Dundee Community High School

Laura Webb Brase

Although I knew Randy in High School, I became to know him better as a member of the Class Reunion Committee. He was kind, witty, helpful, and most of all a genuine delite to be around.

Previous to his diagnosis, Randy was very helpful to me by recommending specific medical professionals regarding a family matter that was eerily similar to what he himself faced months later. More importantly, he soothed my fears. Fortunately, my son's diagnosis was not as serious as anticipated; Randy was less fortunate. He remained steadfast through his treatment; I only wish the outcome would have been different. Thank you for your friendship.

Jack Richards

No whine...No complaining...No feeling sorry for whatever hand you may have been dealt! Any of his considerable success in business, as a husband and Dad, could have been predicted even in our childhood. Randy was one of those great souls whose life and philosophy of life was an on-going sermon that didn't need words. How blessed we are to have known him...and if we paid attention, how much better our own ability to deal with all of the changes and chances life sets before each one of us!
For those with access to his Caring Bridge site, you will also be able to read one of the best tributes ever written by a spouse! Thank God, Micky and Randy found each other...what a great team!
Rest in peace, dear friend and teacher!

Glenda Illyes Owens

In Memory of Randy:

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver..

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

May God bless and comfort Randy's family during this time of loss. Peace be with you, Randy.

Cindy Zoellick Fitzsimmons

My thoughts and prayers go out to Randy's family. May you be blessed with all the wonderful memories you have and the time that he had with you.
God Bless,
Cid Fitzsimmons

Gail Caseber Homuth

Since graduation, I have only seen Randy at reunions and am now so sorry I missed the last one. But in high school, I considered him to be my closest male friend. I was pretty shy in school, but never felt shy around Randy. I think he made everyone feel better about themselves. He was a joy to everyone who knew him, a true gentle man. Gail Caseber Homuth

Rick Waters Crown '69

We are fortunate to have a few positive role models in our lives. Someone you can look up to and admire as both a competitor and a friend. A person you can count on to do and say the right thing. I have spoke of Randy often to my kids as an example of someone who never let a slight inconvenience stop him from his goals. Let’s not remember the way he died but remember the way he lived. Randy filled the room with his smile and his wit. I am proud to say Randy was a friend. I will miss him but will never forget him.
Rick Waters