Thursday, November 12, 2020

Minh Lam, 59, Pullman, popular proprietor of Minh’s Restaurant in Pullman (Died 11/9/2020)

Minh Lam, 59, Pullman, popular proprietor of Minh’s Restaurant in Pullman

Minh Lam, 59, of Pullman died Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, in a Spokane hospital, according to friends of the Lam family.

Minh Vinh Lam was born Sept. 1, 1961, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Min and Mindy (Kuang) married July 9, 1988.

Friends say he was hospitalized in Pullman and flown by air ambulance to Spokane when his condition demanded.

He was the popular proprietor – operated by him and his wife, Mindy – of Minh’s Restaurant at the corner of Grand Avenue and Stadium Way in Pullman.

The Lams are members of the extended Lam family who own/operate several Pullman restaurants.

Minh had been in the restaurant business since he was in high school. His background included working for Pullman’s Oriental Restaurant on Grand Avenue.

Read his obituary at the Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman website …

https://www.kimballfh.com/obituary/minh-lam

… the obit does not list the cause of death.

The obit says viewing at Kimball Funeral Home for the public will be 3-6 p.m. Fri., Nov. 13, 2020, with “social distancing and masks required.” The funeral service for family will be 9 a.m. Sat., Nov. 14, 2020, at the funeral home with burial following in Pullman City Cemetery.

According to the obit, “Minh is survived by his wife, Mindy, at their home; his two daughters, Megan Lam (engaged to Michael Bray) of Spokane and Melonie Lam of Wenatchee; his mother, Soai Chau, 2 brothers, Dinh and Tony Lam and his sister, Ngoc Thai all living in Pullman; as well as several nieces and nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Loi Lam.”

On-line condolences for the family may be left at www.kimballfh.com

The Minh’s Restaurant’s website says it has provided the “highest quality and authentic food …offering delicious flavors of Asia with our extensive selection of Indian, Thai, and Korean food. From Asian fusion and unique Thai dishes to bubble teas and traditional Chinese meals, we cater to all taste buds.”

A 1999 story in the Moscow Pullman Daily News said Mihn Lam was owner of The Emerald restaurant in Pullman when the Minh’s opened “Minh's Bakery & Sandwich” at the former location of Daylight Donut.

“The new restaurant offers Vietnamese cuisine, which may be new to many people who live and work in Pullman,” said the story.

Also, the story said people liked Minh’s “friendly personality and that he knows his customers by name.”

Said the story, “Mindy Lam … cooks most of the food that is offered at Minh's Bakery and Sandwich. She makes most of the baked items fresh each morning.”

He graduated from Pullman High School in 1982, studied at Washington State University and transferred to University of Idaho from which he graduated with a degree in biochemistry and psychology. He aspired to be a medical doctor, but changed his mind due to family obligations. Said a friend, “one of Mihn and Mindy’s daughters is a nurse and the other a pharmacist. Obviously a very bright family.”

Said the friend, “It’s so sad having Minh pass and his brother, Loi Lam, also a Pullman restaurateur, dying (November 2018). Not only were they successful in their businesses, but they were appreciated and popular with virtually everyone in the community. Rest in peace.”

This story written by PULLMAN :: Cup of the Palouse blog. 11/12/2020 10:31:20 am

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Minh’s Restaurant reopens after flood
Owners, volunteers worked Wednesday, Thursday to clear water, debris from building
By Layren Ellenbecker, WSU Daily Evergreen 
April 17, 2019
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Chinese market offers true family atmosphere
Restaurants set meal prices to meet students' income levels
by Julie Bailey, WSU Daily Evergreen
April 4, 1988
Story quotes Minh:
The New Garden, now two years old, attracts student clientele, and The Emerald, which opened in January of 1987, does more family business.
"We think about prices that students can afford if our prices are low, we sell more and still make money." said Minh Lam, brother of New Garden owner Loi Lam.

:::::
Minhs open new Pullman business; Couple features Vietnamese food at their second Pullman restaurant
 By Annalisa Berns, Moscow Pullman Daily News
Jan 11, 1999

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Bringing authentic Asian food to Moscow
Photo of Mindy by Geoff Crimmins/Moscow Pullman Daily News 
March 9, 2013 
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Pullman business owners wait for more specifics about WSU layoffs
Many say economic effect depends on type of jobs that are cut
By Hillary Hamm, Moscow Pullman Daily News staff writer 
May 6, 2009
:::::

New Pullman eatery has an Asian flavor
February 7, 1999
Lewiston Morning Tribune, Lewiston Idaho 
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Healthier Asian menu in Moscow
Minh and Mindy Lam open Iron Wok in Idaho, offer MSG-free cuisine
By Elizabeth Rudd, Moscow Pullman Daily News
March 9, 2013 Updated March 9, 2013