In loving memory of

Todd (Thanh) Bui
July 9, 1976 - July 9, 2019

On July 9, 2019, our beloved Thanh "Todd" Bui passed away unexpectedly. Todd was born on July 9, 1976, in Vietnam. He spent most of his youth in Casper, Wyoming, before moving to Friendswood, Texas, during his sophomore year in high school. After graduation, Todd moved to Austin to attend The University of Texas where he majored in Biochemistry and was an active member of Zeta Psi fraternity. After college, Todd stayed in Austin and moved on to Gold's Gym (Southeast) where he established a personal training legacy that spanned almost two decades.

Todd's personal training clients were more like family. He not only cared about their physical health, but he became personally involved in their lives. He went the extra mile, sometimes even going so far as to drop in for meal prep sessions at their homes. It was not unusual for Todd to receive a string of texts late at night, but he always took the time to respond and provide encouragement. Todd's clients ultimately became his lifelong friends. And, like good friends do, Todd continued to check in on them over the years - even if they were not actively training with him at the gym.

Todd was passionate about his cars, and in his spare time, could be found restoring them. He had a true gift and could fix anything. But it was also not uncommon for Todd's personal projects to go unfinished - simply because he'd rather help his friends complete theirs. Some people show love with flowers or money, but Todd demonstrated his by freely giving his time to others. He genuinely loved living life that way - putting others before himself.

As big as Todd's heart was, though, his love for his wife, Tonia, and their daughter, Brooke, surpassed them all. Todd worked hard, and he served others selflessly, but his family was his heart and soul.

Todd is survived by his wife of ten years, Tonia Holman Bui, and his eight year-old daughter, Brooke Bui. He is also survived by his parents, Tot Van Bui and Tuyet Lam Bui of Houston, his sisters, Hong Bui and Dr. Pauline Bui, her husband, Jason Tran of Houston, and Nam Hoang-Lam Bui of Austin. His nephews and nieces include, Ashley Dowell, Aspen Dowell, Gabriel Dowell, Parker Van Tran and Piper Lam Tran. Great niece, Eden Sage Dowell.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 18th, 2019 at Harrell Funeral Home of Austin starting at 10 am. Visitation will be on July 15-17, 2019 from 4-9pm.

Tributes

Jose Osegueda wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"Having Todd as a coworker, friend, and mentor for six years has been a true honor and gift. In the time I spent with him, not once did he ever show signs of having a bad day. Every single memory of him puts a smile on my face. There will never be another quite like him. His knowledge, positive attitude, and sense of humor will be dearly missed. I am incredibly grateful to have witnessed the impact he had on so many lives. He will never be forgotten."

Monique Barajas wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"Joe and I just found out today, and we are so sad to hear about Todd's passing. Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and the Gold's gym family. Every time we walked into Golds Gym, we would see Todd with the biggest smile on his face and he would always wave hi and if he wasn't training someone he was working out himself. He was always so friendly to us. May he rest in peace. Love, Joe and Monique Barajas"

Karen Hutchins, MA wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"Todd touched many lives...several years ago, he helped this 65+ woman, find her strength and flexibility...he was always kind, attentive and serious about my health...he me feel important and that what I did would make a difference...he will be missed in the health field....Karen Hutchins, MA"

Fred Howlett wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"Shortly after my wife died three years ago, Todd watched me floundering at Golds in an attempt to salvage what was left of my life. Then, one day he came over to me, struck up a conversation, and for the next 10 months he lifted me from the dark side in which he found me. Through his personal kindness and wonderful sense of humor he literally saved my life. He taught me me how to live again and for that I am forever grateful. My heart goes out to Tonia and Brooke, the loves of Todd's life, for their tragic loss. While he is gone now, he continues to live in the hearts of those of us that were so very privileged to know him and to love him. "

Maurene Spencer wrote on Jul 15, 2019:

"Tonia, Words cannot express my sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Maurene Spencer"

Amy Thomas wrote on Jul 15, 2019:

"Tonia, I am so sorry; this is a terrible tragedy! You and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Amy Thomas (DMCA)"

Norma Jean McVey wrote on Jul 15, 2019:

"Todd changed my life and I will never forget what he did for me. I can still hear him saying (when we first started training) "My gosh, Norma Jean, you've got the strength of a seven-year old!" He made me laugh all the time. He taught me the importance of just showing up to the gym and from that small statement, he helped create the very strong woman I am today. I will never forget what he taught me: perseverance and a can-do attitude and anything is possible. Today, I am a competitor, due to the foundation he provided me. He was so proud of his clients, but we were all so proud of him and loved him dearly. He was a treasure and will live on in my heart forever. God Bless Todd's soul and God Bless the Bui Family."

Oscar ReRucha wrote on Jul 14, 2019:

"My deepest condolences to the entire family. You?ll be in my thoughts and prayers. "

Noel Ramirez wrote on Jul 13, 2019:

"I trained with Todd for 12 years and it is so true that he became more of a friend than a trainer. It is hard to be at Gold?s now without hearing him in my head correcting my form or asking me if I weighed in. Todd was so full of life that this seems unreal. There are so many things in my daily life now that can be traced back to Todd. Even though my heart breaks that he is gone from our lives for now, I am blessed to have been part of his golds gym family"