Randy encouraged me to look at planning as a career, not just a job. I was a single mom with two young girls and no child support so his validation of my potential meant a great deal. As a result, I did get my AICP which allowed me to do so much more with my life and provide so much more for my family. We lived in Old West Austin and my girls babysat for Kelly and Cheryl.

The Texas

Randy encouraged me to look at planning as a career, not just a job. I was a single mom with two young girls and no child support so his validation of my potential meant a great deal. As a result, I did get my AICP which allowed me to do so much more with my life and provide so much more for my family. We lived in Old West Austin and my girls babysat for Kelly and Cheryl.

The Texas APA Conference was in Austin this year and hoped I would see Randy to thank him. I Wanted to let him know that I was the first Planning Director for the City of Hutto and later started my own firm doing the first Comprehensive Plan for the City of Jarrell. I missed that opportunity but did want his family to know. We will be thinking of you all.

He was my uncle from Texas. When I was little I thought he was a cowboy too. I remember thinking he was soooo tall and he walked like a cowboy.
When I was about 13, just starting the long drawn-out teenage angst that was to follow (ask any of the relatives about it and they'll probably roll their eyes..) I went to visit my Texas cousins. We spent a night in a summer home somewhere. Aunt Joanne must've been putting

He was my uncle from Texas. When I was little I thought he was a cowboy too. I remember thinking he was soooo tall and he walked like a cowboy.
When I was about 13, just starting the long drawn-out teenage angst that was to follow (ask any of the relatives about it and they'll probably roll their eyes..) I went to visit my Texas cousins. We spent a night in a summer home somewhere. Aunt Joanne must've been putting the girls to bed. Uncle Randy called my name and dared to intrude on my anti-social self~absorbed little bubble. He made me step outside and look at the sky. There was a lightening storm somewhere miles away and we could see it from where we were. It lit up the night sky over and over with blue and pink and orange. I'd never seen anything like it. In fact,being from Chicago, up til that point I'd never seen such an unobstructed view of the sky. It woke me for a moment and made me ponder on something besides myself for a bit and I'm pretty sure that was his whole point..
We touch the lives in some way of every person we meet. Sometimes in a big way, sometimes small. Uncle Randy touched my life in his own quiet way. I will never forget it. There will be a big Texas size cowboy shaped hole in all our lives.
Aunt Joanne, Kelly and Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. I love you all.

Joanne, Cheryl, and Family,

I was saddened to read the news about Randy's death in the paper this morning. My thoughts go back to West Austin Babysitting Co-Op days, when our girls were small. My heart goes out to you all.

In deepest sympathy,
Lanie Tankard and Family

I first met Randy in 1978 in San Diego at RECON. He and Joanne were co-workers already dating. I called him JR and her JT. The following year they married and then moved back to Austin. We remained friends over the years through visits and letters as our lives paralleled with marriage, children, and then empty nests.

He and Joanne returned to RECON to see if San Diego would be a place to retire. We shared dinners, played scrabble, and solved

I first met Randy in 1978 in San Diego at RECON. He and Joanne were co-workers already dating. I called him JR and her JT. The following year they married and then moved back to Austin. We remained friends over the years through visits and letters as our lives paralleled with marriage, children, and then empty nests.

He and Joanne returned to RECON to see if San Diego would be a place to retire. We shared dinners, played scrabble, and solved the problems of the world. I was always skeptical of Randy’s 2 letter scrabble words “chiefly Scottish” in origin as he scored for a win. He was always right.

We were all amazed at Randy’s strength and courage as he fought leukemia. His positive attitude guided us all. Our lives were so enriched by knowing him. Our thoughts for strength and peace are with Joanne, Kelly and Cheryl.

We miss you JR.

He made me poached eggs once. I had never seen a poached egg before. He was Uncle Randy. He had a beard. Then didn't. Then, he did again. He was Strong and Stern, and Beautiful to look at. I loved him very much. I loved that he was my Uncle Randy. And, I will miss him.

house.

He owned a ranch with real cows! I remember visiting there with my sister and mom. Spanish church ruins, a pond, and cattle. There it was he owned cattle. That cemented it. To me uncle Randy was a bearded cowboy, who had a ranch and a cowboy shop.

He took me to the side one day. It was either in Texas or one of the times he visited Chicago with aunt joanne. He pulled out a hat,

house.

He owned a ranch with real cows! I remember visiting there with my sister and mom. Spanish church ruins, a pond, and cattle. There it was he owned cattle. That cemented it. To me uncle Randy was a bearded cowboy, who had a ranch and a cowboy shop.

He took me to the side one day. It was either in Texas or one of the times he visited Chicago with aunt joanne. He pulled out a hat, but not just any hat. A Sherlock Holmes hat. He told me "this hat was my father's. He gave it to me, and I don't have a son, so I'm passing it on to you." I was touched. I cherish that hat. The hat has seen better days. A family pet ate half the brim, but I still have it, and one day when I have kids of my own I will show them the hat. I will tell them about my Uncle Randy. The bearded cowboy from Texas. I will miss him.

The legend of Uncle Randy according to David Foy.

The first thing I remember and will always associate with him is the beard. I remember thinking it was so cool as a kid. The epitome of manliness. I didn't know anyone with a beard! I remember asking my father to grow one, to which he replied" I did once. It looked stupid." I swore one day I would grow a beard and it would be just as cool as uncle

The legend of Uncle Randy according to David Foy.

The first thing I remember and will always associate with him is the beard. I remember thinking it was so cool as a kid. The epitome of manliness. I didn't know anyone with a beard! I remember asking my father to grow one, to which he replied" I did once. It looked stupid." I swore one day I would grow a beard and it would be just as cool as uncle Randys.

He was a cowboy. I was absolutely sure of this growing up. He lived in Texas, he had a beard! What more proof could I need? I was six or seven and it was Christmas morning. We were opening presents, and there was a package for me from Texas. I was so excited! What could it be? To David love Aunt joanne and Uncle Randy read the tag. I tore it open with eager eyes. There it was a toy six shooter, cowboy hat, holster, sheriff star, cowboy vest, and toy rifle. "wowee! " I exclaimed. "hey mom" I said " I bet uncle Randy made this in his cowboy shop!" this whole episode is documented on an old home movie at my parents

I came to know Randy many years ago when he was a tenant in our office. He subsequently designed our website for us which we are still using today. Randy was simply one of the kindest and nicest guys I have ever known and I feel it was a privilege to have been a small part of his life. Our condolences to Joanne and the girls.....

Randy is fondly remembered and will be missed. He and Joanne were already at RECON when I was hired. The days on Cudahy were memorable and Randy is part of those memories. We were so pleased when he returned to RECON's employ and then stunned when leukemia reared its ugly head. But Randy was a fighter and a positive person. When he was feeling well, he had more energy than most of us. His stamina blessed us with many more

Randy is fondly remembered and will be missed. He and Joanne were already at RECON when I was hired. The days on Cudahy were memorable and Randy is part of those memories. We were so pleased when he returned to RECON's employ and then stunned when leukemia reared its ugly head. But Randy was a fighter and a positive person. When he was feeling well, he had more energy than most of us. His stamina blessed us with many more years of memories and friendship after his initial diagnosis. He was never reluctant to impart his knowledge to others. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Randy was great to work with. I enjoyed his stories and sense of humor and respected his knowledge and background. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.