often those who come into our lives for a short time who leave such large imprints in our hearts and minds.

He and I had a certain jovial banter which was fun .. ie: I’d arrange an appointment for a client and there was a time I erroneously arranged it on the weekend.

“He came into the office laughing exclaiming “Billy, you’ve done an absolute ‘BILLY THING”.. you’ve arranged an appointment on the wrong day!”

It was with great sadness to learn of the passing of our beloved Duy.

So many of us have known him as a compassionate and kind colleague and friend for many years.

Duy’s beaming smile, his passion for his patients, his community and for equity across all of human kind was an inspiration to us all – and we will miss him terribly.

We only hope that Duy’s family can find some solace at this very sad time… over time.

A dear Aboriginal colleague said… he is in his dreaming now.

Duy will live on in our hearts forever.

Rest in Peace and Love

Dr Duy
The sun has set on your time. At peace now.
I will sing you a Maori song that we sing to our people to help them on their next journey

Duy you are missed.
I will always admire your ability to be your own self. A tiny Asian man passionate about the mental health and well-being of Aboriginal people in WA as well as passionate about friends, fine foods, silly cars, thoughtful conversation, stylish outfits and camping trips to nowhere.
By just being you you encouraged those around you to dive into their own passions whatever kaleidoscope they might have been.
A true hero and quiet achiever.
I wish our paths had crossed more frequently but I am grateful all the same.
I’ll keep trying to copy your brownies with cherries recipe. Xx

Dear Duy,
I'm so lucky to have met you in this lifetime. Having just moved to Perth over two years ago and seeing you at family gatherings are memories I will keep close to my heart.
The first time I met you, I felt warmth and kindness and you were so easy to talk to. You are one of the most thoughtful, generous, caring person I've ever met.
I also can't believe it was just one year ago, you confessed to me that you ate all the chocolates I gave you in one sitting. It made me laugh and happy that you enjoyed them.
I remembered messaging you and asking how you were, during hot days in Perth (as we vented about our air-cons broken) and the terrible storms in Geraldton. You told me you were okay even with no communication, no power for a week.
You went through so much and you were still smiling no matter what. Your positivity is an inspiration to me and I'm sure for many others. You're a strong man and we love and will miss you forever.

WA Country Health Service mourns the passing of Dr Huu Duy Tran, Clinical Director Midwest Mental Health and Drug Service.

Duy, as he is best known to us all, first experienced country health during a six-month stint as a registrar in the Kimberley. He returned to Broome in 2016 as a consultant psychiatrist, acting for a time as Clinical Director for the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service. In 2020, Duy moved into the permanent role of Clinical Director in the Midwest.

Duy was well regarded for the passion with which he advocated for underprivileged communities. His patients will remember Duy as "a person that stood up for us, a spokesperson for our voices".

With a deep understanding for the connection Aboriginal people have to country, Duy was particularly well respected by Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley and Midwest.

In all things, Duy was guided by his genuine devotion to culture, humanity, compassion and care.

Duy’s family, who came to Australia as refugees from Vietnam, were his source of inspiration and support. Our thoughts are with them at this time. As an organisation we share their grief.

He will always be remembered as a loving family man, a respected colleague, a firm friend and a wonderful doctor whose legacy will continue for many years to come.

He'll also be remembered for his prowess in the kitchen (his colleagues say he cooked a mean brownie) and his ever-immaculate hair.

Vale Duy – it has truly been a privilege knowing you and working with you.

Jeff Moffet
Chief Executive

Paula Chatfield
Executive Director Mental Health

Dear Duy

I am fortunate to have called you a friend and colleague for over 10 years now. You were always caring, considerate and respectful to our mob when you lived and worked here in the Kimberley.

Your advocacy and encourage made us walk taller. I hope you know and realise the positive impact you have had on many of us and we will never forget you.

Dear Duy

I want to thank you for your work in the First Nations and Rural Psychiatry for the college.

I recall when the Committee met at the AIDA conference in Darwin when I was president I was struck by our good nature and enthusiasm with the young doctors and students as well as your thoughtfulness at the meeting.
You helped us make some great commitments then. I remember wishing we had more young psychiatrists like you!

All my best wishes!

Dear Duy,


I will remember you as the most generous and kind-hearted psychiatrist I have had the pleasure to meet. Your clinical skills coupled with your brownie baking abilities were impossible to equal. I will always remember our time together in the Kimberleys and on the college committee with great fondness. You will always be in my heart.

Tena koe Duy. I will remember your smile, your team spirit and the passion in your voice as you debated the issues and advocated for better care for Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A special person.

Sending aroha <3 and respect from New Zealand.

Nga mihi nui Duy,

I will remember Duy for his ability to connect with peoiple and his passion for high quality care, which shone through his actions. Thinking of you at this difficult time.


Kind regards,

My friend, you will be remembered as a remarkable man. Your passion and wisdom for social justice and First Nations mental health will never be forgotten. It has been my absolute privilege to have known you and for our paths to have crossed.

Thank you Duy from the centre of my heart for your respected allyship and staunchness to bring social and health justice for First Nations Peoples.
Close the Gap is nothing without each one of us closing the gap in loving, knowing and sharing our true cultural selves.
You did all three my dear friend, and I am so grateful for that.
You certainly got it <3 <3 <3
My very best wishes to you and your family.

Dearest Duy
Thankyou for your support and smiles over our years of training, early career and challenging senior roles together. But especially Thank you for being a warm, compassionate and authentic human being.
Many many many of us are devastated and send goodwill to you and your family.
With fondness and sadness.

Sending lots of warm hugs and loves Duy xxx

Dear Duy,

You have done so much good in Western Australia and nationally for us through your clinical expertise, your submissions and witness statements on suicide prevention and need to improve service provision for Aboriginal and remote communities, and your animated, friendly, cheerful and passionate collegiality and your always highly sound, practical and expert contributions to training and problem solving in the RANZCP Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Committee.

I am so grateful to have been getting to know you and to have the benefit of your lively outlook, experience knowledge and wisdom in my life, Duy, we have been missing you lots.

My appreciation, best wishes & prayers go with you.

Always