In Loving Memory of

Randy Kimura

1965 - 2008

A Collection of Thoughts and Condolences

Introductions by Dan & Mark Kimura

A video tribute for Randy

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Original Slideshow - Send Condolences and Remembrances - Contributions In Lieu of Flowers

Randy's Obituary - Randy's Obituary (full page)

Printable Memorial Program - Printable Funeral Program - Download All Pictures (133 MB)

"Earthshines and Shooting Stars"

Earlier this evening, there was an “earthshine”. This is where a rising crescent moon will face upward like a smile while the scarlet blanket upon which it rests is augmented by the deep blue sky above it. All the while, a faint reflection of sun from the earth slightly illuminates the remaining surface of the moon so that you can faintly see the moon’s face peeking at you from behind its sly smile.

Later tonight, I laid underneath the sky and looked at the stars. It was an unusually clear night. My daughter Kayleigh asked that I lay on our trampoline with her. As we talked, I saw a shooting star pass over us. The two events seem quite appropriate for the evening.

Earlier today, I received some bad news. My brother Randy had been battling a drug addiction for close to ten years. A couple of days ago, he lost that battle. An accidental overdose while he was alone claimed his life. There was no one to call 911. He simply sat down and fell asleep for the last time. A son of his good friend, Dave, found him earlier this evening.

Like the earthshine, Randy had something special. In his youth, people called him “Chief”. Thanks to his long hair and partial Asian heritage, he somewhat resembled an American Indian. He was six three and had a commanding presence. Like his father, Kaz, he was hard to miss when he entered a room. Like tonight’s moon, he was hard not to look at twice.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t unlike a shooting star. He shined bright for a time, faded towards the end. Then he was suddenly gone. In his heart, Randy was a good person. We would still catch glimpses of him from time to time. I am happy to say we were able to spend some time together last year when he was drumming for my band.

I actually thought of calling him today. It would have been the first time I had tried to contact him since I spoke to him the day after Christmas. Randy’s problems made it difficult to have a relationship with him. I was weighing having him around while my mother was with us and wondering if he was ready to be a part of our family again. It wasn’t too long after I had those thoughts that I got the call.

In a way, I lost my youngest brother a long time ago. Tonight’s events simply brought a close to a long and painful illness. Nevertheless, despite the ironic relief that usually accompanies the end of someone’s suffering, we will still mourn knowing our brother who has been gone so long, will never return to us in this life.

I have and will continue to miss him terribly.

See you on the other side, Randy. Say “Hi” to Dad and Karen for me, and save me a place in line.  Like the twinkling of an eye, I’ll be there before you know it.

Dan Kimura

"Looking Back"

Delaware Until 1968

Too young to remember much about Wilmington.
But that's where Randy's life with the family began.
The son of Dr. Kazuo Kay Kimura and May Mitsue (Uchiyama) Kimura.
He was the baby of our family, born July 27, 1965.
And we were complete.
Karen Kay, 1959
Daniel Kevin, 1963
Mark Burkman, 1964
Randolph Alan, 1965

Pennsylvania 1968 – 1974

Dad and Mom moved us to a farm just outside of West Chester,
For three active boys, it didn't get any better than that.
Riding in the tractor bucket while Dad cut the grass.
Strawberry fights, boy did that make Mom steaming mad.
Dirt clods worked better anyway.
Randy and I were best friends.
Riding our big wheels and stingrays and throwing the ball,
Storming around on three-wheelers and mini-bikes.
Playing with the neighbor kids.
Plenty of room to roam.

Our favorite game was aggravating our older brother.
Mom and Dad were out for the evening.
The baby-sitter they hired was as old as the hills.
Randy and I shared a room in those days.
As we lay in our twin beds, we hatched a brilliant plan.
We snuck into Danny's room and ambushed him with our pillows.
Each of us got in three or four good whacks.
Rushing madly back to our room, we were hardly able to contain our hysterical laughter.
We could hear Danny whimper down the hall to report the incident.
Old woman baby-sitter peaked in on us, but we were making peaceful sleeping noises.
"Why Danny, I can't even understand what you are saying, those boys are sound asleep."
"You need to get back to your bed." she told him.

Virginia 1974-1978

Fairfax County, just outside Washington, D.C.
Every family member that ever visited us got a tour of the capital city.
In those days, we were crazy for football.
Eric Dorsey was in Randy's class at Spring Hill Elementary.
Alan Pinkett was in mine.
We knew all the teams and players, had all the trading cards,
And even had the NFL bedding and a lamp made out of a helmet.
And we loved playing football.
School, skateboarding, and basketball filled in the rest.
That's also where we perfected our dodge ball game.
Dodge ball domination came in handy once we moved to Oakwood,
Earned us some respect as the new kids.

The Outer Banks vacations were the best.
We never took friends because we didn't have to,
Randy, Danny and I made our own fun.
Body surfing was awesome, just had to keep an eye out for Jaws . . .
Randy always managed to talk Mom and Dad into cotton candy,
And he always managed to weasel the last ride ticket,
It came with being the younger brother.
I would say little brother, but he was always taller than me.

Music-wise

Before Rock and Roll, there was P-Funk.
Randy was a huge Funkadelic fan back then.
The Parliament album, "Mothership Connection" was one of his favorites.
Think that was about 1976, it had a space ship on the cover.
Wish I had a dime for every time he played "Brick House" by the Commodores.

Ohio 1978 on

Randy and I eventually came to a fork in the road.
Followed our separate paths.
But there were still connections.
Coming together at times to play a quick nine holes after work at the Community Course.
Compelled together at times, by Dad's illness for one.
Spending some great family time with Diane and Lori and the kids.
Working to take care of Mom and the house and the yard after Dad passed.
Those were his basketball days and his video game days and his golf days and his band days.
And whatever Randy did, he was good at it.

Randy loved children.
Our last conversation centered around my kids.
He wanted to hear about school and their baseball and soccer and football.
He wanted to come see them play.
He called Rachel "Peanut".
He threw the ball with Zachary.
And they loved him.

Randy loved animals.
Actually he was crazy compassionate about them.
He would gently cup a spider in his hands and carry it out the door rather than squash it.
He would get mad if you stepped on an ant.
When my dog Dallas died,
Randy helped me dig a grave in Mom's back yard.
And he was sad with me.

Despite his imposing stature, and rough exterior, he had a soft heart.
Randy never wanted to kill anything.
And he almost succeeded.

I'm going to miss you Randy.

Mark

I am so sorry to hear this news. I will be praying for Heavenly Father to continue to comfort you and all of your family members during this time.

Jen Endsley

Sorry for your loss. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Rod Asher

I am sorry to hear your news. Please let me know if I or the Elders Quorum can do anything to help.

Dave Hopper

It breaks my heart to think of Randy passing. I've wept for him, for your mother losing her baby, for you losing a brother and having to deliver such incredibly painful news, and your whole family. I could feel a quiet desperation and this innate goodness radiating from him, and I had always hoped, just as you and your family, that he would be able to beat his "demons". But as you said, he is now free from the addictions and that plagued him in life. You and your family are in my prayers, and know that I am here if you need anything.

Marla Riggle

We are sorry to hear that Randy has passed away. We extend our love and prayers to May, Danny, Kathy, Katrina, Ron, Kaz, Kayleigh, Mark, Lori, Zachary, Rachel. If there is anything we can do, please ask and it will be done.

Robert and Jayne Uchiyama

Sorry for your loss.

Phil Kingrey

I didn't know Randy. I think I may have met him once. The times you mentioned him it was obvious you cared deeply and were worried about him.

Ruth and I are very sorry for your loss.

With deepest sympathy,

Jim & Ruth Gossett

So sorry to hear about Randy - and thanks for posting the pictures. They sparked memories of him to life instantly. I can't imagine the pain of losing a brother and my heart hurts for you.

Ken Ray

Sorry to hear about your brother. I understand; last year I lost two brothers within a month. We will miss them, but we know that life is eternal and we will see them again.

Kindest regards,

Tracy & Karen Williams

My wife and I wish to extend our condolences at this sad time for you and your family. We pray for you all, wishing you peace and comfort. Please let me know how Jesse and I can help. We would be happy to lend a hand with anything that might help relieve some of the burden this event has caused. Don’t think for a minute that you are asking too much.

Sincerely,

Dayne Hassett

Amy and I extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time. May God be with you and give his comfort.

Love and best wishes,

David Bright

Our sincere condolences and sadness. Please let us know what we can do for the Kimura clan. I know there is a lot to do now and you are so good about e-mailing so we will know about the funeral date, where to send flowers and where to send donations. I called to see how Aunty May was doing.

My love to you all.

Linda and Steve Kelly

Very sorry to hear about your brother. Please let us know if we can do anything to help out.

Thanks,

Jess & Kim Charbeneau

I am so sorry. I know he is at peace now. Randy had a big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so very sad.

Liza Ridenour

I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Although I never met him, I am very sad to hear of your family's loss.

Kelly Morelock

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. What saddens me is that I haven’t kept up with you and your life’s journey with the family very often. Know that I am thinking of you always.

I didn’t know Randy except through you, but I know that if Randy was half the person you are, he was a great young man. I know you will miss him tremendously.

Dan, thank you for including me as one of your “special” friends. May I send a contribution somewhere?

Blessings,

Susan Dunlap

You and your family are in my prayers.

Josh Rose

As Diane's mother, Carolyn, all of our family has kept Randy close to our hearts. He was such a dear person to us and we have missed him often. He was caring, thoughtful, made family get-togethers fun, and was always willing to give a helping hand. His addiction grieved our hearts and we held to the hope that some day he could overcome them. May your family get through this trial and recover from your loss.

Regretfully,

Frank and Carolyn Maynard

I am so sorry for your loss.

Marcia Woodward

We are so sorry and deeply saddened to hear the news about Randy. I feel so badly that he died so young. Let us know what your plans are.

Elaine & Bill Brunjes

We are deeply saddened by your loss. Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of your brother and friend. May you be able to reflect on the better times and recognize the blessing of a gracious Savior who truly does desire the best eternal existence for each of us. If we can help in anyway please let us know.

John & Terri Ward

Dan, our sincere condolences to the Kimura family. We are so saddened to hear about Randy. Thank you for reaching out with your beautiful note. I've sent it to my parents, Genie and Alan. We'll be in contact.

Kathy Kimura Mlsna

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, I hope you're doing ok.

Take care.

Sincerely,

Jayne Sachs

We are saddened by your loss and extend deepest condolences to you and the entire Kimura family. The Lord is loving and merciful. May he comfort and bless you in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you this day.

Ron and Lynn Dibble

Thank you for sharing your news with us. We express our deepest sympathy for the grief and pain you feel now. We hope we can help you carry your burden. You and your brother must have had some great times together. You are in our thoughts and prayers - I'm sure the Comforter will be there for you and for Randy.

Larry and Doreen Chilton

I am sorry to hear about your loss. You will be in our prayers. I find great comfort in these words spoken by Elder Lance B Wickman in Oct 2002 General Conference. "... please know that grief is the natural by-product of love. One cannot selflessly love another person and not grieve at his suffering or eventual death. The only way to avoid the grief would be to not experience the love; and it is love that gives life its richness and meaning."

As you grieve, may the Lord bless you with the peace and comfort only He can give.

Neil Van Leeuwen

I have waited to email you because I just cannot express into words how I feel. I only knew Randy for a short period but I liked what I met. I understand from conversations with you that Randy had a lot of problems, but I could always see there was a good person inside him. I actually thought he did a good job playing drums, he was rusty which he openly admitted, but I liked his playing all the same. Dan I my thoughts go out to you and your family. I think I will keep Randy in my own special place of thoughts and I would be more comfortable not attending any memorial service. I am however available to talk any time you want. You are a good friend Dan and what you and your family is going through makes me very sad.

Scott Shivadecker

Chris and I are so sorry to hear about Randy. I had only met him a few times, when he was playing with your band. I know you had hoped that he would clean up and return to living a better way of life. Dan I know that your brother will have peace now and he can join with others to do the will of the Lord. I know what ever he learned here on earth and from you as a righteous brother he will have strength to move forward.

Chris and I will see you in May and spend some time with you guys.

Love,

Chris and Joy Brady

I am very sorry and sad for your loss. Randy was a good guy with a big heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Currently, I am working in Hawaii and will not be back in Ohio till the end of April. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial service but would like to have my wife, Sandy represent me at the memorial service.

Take Care!

John Saunier

I am saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have known Randy close to thirty years. I have not seen Randy in a few years but had talked with him on the phone recently.

Randy was a wonderful friend with a huge heart, beautiful smile and eyes. Randy will be missed greatly.

Pam Simon

We were greatly saddened to learn of Randy's passing but are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering and is at peace.

While we did not see him often we have some favorite memories of Randy. One is when Randy would go to his Mom's home regularly to mow the lawn and do chores around the house.

Another favorite memory is his caring devotion to his Dad during his last illness when he was there every day tending to his every need. He showed such tenderness.

Our thoughts and fervent prayers are with May and the entire family that God will grant you comfort and strength as only He can.

With love and deepest sympathy,

Eugene and Grace Kimura

The amount of pain I feel is tremendous as I deal with the loss of my ex-husband Randy. The journey has been long, but now Randy's soul has moved on to a peaceful place where there is no pain and suffering. I will always love you and keep you in my heart.

Diane

I was so very saddened to hear of the passing of your dear Randy. My heart goes out to all of you. I can only imagine what it is like to lose such a close family member, especially at such an early age.

I remember visiting Aunt May and Uncle Kaz many years ago and playing with the four kids--Karen, Danny, Mark, and Randy & the family dog, a beautiful Akita. Randy was an adorable six year old at the time---and that is how I always picture him.

Please know that all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with your tremendous loss.

Genie Kimura Chiu

I remember how happy Randy was the day Kaz gave him his first guitar with amp and then after his first set of drums. Being his bassist we shared the same dreams. I have to thank Randy and May for getting me my first job doing what I still do to this day. Randy and I spent countless hours at work and play together, at times we laughed so hard it would hurt inside to laugh any more but we still did. I will always remember what a great friend he really was with all of the good times and bad times we shared. I have a special place in my heart for Randy and I am truly sorry that he left us this soon.

Sincerely,

Tim Marshall

Please give your mom my love. I am hurting very bad, so I can only imagine what you are all going through.

I have been thinking back about the time when Randy and I first got together. I met him on December 1, 1981 at a Grateful Dead concert. We were both 15. I fell for him instantly, and we lived together for a few years. I had never been so comfortable with anyone. We had so many good times together. We ended up breaking up (my fault), and I got married and did not see Randy for many years. Then, my marriage ended and I somehow found Randy again.

A few days before he was gone. He seemed to be doing so good. I told him how proud I was to see that.

I find myself being mad at him for leaving.

I loved Randy from the very bottom of my heart. He was such a personality that anyone who met him could not help but see the beautiful heart and love he had for everyone. I keep waiting for my phone to ring and it will be him.

Randy, I love you so much and I will miss you everyday. I am blessed to have known and loved you. You were and will always be the first love of my life.

Love forever,

Ronda Wheeler

We are so sad for your sorrow, and you must miss him terribly. We keep you in our prayers that the Spirit will comfort you and console you and your family. We are sad your brother had such a struggle in life, but are grateful for a loving, compassionate, and merciful God who holds him in his arms now.
If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

Love, Gary & Laurie Picklesimer

Randy was always looking out for me. No matter what, he was always sweet with a big goofy smile and a generous spirit. I will never forget him

Shelby Wheeler

It has been so many years since I saw Randy, but the memory of his smile and his presence is still fresh. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know that I am here if you need anything.

Melinda Vernon

Sometimes it’s hard to reminisce. Perhaps it brings you back to a difficult time in your own life.

I met Randy during his first days in Oakwood. His family had just moved there. I still vividly remember seeing Randy for the first time walking across the parking lot of Burger Chef (down by Dairy Queen.) All the Oakwood girls were crazy for Mark….Me, well; let’s just say I had my eye on Randy. It wasn’t long after that, we were inseparable.

We were barely teenagers. Many people come in and out of your life, people move on, but you never forget your first love.
It was tough for us living in Oakwood at that time. The Preppie Years. Complete with duck shoes and pink whale pants. Oh and the Izod shirts, too. We never quite fit in. Especially Randy, and his commanding presence and his long hair. But we had our own group, and we enjoyed life. Randy was the only reason I stayed in Oakwood for the time I was there.  Randy took care of me and helped me through my own difficult times. I will never forget riding all over town on the back of his bike, down to the UD Ghetto, the local arcade, the record store or to Marion’s Pizza.

We were very happy when Tim’s mom gave him a car! Once we took the city bus (are they still electric?) downtown to the local radio station to enter a contest, Amateur Hour. We took my boa constrictor to the station (with the stations bumper sticker stuck to the side of the poor snake) in hopes of winning the contest to be DJ’s for the night. Not real creative, but we won and were DJ’s for the night. Randy picked the playlist which was of course full of Hendrix, Skynyrd, Hatchett, and MTB!

We got into lots of trouble…I remember the Oakwood cops knew us by name and frequently chased us in their goofy yellow cop cars. It didn’t take us long to figure out that Patterson Park was out of their jurisdiction! The park was also located across from our favorite sub shop, Milano’s! I also remember getting stranded with Randy at 1am (thanks to my sister Heather) in Indianapolis on the side of the road, and still making it back to Oakwood by dawn. What were we thinking?

May, Randy’s sweet and gentle mother. I’m so sorry for your loss. Now that I’m a mother myself, I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling. I think back to those early years, and want to apologize for all the headaches we put you through. Hopefully we were not too bad. Your kind and gentle spirit was so comforting to me on so many occasions, especially since my own home was so chaotic. Thanks for all the rides home in your green station wagon Volvo and for feeding me! Also, thanks for teaching me a few words in Japanese. I still remember some of them….. okaasan, otousan, sayonara…..just to name a few.

I had to leave Oakwood and move to Florida to live with my father, and as a result lost touch with Randy. I am thankful that I was able to reconnect and see him again a few years back. We had a great time, and thankfully, the connection was still there. Together we reminisced about the old times, and it was good. That is what I have to hold onto.

Randy’s smile, his kind heart, his love, his friendship and our memories will be with me forever.

My condolences and prayers are with the Kimura family during this difficult time.

Kim “Kimmy” (Smith) Knobbe

I went to school with Randy in Oakwood. I am so saddened by this news. I always wondered what happened with you guys and I feel so much for you and your family. Condolences. I hope your mother is alright.

Coni (Karras) Hargrave

I was and still am so sorry to hear about Randy! I remember Randy when you all moved to Oakwood! The three of you boys were all so interesting, cute, and fun, and we became friends instantly. You all had such different personalities ,but yet you were the same, beautiful, funny caring individuals! I will cherish the memories I have of Randy and I am so sorry that he struggled so.

You are in my thoughts and prayers as well as all of our friends that will always cherish the memory of Randy. God Bless to everyone!

Fondly,

Laurie Herbert Voigt

I am sorry to hear about Randy’s passing. Please don’t hesitate to call if we can do anything for your family or if you just need a friend to talk to. As you alluded to, this is not a matter of “goodbye”; it’s just “I’ll see you later”.

Art Hung

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Randy on Tuesday morning from my sister Diane. From the beginning, we kept hoping and praying that we would once again see Randy, without the dark cloud of this disease hanging over him.

Randy's passing has touched our family in a very sad way. he was never ever far from our hearts. Throughout the years our entire family; aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, mother and father prayed for Randy's safekeeping and success.

May, Mark, Lori, Dan, Kathy and the rest of the Kimura family, you have also been in our prayers over the years, for you too had to experience and live through this horrible disease. I am so sorry.

Mark and Dan, Thank you so much for including Diane this last week, your family's kindness to her over the years has been very sweet and thoughtful. I know that Diane continues to love each and every one of you.

Diane and Randy, had a special love, friendship and respect for each other that lasted over the years. One thing is clear; throughout the years, they still continued to have a strong love for one another. But because of his illness, she too, lost her best friend and one true love. The rest of us lost a faithful friend.

Sincerely,

Andrea Hummel-Ponicthera

Seems just like yesterday that I was watching my sister, Kimmie, & Randy running around like two peas in a pod. They used to drive me crazy; (Kimmie still); yet I was always wanting to watch out for all of us. "Bird of Ho" to me, was a name I came up with during these funny times. Because he was so darned tall, handsome, and with all of his wonderfully great ideas, & dreams ..... instead of "Don Ho", like many called him, I adopted the name "Bird of Ho". Can't say where it came from, probably his compassion, caring, love, and just being a plain hysterical guy. That's what I know of Randy. He was a bright light in a room, an aura of hope, and a visionary of dreams. "The pot at the end of the rainbow." Never came away without laughter & lots of smiles. I will hold onto these wonderful memories; Fore, as the song says, He's now a "Free Bird". But he always was in life, and now soars with the angels. Very Appropriate! God Bless

Everyone who he touched, and were fortunate to know him. See you later my friend.

Heather Smith (Peacock)

I cannot even begin to express the pain and sadness I feel towards the passing of what I believe to be my best friend of all time. Our experiences over the years are too numerous to mention. I was so pleased to have had the pleasure of spending time with Randy from October 2006 to March 2007. We had an opportunity to work together; play golf together and chess and video games together I will now reflect on this time together as a chance to get to see the old side of my friend. Laughing, competing and enjoying what life has to offer. Randy I always have I do now and will always love you my brother. My condolences to May and the entire Kimura family.

Dan Heck

You have done a beautiful job of honoring your brother on the web-site. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Kathy and the kids.

♥

The Laumers

I'm so sorry to hear of Randy's passing. I remember the guys, Doug, Danny and Randy, playing the game of Risk in our basement; and the laughter as it came up the stairs with each roll of the dice. It was a good time then. Randy will be missed. Please accept my condolences and those of my family.

Renee Heck, Christie and Helen Wishon

You have my condolences for the loss of you brother. I did not know Randy, other than passes in rooms that I might have shared with him when I was with you. I can only guess at how hard it might be to face, and yet I know you have faced this kind of death before and somewhere in your soul I know you will have the strength to embrace this passing as well.

How are you doing in other aspects of you life? I do a awful job at being a brother myself and I am even worse with friends who have (and always will) a special place in my heart.

My prayers are with you and your family.

David Van Etten

To lose a loved one is always difficult, but to lose one so young is heartbreaking. There are no words, which can lessen your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts, and prayers, during this time of mourning, and healing.

With love, and deepest sympathy,

Al, Diane, Elizabeth, and Ben

I never met Randy, but I would like to extend my condolences to you all. From the website I can see how dear he was to your family and I wish I had also known him. Know that the Nakahara family shares in your grief and may your fond memories of him keep him alive for you always.

Kazue Nakahara

What a wonderful tribute to your brother! It's clear that even with all the pain and trouble through the years; you had a deep love for him. I can tell from just the pictures that he was a happy, fun-loving person.

I wish you the best during this tough time. It's nice to know that you'll have the chance to see him again. Best wishes to you and your family!

With Love,

Bishop Brian Zimmerman

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our family will be praying for you and all impacted by Randy’s passing. I am sorry I will not be back in town before the memorial service, but I will be mindful of this event.

Fondest regards,

Sandy Mueller

I am so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Chapman Gieske

I knew Randy through Diane. Randy's personality was infectious, his looks striking, and his smile would light up a room. I pray that God is with your family at this difficult time. And I pray that Randy's soul may rest in peace for eternity.

Dan, "Thank You" for sharing these memories of Randy with the rest of us. You have done a beautiful job.

Respectfully,

Vickie Duncan

Thank you for mounting all these great photos of Randy. When I saw myself with your family in that fourth photograph from the left, it served to remind me of that moment in time. What I will always remember is Randy's loving devotion to his father Kaz in his later years, and later hearing of Randy coming over to help Aunt May with the yard.

I have no doubt that the World was a better place with Randy in it, and I am saddened by both his pain, and now the pain which you and your families are experiencing at this time. Please know that a great many hearts are with your family now.

Alan Kimura

You told us directly, but we still can't believe that he is gone. We are so sorry. Please don't regret!! You loved him. You did more than any one could expect from mother and family. We pray that God will bless you and keep you in His Love.

Randy, you had much more than it takes to make it in life. You had a wonderful loving family to help you on your way. You just happened to take the wrong path.

We love you.

Uncle Mark and Auntie Lea

I am still heartbroken over the loss of my friend. A day has not passed that the thought of Randy hasn't brought me to tears. My wife, children, and parents are grieving terribly. My 7 year old daughter is distraught. When Randy was around she was right on his heels. Randy was her favorite "uncle". I know that god has a plan. Through the years I’ve been able to see good things spring forth, sometimes years later, out of the worst of situations. These realizations have confirmed to me that not only does god have a plan, but that it's a good one. So far, I have yet to find anything good about my friend’s passing. I still think this world was a better place with Randy in it. I will keep the faith and keep searching for the silver lining. I'd like to thank the many people who have called me. Sharing all the funny stories has helped a lot. Danny, I will continue to pray for you, Mark, and Mrs. K. and will do anything you need to help you get through this tragedy. I loved my friend Randy and miss him very much.

Dave & Linda Luke and Family

I remember the day you all descend upon Oakwood. Randy was one of the most talented people I ever met. He was a natural athlete, a gifted musician and had charisma like no one else. The first day they were there we had gym class, Randy and Mark absolutely dominated the dodge ball game, proving their athletic abilities were beyond most of ours. I was also with Randy at the Grateful Dead show in 1981 that Rhonda mentioned. It was cold that night but we all had a lot of fun at our 1st Dead show. I cherish the memories of having Randy play in the pickup band we formed in Northport Michigan in the summer of 1987, Koliflower on the Beach. We only played a few gigs but it was way fun and our bond was renewed. Randy and I may have never been "best friends" but I always felt a friendship was not based on time spent together but time enjoyed together. PS you had great taste in music!! "....and this bird you cannot change..."

Andy Newbold

I have nothing but great thoughts and memories of Randy. He was one of a kind.

Ron Warwar

We were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Randy's passing. He was a very good friend to my husband Bill. We moved to Florida in 1989 and hadn't stayed in contact with Randy. I think that has made the news more difficult for Bill to accept. Please know that we will pray for you and your family through this unbearable time. Randy was a talented, hilarious wonderful friend and he will be truly missed.

Much Love,

Bill & Laura Richeson

(Miranda & Liam)

Today was a very wonderful day! I remember Randy in the very best way. He had that big smile and so much charm; he was so very special to so many people. The ceremony was fabulous. Everyone did such a great job with there tributes. I was driving down to Woodland this afternoon and a Grateful Dead tune started to play on my IPod. It was a happy song and it was a beautiful day. I had such great thoughts and memories. I thought of Scott and Randy together, when they walked into a party you knew the fun would begin. It always did! Always!! Those memories will forever be in my heart. I want May, Danny and of course Mark and all of their loved ones to know, my thoughts and prayers are with them.

God Bless and Thanks,

Francesca Folkerth

Having only met Randy once when I dating a dear friend of his, I was immediately struck with the kindness of your brother.

At that brief meeting of Randy, my instincts were confirmed with your tribute ~~ it beautifully pays homage to the depth of his soul.

My heart goes out to you and your family with your devastating loss.

My one and only daughter, Gracie (Welsh Corgi) was put to rest one year ago ~~

Trust me that she is welcoming Randy as her new friend in heaven . . .

Love to all, harm to none ~~ let this be our daily prayer.

Sallie Opicka

I have many great memories of all of you hanging out at my house all those years ago. There is a book called "There Are Men Too Gentle To Live Among Wolves" and I think Randy and Scotty are among those men. Unfortunately, I know the pain you are all feeling now but I can tell you that if you hold on to the good memories, time will eventually make the pain subside. I will always remember Randy with fondness and with good thoughts.

Judie Nishwitz (Scotty's Mom)

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

Eskimo Proverb - Author Unknown

I met Randy many years ago, through my dear friend, Ronda. He may have been 19 or so years old, younger than my sons are today! We all had such great times back in the “day”. I had the chance to see Randy last summer a few times, and when seeing him for the first time, after more than twenty years, he was the same fun loving person he was in his youth. He was beautiful, his smile shone brightly, his laugh was genuine and contagious, he was always a gentleman, and always had kind words to say to me, it was like time stood still, simply put he was one of the “good guys”, and I was lucky to have known him, and considered him my friend.

To Randy’s family and friends please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. I send you thoughts of comfort.

Most sincerely,

Robin Hopkins

Our prayers are with you and your family. Back in 1978, we were new to Oakwood. Our move was in part to bring Davy to a neighborhood full of preppies. Perhaps he would emulate them instead of the wayward crew he had hung with in Englewood. You can imagine my excitement when he announced he was bringing home his first Oakwood friend...a doctor's son, no less. A real preppie, I hoped. In walked Randy. This 6 foot plus kid with hair clear down his back. I was furious until I started talking to him. He totally won me over. It was obvious to me he had been raised well. It was my moment of clarity. My job was to raise my child as a kind loving moral person; the rest of his life would be his choice. Randy gave me that moment. As a parent you let go and pray they choose well.

If Randy had demons, they were private. It was the privacy that cost him his life. What a loss.

We loved having him around. More recently he has helped us with some remodeling. He has been a frequent visitor at Davy's home so we have spent many a meal across the table from him. He has always been the sweetest, most kind-hearted and helpful person. We will never forget him and we pray the pain of his passing will subside in your family and in our son who suffers.

David and Paula Luke

Wow, you made a beautiful website for Randy. I remember meeting him when I was in Ohio, he was very friendly and could tell right away that he was good people. Drug addiction is talking a toll on both of our families. I am so sorry for your guys. I don’t know what to say. Take care.

Tonia Maddock

Words can’t explain the sorrow I feel for loss of our friend. Some of the fondest memories I have of Randy are having ‘‘the smile”. Randy was always, always smiling. I miss him already – so sorry I didn’t get to see him last summer 2007 OHS reunion. My prayers, thoughts, and hopes of memories of Randy will bring better times everyone!

Mary ‘Evans’ Baldwin

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