Richard Nguyen

Richard Chinh Nguyen, AKA King Cobra, passed away peacefully on his favorite couch in Los Angeles on November 13, 2023 at the age of 81, just 2 weeks shy of his 82nd birthday. The party is still on, Dad!

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Betty Van Nguyen; his 11 children, Phung Bui, Loan Bui, Chuong Nguyen, Lily Nguyen, Jimmy Nguyen, Charlie Nguyen, Julie Nguyen, Matthew Nguyen, Michael Nguyen, Nancy Nguyen, and Linda Nguyen; his 11 grandchildren; and many loving relatives and casino buddies.

Richard was born on December 3rd, 1941 in Hai Phong, Vietnam. He was the son of Mr. Phiet The Nguyen and Mrs. Bao Chi Do. Richard’s life is a true tale of two countries; two countries that were once at war with each other; two countries he had a deep love for. In his native country of Vietnam, Richard joined the Army of the Republic of Vietnam on November 30th, 1964, and served for 7 years. Richard's service to his native country included collaborating and supporting the military efforts of what would become his new home country - the United States of America. During his courageous service to both countries, Richard was wounded in combat 6 times, resulting in the loss of his left leg. In 1975, he along with his wife and young son immigrated to the US as sponsored refugees of the war. In his new home country of America, Richard settled in Los Angeles with his small young family that soon grew and grew and grew….

Richard will be remembered by his family as a loving husband and father, and for his carefree take on life. For every hardship or life challenge, and there were plenty, his response was always  “No Problem!”   He lived life on his own terms and never seemed to worry about much, except for maybe being on his last pack of cigarettes. He was rarely on time, but he always showed up. He was a maverick and he filled the lives of those around him with laughter, craziness, and a whole lot of good times.  Richard will be fondly remembered as the fearless patriarch of a joyful household that’s loud and chaotic, but bursting at the seams with life and love. He said he wanted a large family because he wanted his kids to always have one another to play and laugh with during happy times, and to lean on and cry with during challenging and sad times. THANKS, DAD! 

Final farewell service is scheduled for 11am-3pm on December 6, 2023 at Forest Lawn Glendale. 1712 S. Glendale, CA 91205. Rooms 4, 5, and 12.