Binh Le Oar

Le Van Binh was born on June 24, 2001, in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam to a very young woman, Le Thi My Dung. Unable to provide the necessities of life for him, she eventually placed him in an orphanage. On April 18, 2008, at the age of 6, he was adopted into the Michael and Heather Oar family, then living in Smithfield, Utah. His arrival was filled with great anticipation and celebration as he joined siblings Caleb, Lydia, Natalie and Sam. Two more siblings, Sophie and Liam, later joined the family. His name was changed slightly to Binh Le Oar to align his name to U.S. naming conventions while also keeping his heritage intact. He was sealed to Mike and Heather that Fall in the Logan temple.

While in Vietnam for the adoption, his parents bought several DVDs that were dubbed in Vietnamese so that he would be able to watch shows as he learned English. Without a doubt his absolute favorites were the Power Ranger DVDs. Never give a kid with that much energy Power Ranger DVDs! In May, when Binh and his parents finally got home to Utah, Binh was treated to a late Spring snow that left an inch or so on the grass. In his life-long outfit of bare feet, athletic shorts, and a t-shirt, and against parental warnings, Binh excitedly ran outside to see and experience his first snowfall. That excitement lasted for about a minute until he realized how cold he was and ran, yelling, into the house. This was typical Binh: jump in with both feet and then learn the lesson!

Years later, it was revealed that Binh likely experienced various types of abuse while in the orphanage between ages 3 - 6. These years left deep emotional scars from which he struggled to recover. These struggles began to manifest themselves both in and out of his home and by 2012 (and after years of counseling and professional/legal help) it was determined that the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) would place him into a group home where he could receive more intense treatment. This was an extremely trying time for Binh and the entire Oar family. Through the years that followed Binh received care at many facilities throughout the state. It was eventually determined that he would work towards an independent living arrangement as he prepared himself to attend USU. Throughout this time, his parents continued to surround him with love and support, usually traveling many hours to be with him.

Binh was admitted to USU and began working towards a degree in Psychology but then switched to Human Experience Design and Interaction. His desire was to work in game design. He was an enthusiastic and diligent student, often turning in assignments two weeks prior to the deadline. He was inquisitive and readily peppered his professors and teaching assistant with questions that went beyond the assignment. USU has awarded him a posthumous Bachelor of Science in recognition of his academic accomplishments.

He loved many of his roommates and particularly enjoyed playing pranks on them. Binh worked his way through college and was most recently working in the USU Controller’s Office. As a member of his LDS Young Single Adult ward, he particularly loved activities that included food and willingly offered to be the recipient of leftovers. He was loved by those who had the privilege to know him.

On the evening of Sunday, April 6, 2025, his family was informed that Binh had taken his own life. Binh was 23. His family and friends appreciate the love and support extended to them by so many. They are grateful for thoughts, prayers, and love expressed. In lieu of flowers, the family has worked with USU to set up a page where donations can be made to help fund programs which support USU students in crisis. While there is no single reason that leads a person to take their life, it is their hope that helping to fund existing efforts at USU will help strengthen the school’s ability to assist other students. Please join in donating to this cause in memory of Binh Le Oar by following this link: https://www.usu.edu/supportcaps. The family is particularly grateful to Krystin Deschamps, USU interim VP of Student Affairs, for her help in setting this up and her expressions of support and kindness during this difficult time.

A memorial service for Binh will be held on 18 April at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meeting house located at 480 North 100 West, Hyde Park, UT. A short social will be held immediately following the service.