I'm so sorry to hear that. My sincere condolences, Erin. To you and your family, especially, but even to humanity more broadly, because frankly, he sounds like a really wonderful, generous person who left joy in his wake. The world needs more such men, and we should all mourn the good ones.
Rest in peace, Uncle Randy. Thank you for your so-bad-they're-good jokes. I can only imagine you're one of the influences behind Erin's delightful wit, and I have no doubt she will proudly bear that torch for you. <3
A couple years ago I said something punny and he said “Har har.” And I was like “REALLY? YOU of all people are saying HAR HAR to ME?!” He laughed so hard at that
I am in tears reading this beautiful tribute to the power of love, determination, and a sense of humor (that “indelicate” sports injury!). What a big, adventurous, valuable life your uncle led.
This is beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss. Life is precious. He sounded like such a gentle and kind person. Wishing you and your family peace and healing.
I'm very sorry for your loss but that was a beautiful tribute. Particularly the final line. Death is both the worst part of life and the only thing to give it meaning, and it sounds like he found a lot of meaning in life.
Uncle Randy firmly believed people would not be weird or ignorant about disability if they'd just ask about it, or do something fun like a wheelchair race to get a taste of what the disabled experience. He was generous toward non-disabled people: he welcomed questions, especially from kids. He would've loved presiding over another wheelchair race, I'm sure.
Somehow I missed this one earlier, but very sorry all the same. The previous time you posted about your uncle I added, "But very glad he was able to lead a full life given all he had to deal with," which I immediately had the urge to delete because it sounded glib and Pollyannish; who am I to assume his life was so full and rewarding, just because he was a wonderful person? But reading over this testimonial, it seems pretty clear that he really did lead an objectively full life!
Rest assured I’m not easily offended and take all such comments exactly as they’re written, as kindness. So don’t worry about me calling anyone a Pollyanna!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful life! We are sad for Aunt Alice and Kevin and family. We have wonderful memories of Randy. He never complained or let his disabilities limit him. May we all be as humble and grateful!
I cried at this tribute. What a full and committed life. His family was wonderful.
I had a student like your Uncle Randy. He was brilliant. He passed away in his early 50s.
His length of life was remarkable. And if it had to be his time, he went quickly and did not suffer. Could hardly ask for more.
I'm so sorry to hear that. My sincere condolences, Erin. To you and your family, especially, but even to humanity more broadly, because frankly, he sounds like a really wonderful, generous person who left joy in his wake. The world needs more such men, and we should all mourn the good ones.
Rest in peace, Uncle Randy. Thank you for your so-bad-they're-good jokes. I can only imagine you're one of the influences behind Erin's delightful wit, and I have no doubt she will proudly bear that torch for you. <3
A couple years ago I said something punny and he said “Har har.” And I was like “REALLY? YOU of all people are saying HAR HAR to ME?!” He laughed so hard at that
Given how much of a sucker I am for terrible puns, I definitely think I would have enjoyed knowing your uncle.
I am in tears reading this beautiful tribute to the power of love, determination, and a sense of humor (that “indelicate” sports injury!). What a big, adventurous, valuable life your uncle led.
This is beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss. Life is precious. He sounded like such a gentle and kind person. Wishing you and your family peace and healing.
I'm very sorry for your loss but that was a beautiful tribute. Particularly the final line. Death is both the worst part of life and the only thing to give it meaning, and it sounds like he found a lot of meaning in life.
Also I want to be in a wheelchair race now.
Uncle Randy firmly believed people would not be weird or ignorant about disability if they'd just ask about it, or do something fun like a wheelchair race to get a taste of what the disabled experience. He was generous toward non-disabled people: he welcomed questions, especially from kids. He would've loved presiding over another wheelchair race, I'm sure.
This was a beautiful tribute to your Uncle Randy. It makes clear that he was greatly loved, that he loved greatly, and that he lived a great life.
Sad, yes, that he is gone, but inspiring to hear about who he was and what he did.
And there is a special talent for telling jokes and puns that are so bad they're good. The calibration has to be just right.
I’m sorry, Erin. Lovely piece.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I remember Randy from Boy Scouts.
I'm so glad Randy had a productive life.
Somehow I missed this one earlier, but very sorry all the same. The previous time you posted about your uncle I added, "But very glad he was able to lead a full life given all he had to deal with," which I immediately had the urge to delete because it sounded glib and Pollyannish; who am I to assume his life was so full and rewarding, just because he was a wonderful person? But reading over this testimonial, it seems pretty clear that he really did lead an objectively full life!
Rest assured I’m not easily offended and take all such comments exactly as they’re written, as kindness. So don’t worry about me calling anyone a Pollyanna!
But anyway, thank you.
I'm so sorry about the passing of such a special, remarkable man. Sending love across the miles to you and your family.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful life! We are sad for Aunt Alice and Kevin and family. We have wonderful memories of Randy. He never complained or let his disabilities limit him. May we all be as humble and grateful!
A life beautifully remembered and written about. My condolences to you, and Rest Eternal for your uncle.
Thinking of your uncle and all who loved him. Condolences.
So sorry for your loss Erin :(