William Yang

William Leonard Yang, also known as Duong Luong Phat, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the age of 84, after a courageous battle with liver cancer.

William was born on September 8, 1940, in Can Giuoc, South Vietnam, to Duong Tan and Truong Thi of Hubei Province, China. He earned his high school GED in the 1960s and on August 1, 1962, married Ana Bi, with whom he shared many cherished years until her passing in 2006.

A man of resilience, drive, and endless curiosity, William was a true Renaissance man. Charismatic, resourceful, intelligent, and entrepreneurial, he immigrated to the United States as a refugee with nothing but the clothes on his back. Through determination and vision, he founded and directed United Beauty College (UBC), a respected cosmetology school in Southern California. His legacy of education and empowerment lives on through the many graduates of UBC whose lives he helped shape.

William is preceded in death by his brother, Duong Binh Phat. He is survived by his beloved second wife, Mayette Nhan; sisters Duong An Duc and Duong Xuan Quoi; brother Duong Hi Phat; children: Leigh Jorento (Dane), Mia Goldfarb (Ron), Kirk Yang (Hien), Scott Yang (Nina), and Eileen Yang; grandchildren: Chiason (Kayvan), Daeus (Rhianna), Preston, Kendrick, Kirsten, Kayson, and Abigail; and great-grandchild Emil.

William will be remembered for his strength, his boundless generosity, and the love he gave so freely to his family, friends, and community. His life is a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, vision, and heart.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family would appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, CA.