In Loving Memory of Tran Robert King

Tran Robert King passed away on January 9, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Tran was not large in stature, but he was bigger than life. He was a dreamer and a doer.

He was born in 1939 to Robert and Hazel King. Tran grew up in Ventura, California, having very close relationships with his grandparents, as well as his four beloved aunts. He attended Pasadena City College, graduating with a degree in accounting. He married Judy Hollingworth in 1961. In 1968, their daughter, Julie, was born. Tran sold packaging for potatoes with Boise Cascade. They made their home in Rigby, Idaho.

Tran had always loved the cowboy life, harking back to his days when his grandfather, “Pa,” was a foreman for a ranch in Ojai, CA. He bought over 80 acres on the Dry Bed canal, west of Ririe, where he designed and built two homes. His son, Justin, was born in 1971. Tran took up team roping and owned several head of cattle. He made many deep friendships through his equestrian pursuits.

Tran was an incredible salesperson and worked his way to National Accounts Manager. Later, he worked and lived in Connecticut with his son after his divorce from Judy. In 1981, Judy was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As a true testament to his love and devotion to family, he quit his job with Boise Cascade and moved back to Idaho so his children could be with their mother for her final days. He started his own packaging company called Transaction Packaging, quickly growing it despite fierce competition.

In 1985, Tran took a leap of faith and started what is now known as Mountain River Ranch. It began as a small general store and grew into a beloved destination featuring sleigh rides, melodramas, wagon rides, weddings, and much more. Both of his children worked alongside him, and Mountain River Ranch became a local household name, bringing joy to countless visitors.

In 1997, Tran handed the operational reins to his daughter, Julie, while he began his “retirement.” During this time, he met his “Angel,” Annie Walker, with whom he spent over 20 years traveling, working, and enjoying life. With Annie came four more children and their families, enriching Tran’s life immensely.

In later years, Tran purchased a 35,000-acre ranch outside of Carlsbad, NM, where he built another old west town and ran a herd of longhorn cattle. He cherished the history of the American West and loved creating authentic cowboy experiences with friends and family.

Tran adored his three granddaughters, Lauren, Megan, and Madeline, and shared countless cherished moments with them. Despite life’s challenges, Tran remained resilient and full of life, living by the motto, “If you’re riding through hell, keep riding.”

Tran is survived by his wife, Alice Ann King; brothers, Chuck (Peggy) Lowe, Steve (Paula) Lowe, and Max King; sister, Roberta King; children: Julie (Mike) Anglesey, Justin King, Mati (Thad) Rinderknecht, Mace (Natalie) McKinney, Joel (Hollie) McKinney, and Megan (Kurtis) Moser; grandchildren: Lauren Connaughton, Megan (Levi) Carr, Madeline (Colton) Gallup, Dylan (Alayna) Anglesey, Grace Anglesey, Sarie (Tyson) Ross, and many more, including six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother John King.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Meadows Event Center, formally known as the Meadow Muffin, at 71 N 5050 E, Ririe, on Sunday, January 19th, at 11 am. Please come prepared to share your stories. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnel for Towers, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders, in his honor.