ForeverMissed
Large image
We have created this memorial website to honor his life, spirit, and to capture our memories of him.

Kinhthi is survived by his parents, Trâm and Jim Sanborn and sister Ayida with many extended Tran and Sanborn family members. 

Kinhthi was a student at El Camino Community College with the intent on studying Music and Cyber Security. He was a Redondo Union Highschool graduate. His love of music was the deepest connection with his long time friends. His light hearted spirit and comedic personality was magnetic and a great treasure among his peers. 

He was deep thinker and hobbies included music, gaming, meditating, running, rock climbing, and swimming at the beach. He also loved his beagle, Cody, and took great care of him.
May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020
Dear Tram, James and Ayida,

Anh Cuong, chi Anh and cac chau (Hanh, Khang, Sy, and be GM) want to express our deepest condolences for your loss. There are no words to ease your pain and sorrow but I hope you can find solace in 19 wonderful years of memories with Kinhthi and the love and support among family and friends. We wish you strength during this extremely difficult time. 

Gia dinh Cuong/Anh
May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020
Linh hồn cháu Kinh Thi theo về cõi Phật, hình ảnh xinh đẹp và dễ thương của Cháu vẫn còn đọng mãi trong tâm trí của Trãi và gia đình.
“ Mọi thứ rồi sẽ qua đi, chỉ có tình yêu là ở lại!”
May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020
Just like that, Goodbye KinhThi !
Alain Bảo Phán ( Anh Hòa)
May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020
Dì Đa và Cậu Định đã gặp Kinh Thi lần về thăm Ôn Sơn đang ở với Mẹ Trâm ở Redondo Beach- California. Dì và Cậu vô cùng bàng hoàng và thương tiếc cháu Kinh Thi. Nguyện Cầu cháu sớm về Cõi Phật.
Nam Mô Tiếp Dẫn Đạo Sư A Di Đà Phật.
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
No words can describe how sorry We are for your loss. Our hearts go out to all the extended family in your time of sorrow.

Duke Tran, Thuy Ngoc, Sarah & Linda.
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family!
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
Vu family Sharing in your Sorrow With Love!
                 
            To you and your family.
Page 2 of 2

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
May 29, 2020
May 29, 2020
One event I had that stuck in my mind til this day and came back every so often. Sometime in 2013 Kinhthi and his sister were at my mom (anh Khiem’s house,) I think their mom and the other auntie (chi Tammy) went for groceries. It was two or three in the afternoon, we were hanging out in computer room. I went and got my frozen Reese’s in the refrigerator, the bite size Reese was frozen hard because it got melted into a ball. As I grind my teeth against the ball of frozen Reese Kinhthi asked can I have some. I said no, I’m biting on it already. Kinhthi kept looking at me eating. I knew Kinhthi wouldn’t care; he would have taken a bit out of it had I let me. We adults think differently but kids sharing candy bar is the way of life for them. Now I know how it feels when I’m dying for something I’m caving for at the movement. The next day I may not have that same craving. Now looking back I should have let him take a bite out of my Reese. He would’ve enjoyed it.
Well, Kinhthi, you at 13 taught me a lesson at 50; share with others what I have at the movement they needed most. They won't wanted anymore tomorrow. I hope you didn’t think I was stingy. You probably wouldn’t remember it after that day. Now you know how I feel so I know we are cool when I see you in heaven. I will continue to pray for your good spirit to be with God all the time and for your family to have peace, joy, and happiness here on earth; rest in peace Kinhthi
May 24, 2020
May 24, 2020
Hello Trâm, Jim & Ayida,
We are deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Life passes by so fast, especially when we are forced to move on without the one we love. We hope that our thoughts & prayers will lessen the burden you and your family carry on.

Vũ, Đào, Hân, Minh
May 24, 2020
May 24, 2020
Dear Tram, Jim and Ayida,
We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can convey our deepest sympathy for you. Please know we’ll always keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Hiep and Taressa Ho
His Life

Kinhthi

May 18, 2020
Kinhthi came into this world 9 days late. His mom had finished a jigsaw puzzle of many exotic frogs, while waiting for him to come. Since birth, he was always a rebel and a life-seeker. 


He grew up in Redondo Beach, he loved the water, his friends, and his life. He attended Jefferson Elementary School, Parras Middle School, Redondo Union High School, and was going to El Camino Community College. When he was young, Kinhthi was a big troublemaker, whilst being a smart student. In middle school, he learned how to hack through the school's firewall and go onto the dark web. His parents were called to the school and were given a 4 inch thick stack of paperwork. 


Growing up with a large extended family on both his mother's and father's side, Kinhthi never was "alone," and always had someone to hangout with, or talk to. He was close with his cousins and often kept in touch with them, even when they lived far apart. He had many memories with all his cousins including performing Ayida and Uy's Wedding, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and the countless Tran and Sanborn family reunions.  


Since family was such an avid idea in his life, it is no doubt that family was so important to him. Every time there were family issues, he would always step in to try to relieve it. He would talk to each of his family members about it and make sure they were truly okay. He had such a mesmerizing way with words that one would always understand what he was talking about and they'd know he'd always understand what they were talking about or going through. Kinhthi and his father always knew they both loved and cared for each other and would do anything for the happiness of the other. They had this unspoken communication and understanding  between each other and were a good team. His relationship with his sister, started out like any other sibling relationship, endless fighting. He would always tease her relentlessly, but deep down he loved her to the core. In the last years of his life, they had outgrown their childish habits and reached a deep understanding of each other only they'd know. Kinhthi had an especially unique relationship with his mother. During his late teen years when they lived apart from each other, they would stay up late at night talking about their problems, their relationships, their friends, their family, and their everyday lives to update each other on what's up. Kinhthi was someone who wasn't afraid to say what's on his mind, so whenever his mom was giving him shit, he would always call her out on it, thus building a devoted and meaningful relationship to each other. 


Kinhthi’s friends were of the utmost importance to him. They made up an integral part of who he is. During Kinhthi’s free time, he'd always choose to spend it with his best friend, Jonathan. The two were inseparable, and their friendship and close bond was very obvious to anyone that knew them. When he moved to South Carolina, they kept in touch and despite being thousands of miles apart, their friendship never wavered. Kinhthi then moved back to California, and thus began a new chapter in his life. He was convinced to join the school’s marching band, an activity very foreign to him at the time. He instantly became loved and admired by the entire band, and people were fascinated by his unapologetic way of being himself. He made many close friends during this time, who can all say that Kinhthi was someone who they could confide in, and there was not a judgemental bone in his body. Not only was he truly caring, and considerate, but he was incredibly entertaining and fun to be around. His humor was unique to him, and people constantly had their phones out to film his next move. Without realizing it, people began to adopt his goofy mannerisms and sense of humor. There was a little bit of Kinhthi in all of his friends. He truly was the glue that held together his friend group, and he made people feel comfortable and safe when around him. 


Kinhthi grew up into a man whom everyone admired and left a deep mark on anyone he met. He was a person never afraid of consequences and lived his life to the fullest. He was one who wouldn't have a plan and  instead would be spontaneous and have fun. He lived life with no regrets and was a walking icon to the people around him. His carefree nature and empathetic personality always drew people to him. Kinhthi would always make an effort to make sure people never felt alone, and he always knew the right things to say to people who were feeling down, and even just his presence could cheer someone up. Kinhthi was truly someone who was so capable of empathy, a trait rarely found in today's world. Kinhthi was truly the only person of his kind and will be forever missed, and his legacy remembered and celebrated.



Recent stories

Christmas 2022 Preview

December 28, 2022
My Dearest Kinhthi,
People ask me, “How I am doing?” My typical response is “I’m doing ok.” The truth is, it’s difficult to explain.
I haven’t shared this with many. That is, what I am internally dealing with. The Transitions from one grieving state to another has been the most challenging period of my entire life. Quite painful I must add. A co-worker experiencing the same challenges asked, “Does it get any easier?” My response was I am doing better job compartmentalizing my emotions. Allowing me to function in the face of grief. When life tells me what I must ACT. Not only to survive but to THRIVE as well.
My process of grieving takes has taken on several forms. Living through such a tragedy takes all your basic emotions leading up to the time of the event, then suddenly amplifies them into unbelievable extremes. I find myself curled up in a ball in a dark corner wondering how I’m going to survive this, figuratively. At this stage of the game, I still have no fucking clue how!!!
{Ok Jim deep breath. I’ll let you know when to breath out…}
As time passes, I feel the changes from one grieving state to the next. I refer to these changes as Transitions.
The Transitions from on-my -knees, hands cupping and holding my head in utter DISBELIEF to Agonizing, crippling painful SHOCK, to most lately, Explosive, mind-altering ANGER, on my way to whatever emotional state awaits my attention and commitment.
I’m not looking for Nirvana, I’m too pragmatic for that. I’ll never forget my mindful sister’s words in that awful moment during your service, “Jim, you WILL experience joy again…” Thank you, Julia, for shedding some light on the road in front of me and a destination to look forward to.
My grief, my personal odyssey in search for the feeling of Joy has never followed a straight line. Throughout my life, I have made some good decisions, some bad decisions, some giving decisions, and from time-to-time, selfish decisions. All of which has left me walking in circles trying to figure out which exit to take off the roundabout. Does this exit take me down a path I that moves me ahead, or sideways, or most dreadfully, pushes me backwards. So far, it’s been a mix bag. However, if I keep my destination in mind, I want to believe that I’m moving forward.
A cliché one gets familiar with when living amongst the grieving, is “Everyone grieves differently.” Truer words have never been spoken. Well, this is my grief story. Why you say?
Because I own It. It is mine. It is a part of me. Alone I allow It to give or take. Alone I adjust Its pain levels. Alone I wear It like a suit of armor. Alone I fear It. Alone I am burden by It. Alone I must live with It, the remainder of my life…
My grief Kinhthi, not only includes you, but your grandfather, injured uncle John, and disunited cousin Robby. I will follow up this note with some stories that have impacted me positively in one way or another. Stories that are helping stay sane. Stories that move me forward during, when at times, seems like an unsurmountable mountain of grief. Please stay tuned!
I miss you so much...

Happy Belated 21st Birthday Kinhthi

August 19, 2022
My dear Kinhthi, you turned 21 a while ago. I had started to write to you but never finished. How I wish you were here to share such a milestone in a young man's life. You can pretty much do anything except rent a car. I haven't written you much this past year. I will try to do better. It helps me remember and cherish the precious time we had with you. My emotions, 2.5 years after you left us are still oscillating up and down. More down than up it seems. I find it hard sometimes to think about the future. There are triggers everywhere that can turn what would be a normal day at work into an "I can't believe your gone" moment. Often times my outlook becomes inward focus and I can't seem to find the reason to move on. It's these times that family is so important. Reminding me that my life is not my own, it is shared in part by everyone we know. Most notably, your mother and sister. When I feel I'm hitting rock bottom, I tend to call you grandmother. Not just to hear what she say, but just to hear her voice. In thinking about what led up to your untimely departure, I can totally understand the anxiety you must have felt moving from CA to SC. It's no fun being different. I remember the challenges I faced growing up in Wisconsin. No matter how bad it got, your grandmother had a way of making it ok. Through her voice, her touch. Through her ever empathetic presence. Your grandmother was always there for me. And not only me, but it also seemed to everyone else in the neighborhood as well. I can hear her say "there is always room for one more..." 

 I'm trying to buy a house now near the area where grandma and grandpa grew up. Unfortunately, I have run into many obstacles concerning the septic system that needs to be installed due to city code issues. The delays keep coming and the costs keep going up. I'm afraid I'll need to back out at the last minute. We'll see. It depends on the seller and whether or not he's willing to help me out. 

At work today, a senior VP had put together a video of her son who she had just recently lost. Her story was almost identical to yours. It really set me back today. I wasn't able to get much work done. I have a chat scheduled with her tomorrow. So sad. 

I'm looking forward to having your sister close by. I hope that we can reconnect. I've feel I've lost touch with her over the years. It will almost be like starting over for the two of us. Your mother and I are doing well. We do have the occasional "bad days". But all in all, she has been and always will be a significant part of my life. 

As I sit here and write, I imagine you hanging out playing video games or giggling with your friends over the phone. I had such a wonderful time your senior year watching you enjoy your friends and all the activities you were involved in. I can remember sitting in the stands during your band events. Just watching you enjoy yourself. It was nice. 

It's about 2:00 am and I have a big presentation tomorrow. I should probably try to get some sleep. I miss you so much. What I would give to trade places with you. Goodnight Kinhthi...



You have been on my mind lately...

February 6, 2021
Your mother and I have been discussing the afterlife more frequently. She has found a series that describes the connection between the two worlds (the living and the non-living). The concept is based on people's account of their experience with their children who had passed while under hypnosis. This is very real for her.

As you know I have always had a hard time with this way of thinking. The mere concept of God is something that I still struggle with today. That being said. The notion that at some point in my existence, that I will be with you again, gives me comfort. I hope that over time I can add peace, as well. 

I still find it so difficult some days to do anything productive. I feel that I am trying to walk upstream against a current and I've found myself stuck in an eddy and can't move forward. Knowing that the only way to move forward is to accept your death and move on.  I just can't Kinhthi. 

Your mother has said she has seen you in her dreams. Which has provided her with some comfort. I have not yet experienced it. I have talked with a friend of mine who claims she can talk with the dead. But honestly, I just don't buy it. 

I am tormented by the very fact that when asked, how many kids do I have, I need to take time to think about how to respond. I am going through the motions of creating awareness of the fentanyl crisis and doing what I can to help others in my situation. But honestly Kinhthi, I come across as in control and positive, but in reality, I am slowly dying inside.  

I know now that I am in a depressed state. The feeling of hopelessness is like being in a straight jacket that I do not have the skills (or will for that matter) to escape. I suppose the time has come for me to seek professional help since everything I do now is affected by these thoughts. I just am unsure how productive it will be. But I guess I'll give it a try.

They say to look for a sign of your presence. Everyone seems to what to look for. I haven't figured it out yet. I need to know you are ok. I don't want to hear it from someone else. I want to feel it for myself!!!

I miss you so much. You left before I could tell you so many things about life. You had such a bright future. Stripped away in a single pill. 



Invite others to Kinhthi's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline