LARSEN, Randall

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Randy passed away July 15, 2021, in the comfort of his home, reclined in his chair, listening to one of his favorite preachers, John McArthur. The sermon he was listening to was titled “The Best is Yet to Come”.

Randy was predeceased by his daughter Marina Doreen Thomas (née Larsen); his great-granddaughter Diana Lois Darlene Thomas; his sister Noni McLaughlin; and his niece Lori McLaughlin. He is survived by his wife Darlene; his son Vince (Mary); his daughters Darla and Debi Bailer (Randy); and by his 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren (2 little ones on the way); and by his sister Donna Townsend and nieces and nephew.

Randall “Randy” Keith Larsen was born on February 17, 1943, in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. He lived there for three years, then moved to Victoria, BC, where he finished out his school education. At 19, Randy proudly joined the RCMP; training in Regina. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Darlene, and they settled in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Between 1965 and 1971 they had 4 children: Vince, Marina, Darla and Debi. His RCMP career took him to Wetaskiwin, Medicine Hat, Sherwood Park, Vermilion, Brooks, and Leduc, AB, where he then retired from the police force.

In 1992, he accepted a job on the Surrey detachment in BC, where he was a Civilian Reader Analyst for the RCMP. During his 8-year tenure there, he was known affectionately as “the Griz” due to his impressive beard. He officially retired from the Surrey detachment in 2000 and moved to Kelowna, BC to be closer to his grandchildren.

Randy led a very fulfilling life, proudly devoting much of his time and talents to the church and to Darlene’s musical endeavors. He taught adult bible class and served as Sunday school superintendent. Being a musician in his own right, Randy enjoyed playing the guitar, the Cajon, and loved to sing. He was a Western music and Southern Gospel fan. He had a way with words and a talent for drawing, and has left us musings and poetry, often written on the back of napkins at some restaurant. He was an avid reader.

Randy was a competitive swimmer in school and was adamant about teaching his children to swim. When they were young, his kids had to work hard to get to go swimming by trying to push him off the couch. He was a big man, so it wasn’t easy! It took all 4 of them, but he always let them win!

Randy was very devoted to his RCMP career. He did his best to help wayward teens. Many of which, as adults, were grateful for his positive intervention. However, his career didn’t come without its challenges. He was involved in 3 car accidents, one of which he sustained a serious skull fracture and wasn’t expected to survive. Randy was also held at gunpoint and kidnapped after a routine traffic stop. So life was never dull!!

Randy was a faithful and loving husband and father. He was kind and welcomed the chance to serve in any way he could. He was strong physically and also in his biblical beliefs and views on life. He endeared himself by consistently offering up goofy jokes, one after the other. These “groaners” brought light and laughter that eased some difficult life moments.

On the day Randy passed, Darlene asked him how he was feeling. He said, “Oh, like a Ukrainian fish boat”. Then he paused and said, “I’m not sure this generation will know what a hunky-dory is”.

Randy leaves a Legacy of faithfulness to our Heavenly Father. His strength of character, his kindness, compassion and integrity to his family will be cherished for many years to come.

Randy,
You were/are greatly loved and will always be my soul mate. You ran an awesome race. You finished the course.
Until we meet again, my love. Sleep well.

No words are enough to thank Pastor Jared Enns and the church family for uplifting and supporting Randy and me in prayer during this long journey we were on. And for friends and family who supported and gave generously of themselves to Randy and me, I thank you. You are all a comfort to me, and I am forever grateful.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 10:00 am PDT, at Westside Alliance Church, 2011 Daimler Dr, West Kelowna, BC. Burial will follow at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jews for Jesus.

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