A plaque at Fife’s Memorial Fountain now bears the name of Rudolph King III, a Washington National Guardsman killed in a random attack nearly three years ago.
FIFE, Wash. — The name of a young Washington National Guardsman killed in a random shooting has been added to a memorial plaque at Fife’s Fountain Memorial Park, honoring his life of service nearly three years after his death.
Rudolph “Rudy” King III, 23, was shot while driving home from a flag football game near a Fife intersection in September 2023. He never made it home.
Nominated by loved ones and selected by the Fife Park Advisory Board, Rudy was one of two names added to the memorial this year. The plaque now carries 40 names in total, dating back to 1988, recognizing lives of service and sacrifice in the community — a tribute his family says brings some measure of comfort amid enduring grief.
“When I drive by, I won’t just remember the bad things. I’ll remember this right here, that honors him,” said his father, Rudolph King II.
The memorial holds special meaning for the fiancée Rudy left behind, a fellow Army National Guard officer. She said military service was woven into his family’s identity. “Every single Rudolph King in his lineage served in the military — public servants — and I think it’s really second nature for them,” she said.
His mother, Kristin King, said time has not dulled the loss. “It doesn’t get any easier. You know, it will always hurt,” she said.
The family is also working to establish a scholarship in Rudy’s name for first-year ROTC students at his alma mater, Pacific Lutheran University, covering tuition and room and board. “The Army does not cover their tuition. We want to cover their first year,” his father said.
His fiancée said she finds comfort in knowing his name is now part of something permanent at Fountain Memorial Park. “I’ll be here awhile, so it’s nice to see his name cemented in something that will outlive me as well,” she said.
For Rudy’s parents, it is a lasting way to carry on his legacy.
“Being his parents is just a dream come true, and that will be our legacy, is just being ‘Lil Rudy’s mom and dad… is just the best thing about our life,” his mother said.
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