Randall “Randy” Lee passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023 at Royal Jubilee Hospital, waiting for a brief lapse in the family guard before exiting on his own terms–quietly and privately. He was 71 years old.
Randy was born on September 3, 1952 in Victoria, B.C., the middle child of Jack and Lillian Lee. Intelligent and easy going, his early life was characterized by academic excellence and a fondness for golf. On many mornings, he could be found sneaking in a few holes before school with his (eventually lifelong) buddies at Uplands Golf Club, where he was a member for over 60 years.
After graduating from high school at 16, Randy completed a Bachelor of Commerce at UBC. The following years in Vancouver were “formative” for Randy as he became a successful sales rep for Xerox and added skiing, sports cars and a general disregard for personal health to his interests.
Randy’s middle years were defined by his commitment to managing the family business, contributions to his community and devotion to his family. Taking over for his father in 1977, Randy managed Chinese Village for over 20 years. He also served on multiple Boards of Directors across the foodservice and tourism sectors, and in 1989 he received a B.C. Restaurateur of the Year.
He met and married his match and the love of his life, Leslie, in 1982, and welcomed two children: Brett and Lauren. With kids in tow, Randy retired his Porsches but kept his fishing boats. The Lees created many fond memories fishing and boating together over the years.
Randy was not overly effusive, preferring to express his love for others in the kitchen. He took great joy in gathering people together for restaurant-grade home cooked meals, or sending guests off with a completely unnecessary number of treats. He was “the ultimate host.”
After Chinese Village closed, Randy found his dream job at the West Coast Fishing Club, uniting his passion for fishing with his aptitude for sales. Randy dedicated more time to his family and his golf swing. His skills in meticulously running the household improved significantly; his golf swing not so much.
Once retired, Randy and Leslie played golf together, became snowbirds and even traveled to a couple places without a Costco. He became a grandfather–or “Gu Gu” as he was dubbed–to four granddaughters. And despite privately battling multiple forms of cancer in his last few years of life, he continued to focus on his family until the very end. He’ll be remembered for his wicked sense of humour and quick wit, as embodied by his infamous limericks and Top 10 lists. Randy would be too humble to acknowledge it, but he was a great man: a devoted husband, a loving father and a generous human to everyone around him.
Randy is survived by his wife Leslie; two siblings: Barbara (Eugene) and Robert (Karina); two children: Brett (Sydney) and Lauren (Jack); four grandchildren: Devin, Eva, Sabine and Maisie; eleven nieces and nephews; and one geriatric dog: Bubba.
Randy’s family wishes to thank the nursing staff of 5 North at Royal Jubilee Hospital for their tireless and compassionate care. His family requests that donations be made to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation or the BC Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers.
A Celebration of Life for Randy will be held on January 20, 2024, at Uplands Golf Course, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Peter Jones
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Kenneth Lee I am late in finding the passing of Randy. My deepest condolences to
Leslie and the family. We will miss a great person and friend. Thanking for letting me be your friend. Rest in peace.
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Yushy Wallace Ed and I are so sorry for your loss Leslie. Sending hugs during this difficult time.
Take care
Yushy
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David Mick To Leslie and family,
Whether I was with him on the golf course or the dental office he always brightened my day.
He will be missed.
Thinking of you and yours during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
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Frederick Wayne Steeds Dear Leslie and family. I am so saddened to read of Randy’s passing. Even though we lost touch I’ve thought of Randy many,many times over the years. Randy was a good friend to me, very kind and generous. I’m so happy the two of you married and had a wonderful life together. He will be missed. With love and deepest condolences, Wayne Steeds.
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Carl and Sandi Kennedy So sorry to hear about Randys passing.I arranged many fishing trips with him and we had many long conversations.He always told me he was going to plan a trip to the east coast and we would be able to get together.Unfortunately this didnt happen. Our depest condolences.
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Wendy Newton Dear Leslie,
I was so sad to hear of Randy’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.My deepest sympathies to you…
Wendy Newton
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ROSS MCKAY Dear Leslie, Brett, Lauren and the Lee Family’
I am sorry to hear of your loss of Randy, a remarkable man of humility, skill and humour…
I recall seeing him driving by, waving, towing his Whaler with a big smile and then returning from the saltchuck with an even bigger smile and a couple of Chinook!
Best wishes,
Ross McKay
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Sally and Russell Chan Sending warm thoughts to Leslie and family and to Rob and family during this sad time. Good memories from the old Chinese Village Restaurant days <3
Hugs,
Sally and Russell Chan
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Daryl Yuen Dear Leslie
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Although I didn’t know Randy well I did know that he was your soulmate & together you created a beautiful & loving family. Hang onto all your wonderful memories and he’ll be in your heart forever.
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Ken and Lynne Henderson Dear Leslie and family. Ken and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. We wish to send caring thoughts your way.
Randy’s passing brings back memories of our company buying the Chinese Village Restaurant property. The restaurant was revered in Victoria for decades and we fondly remember going there with family and friends.
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George Acs I am very saddened by the loss of a long time friend and colleague in the restaurant industry. Randy and I were both very active in the Victoria Restaurant Association during the 80’s, and helped formulate industry standards that helped the industry evolve to its current levels, earning him to be recognized by his peers as the Victoria Restaurateur of the Year.
Rest in peace my friend.
George & Carolyn Acs
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Rita Balaam Dear Leslie and family.
Robyn Evans just informed me about Randy’s passing. Vaughan and I would like to send you our sincere condolences. I hope you find some comfort in the closeness of your children and 4 grand daughters. Not the nicest way to reconnect with you. Wishing you strength during these difficult times. Thinking of you. xo
Rita and Vaughan Balaam.
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Diane & Philip Mew Dear Leslie and family,
We were saddened when we heard the news, and we are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Rest in Peace Randy.
Diane & Philip Mew
Victoria BC
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Madeleine and Michel Dear Leslie and family,
Our sincere condolences. We will miss Randy’s beautiful smile. Sending hugs.
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Terry and Patti Hunter Leslie and family. We were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. We will miss Randy and happy hours in Palm Desert. Will make his Costco Brownie recipe and think of him and the laughs and golf games shared. Sending hugs to all of you. Terry and Patti
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Dennis and Margaret Dale Leslie and family. What a sad shock to learn of Randy’s passing. Your tribute to him in the paper was truly special for a truly remarkable man. All of us at the golf club will greatly miss his cheerful presence and sparkling wit. His quiet dignity at the end, keeping his suffering to himself, is a mark of the remarkable man he was. We won’t forget him. We send our deepest sympathy.
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Barb Allison Leslie, Brett and Lauren,
We are so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. He brought so many fun memories to our time in “the Woods” and will not be forgotten. His humour and kindness enriched the so lives of many people. He was a gem!
Barb and John Allison
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Raymond Mew Dear Leslie and family:
I have known Randy since Oak Bay High and my one summer working at Chinese Village.
What a fun, gracious, considerate and thoughtful man, good to everyone around him.
He lived this way his entire life ensuring his family and wide circle of friends benefited from his joie de vivre; while sharing this with the so many those surrounding him
My deepest condolence and may Randy rest in peace,
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Steven Chung and Linda Richkum-Chung Dear Leslie:
Our deepest condolences to you, Brett and Lauren.
Linda and I are so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. We can’t imagine your pain and grief at this time.
In reading Randy’s obituary, both of you lived life to its fullest. May those memories bring you comfort.
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Jeanette Lee & Dave Briggs Dear Leslie, Lauren and Brett,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful dedication to the joy Randy brought to each day, and to everyone around him. Our thoughts are with you. Sending our deepest condolences.
With love,
Jeanette & Dave
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Rob and Barb Carere Dear Leslie
Barbara and I were both very saddened to hear of Randy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest sympathies to you at this time of loss.
Rob and Barb Carere
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Gaylene & Keith Yeung Dear Leslie
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the recent passing of Randy. The grief that your family is experiencing must be so intense at such a sudden loss in your lives. It is always difficult to write notes such as this as words seem futile during this very sad time in your lives. Perhaps happy memories can provide some comfort to you and your family. Randy was too young to leave this world.Warmly
Gaylene & Keith Yeung
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Pat Battles Leslie & family,
Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Such a lovely tribute…. clearly Randy will live on through all the people whose lives he touched so deeply. Please accept my sincere condolences.
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Trevor Wong Leslie, Lauren and Brett,
Our deepest condolences to you all. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time.Trevor, Sue and family (Toronto)
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Gilbert Mew Chew Dear Leslie, Brett and lauren,
Heartfelt condolences to you on Randy’s passing. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances and especially you, his family.
Gil Chew
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Shelley Cranston My sincere condolences to you Leslie, to your children, and to your granddaughters for the loss of your Randy! Randy’s tribute is so nice, and he is going to be missed by so many. A true gentleman!
You are in my thoughts Leslie, and may your memories bring solace.
Sincerely
Shelley Cranston
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Robert Penman It’s with shock that I receive this news & offer my condolences to Leslie & the family. Tight lines Randy.
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Stacey Lund Dear Leslie, Brett and Lauren,
I am so sad to learn of Randy’s passing. I have great memories growing up in the University Woods neighbourhood with your family and babysitting Brett and Lauren. Randy was a great man and great friend to my dad. I will always remember him reading one of his funny poems at my mom’s 40th. Thinking of you all and sending love. May he rest in peace. Stacey Lund (McCall)
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Adrian Cownden Dear Leslie,
My deepest condolences to you, Brett and Lauren.
We will remember Randy for his kindness, courtesy and friendship. A great man will be missed.
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Matthew M and family Leslie and family, I’m saddened by your loss but heartened that Randy brought so much joy to those around him during his life.
My thoughts are with you and the family.
Matthew M, Toronto
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Ian and Shirley Barbour Such sadness for the passing of a truly great guy .
Full of passion , humour and wit .
So many happy memories of eating , fishing and laughing …………..
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Leslie Duncan Dear Leslie,Brett and Lauren,
I am so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing.
Randy was a wonderful person and he made this world a better place.
Hugs,
Leslie Duncan
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Duncan & Cherie Hopp Leslie, Brett and Lauren, It is with heavy hearts that we learned of Randy’s passing. Please accept our condolences for your loss. He was a great person and you were such a lovely couple. Peace be with you.
Duncan and Cherie Hopp
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Sherry & Robbie Sheffman Dear Leslie,
Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved Randy. He was a man of great wisdom, humility and kindness, and is already greatly missed.
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Bob Darnell Leslie, I am heart broken to have read of Randy’s passing. Such a lovely man taken too soon. Randy, you & the Lee family bring back so many fond memories of my time in the “Restaurant” business and all the fabulous meals & laughs we had at “Chinese Village Restaurant”, makes me so sad.
Randy was not only a “Great Host” and manager, put a super friend.
Bev & I miss those great evenings at the CVR
Take care, Bob & Bev
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Jay Chudleigh Leslie and Family,
Sending my sincere condolences to all in the loss of Randy. I met Randy at Uplands Golf Course and can’t say enough what a great guy he was. R.I.P. FriendSincerely Jay Chudleigh
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Jack and Donna Schaddelee Dear Leslie and family, We wish it. Send you and the family our deepest sympachy on the loss of our Dear Randy. Back in the day I can still see his big beautiful smile when we looked over the fence at you two beautiful people. Our kids loved to peek at that great guy and lovely girl you two were their heros’.
Randy will be greatly missed
Our best to you all. Love Jack and Donna Schaddelee and family
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Niels Kerry Morgan Sean and Shane Poulsen Dear Leslie Brett and Lauren. I am so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. He was a an amazing person! I will always remember all the wonderful dinners we all shared not to mention those summer vacations at Parksville which were always so much fun and laughter cheating at Pictionary and listening to all our baby monitors to see whose child was crying ! Rest now my friend and know you will always remain apart of this families memories ♥️. To Leslie and family we send all our love
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Susan Bruce (nee Edmonds) Leslie and family,
It is with a great deal of sadness that John and I read that wonderful tribute to Randy in the newspaper this morning. I had the pleasure of attending high school with him and also had the privilege of working with Leslie at Bayside Middle School in a team teaching capacity for a number of years.
My memories of his high school years and the stories Leslie shared with me during our teaching time together reinforced that he was a very funny, caring man and a great father and true partner to Leslie. In later years, our little group of Donna, Lorraine, Marg, Sharry, Bea and I would hold our Christmas dinners at the Chinese Village where Randy would order us special dishes and take the time to make us feel welcome and celebrated. It is a tribute to Randy that I will remember his positive approach to all he did and how his many kindnesses impacted those around him.
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Grace and David Lee Dear Leslie, Lauren and Brett’
Our sincere condolences on Randy’s untimely passing. He fought his health issues with great courage and grace.
It was so nice to have had the opportunity to chat with hm prior to your returning to Victoria after your Toronto visit in early September.
We fondly remember our visits to Victoria to see Nellie, brother Ed, you and Randy and experiencing your family’s generous hospitality and Randy’s culinary skills.
I, personally, cherish the memories of Randy’s laid back wit and humour, golfing at Uplands, dining at the Chinese Village and returning home with pounds of salmon for distribution to the Toronto Lee’s.
Rest in peace, Randy. We miss you dearly.
Love,
Aunt Grace and Uncle Dave
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Len & Donna Shavluk Randy was a wonderful man. Great sense of humor.
He will truly be missed. Condolences to Leslie and
the family.
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Dominique Chapheau I am so sorry to hear of Randy passing. We did a lot of fishing together in Bamfield, while we were both in the restaurant business.Randy had a wicked sense of humour. We served on the board of the restaurant association.We did not see each other, in the later years, but I will miss him. RIP
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Sharen Warde Leslie we are truly saddened by your loss. Although we didn’t know Randy personally we knew him through your funny reflections of him while we were playing golf together. Our heartfelt condolences
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Maureen Yip So sadden to lean of Randy’s passing. So young, gone too soon. I’ll miss seeing at the Golf Club.
He always have some cheerful remarks to brighten my day. He was a wonderful speaker when called upon.
Jokingly I had him book a few moment of his time to do my eulogy. He agreed. OK, I am a lot older.
Will miss a great guy.Condolences to Leslie & family in this difficult time.
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Krystin Zamperin Leslie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. Sounds like Randy lived life to the fullest and he will surely be missed!Thoughts and prayers to you all during this very difficult time. – Krystin (Kathy young’s daughter)
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Jeeto and Jim Crone Leslie and family, we are very sorry to learn of Randy’s passing. Randy always had a kind word and a terrific sense of humour. Our sincere condolences. Jeeto and Jim Crone
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Bob Lee To Leslie and family with our deepest sympathy..We have known Randy and his family for many many years.
Bob and Donna Lee and family
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Terry Dale So sorry for your loss. I still remember the nice time I had when Randy brought you to my home in Kamloops. Randy always treated me as if I was his most important customer.
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Kathy Young Dear Leslie, ,
Words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss! I am deeply saddened to hear about dear Randy’s passing .
I send my love and deepest sympathy to you and your family .
My prayers and thoughts are with you
Love , Aunty Kathy
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Kate Wilkinson To Leslie, Brett and Lauren,
Thinking of you all and sending all my love your way. Randy really was the ultimate host – the Waffle Fairy, as we called him one morning after staying out too late in Victoria. He greeted a group of hungover 20-somethings as though we were royalty, with a full breakfast feast he’d partially cooked in the garage to keep the noise down (what hungover 20-something deserves that?) It was obvious from the day we became suitemates that he absolutely adored Lauren, making sure she was taken care of from afar, often in the form of food and treats, when we were at Western. His speeches at both her and Brett’s weddings were unforgettable (and hilarious). He was a wonderful person and I am so grateful to have met him. The love he had for his children was shared with the rest of us, no questions asked. I will miss him dearly. I’m sending all my love your way and can’t wait to give Lauren big big hugs when she’s back in Toronto. Love and miss you all.
Kate (Barb) xoxo
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Harry Hitchman Condolences to you Leslie and family.
I hadn’t seen Randy in far too long, so I am sitting here in shock & sadness at his passing far too soon. But at the same time I am happy that I knew him, enjoyed his company & wit on numerous occasions back in the day, and enjoyed many wonderful meals at Chinese Village. RIP
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Rick Reynolds Randy was a cool guy, always friendly and great to be around. He will be missed for sure!
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Susan and Al Morriss What a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to a wonderful friend and Uplands compatriot. Randy was truly one of a kind and he will be missed by us all. Sincere condolences to Leslie and your family.
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Andrea Maw (neé Losch) Holding Randy’s family in my heart wishing years of beautiful memories for a very sweet funny man whose twinkling eyes lit up the room. He was a mentor to me when I was as a young woman just having joined Xerox – memories last forever! With sympathy, Andrea
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Robin Burrell Sincerely sorry to hear of Randy’s passing.. A great friend, a great golf buddy for over sixty years at Uplands..
My sincere condolences to Leslie and family.
RIP Randy, forever at peace now..
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Judy Cryderman I am shocked and saddened by the loss of this fine man. I especially remember him on the golf course, at his restaurant and his speeches when called upon as the most witty, and humorous, especially the speech he gave at our retiring former pro’s at Uplands Don Billsborough and Bruce Rands and at our uplands GC 100 year centennial. If he was sick and suffering, it was in silence. Way too young to leave us. His presence at the golf club will sadly be missed.
Judy Cryderman
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Pierre & Darlene Leseach Dear Leslie and family,
We are sadden to hear of Randy’s passing. He was such a lovely person. We so enjoyed the times we did spend with you. Always lots of fun.
May all of the wonderful memories you had together be with you now and help to ease your pain.
With deepest sympathy
Pierre & Darlene Leseach
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Shirley Hunter Randy and I went to high school together. Victoria was still very much a small town in those days with everyone knowing everyone else . He was always kind and funny, competent and clever. The world has lost a lovely person.
Sending warm thoughts to Leslie, Brett and Lauren.
Best wishes Shirley and Rob Hunter
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Marnee Dear Leslie, Brett, Lauren and family,
We are saddened to hear of Randy’s passing and thinking of all of you.
He was a wonderful, kind and generous man.
We will miss his great smile and ability to make each person he greeted feel his warmth.
It has been an honor to know him.
Marnee, Graeme, Scott and Fraser
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Al Brown Beautiful Tribute to a wonderful man. Randy was the best friend a person could have. We will miss him greatly. Al and Pam Brown
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Nigel Brown Randy will be missed greatly, just a great guy.
Condolences to the family.
Best wishes, Nigel Brown
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Tanya Fletcher (Cownden) Dear Leslie, Brett and Lauren,
I wanted to extend my thoughts to you all.
I was recently speaking of you all to one of my clients, who is one of the original homes in the University Woods ‘hood. They couldn’t believe I knew you and others 🙂
Great memories on the boats, fishing, Roche Harbour, Sawyers Cove, restaurants and of course being the babysitter Ya Ya way back when.
Sending you hugs and love
Tanya
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Gerry & Bev Smith Dear Leslie, both Bev and I were greatly saddened when we heard of Randy’s passing (we are currently in Palm Desert) and we know he was looking forward to coming down to the desert this winter, we spoke of it often when we golfed together on our Tuesday golf day. We were concerned when he had to quite our Tuesday golf claiming he had hurt his back by playing five times in seven days, so needed to take a break. Now we realize it was more than just a bad back and I guess his cancer had come back with a vengeance. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences and are thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. Our best.
From the earliest days at kindergarten to our graduation and first steps at university, I’ve never known a kinder soul. Blessings too you Randy.
Peter