February 12, 1959 – October 4, 2024

On October 4, 2024, Randy passed away peacefully, surround by his family, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.

Randy was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan on February 12, 1959, and remained in Yorkton until the late 70’s when a road trip to B.C. abruptly ended with vehicle troubles, in Red Deer, AB.  The next morning, he walked into Mr. Tire, and was hired as a tire hand, with no experience.  This was the start of a 40-year career in the tire business in Central Alberta.  Mr. Tire was eventually sold to Fountain Tire, where Randy became an owner/manager of his own store, until he retired at the end of 2016.

Randy always loved everything sports, football (Steelers and SK Roughriders), hockey (Calgary Flames), baseball (Blue Jays), NASCAR, golfing, and numerous others. His all-time favorite thing was to be outside, whether it be camping, fishing, gardening, or feeding the birds in the yard.  He was an avid snowmobiler, Harley Davidson motorbike rider, and always enjoyed a fast drive in his 1964 Chevy Nova II. As a youth, Randy raced on the NBMX Motor Cross Circuit, in Yorkton, SK.

Randy also loved to travel and was always thrilled and excited to go on the adventures that him and Jody always took part in.  Maui was a yearly favorite for them.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Randy was forever touched by his great sense of humor, his gentleman ways, his extreme kindness, his zest for life, and his need for speed.  His willingness to always lend a helping hand, led him to 25 years as a volunteer with the Sutter Fund Charity Golf Tournament, as well as many years with Sylvan Minor Hockey, as a coach/manager.

Randy will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Jody Read; son, Justin (Shannon) Van Parys, daughter, Taneil (Quinn) Hagerty, daughter, Brea (Paul) Sutcliffe, and Jody’s sons, Riley (Leslie) Deschambault, Cody (Sheveryn) Deschambault; by his favorite people, his grandchildren, Presley, Easton, Mason, Leo and Hazel, along with Connor and Claire; mother in law, Chris Read, sister in law Jacquie (George) Cummerford, brother in law, Chris (Nancy) Read; nieces and nephews. Randy will also be missed by his buddies, Maggie and Cooper. Randy was predeceased by his father, Allan Van Parys and mother, Irene Van Parys, and father-in-law, Wayne Read.

The family would like to thank everyone that helped us during his brief health journey, notably Lynn (Palliative Home Care), Dr. Yam, the staff on Unit 32 at RDRHC, and the MAiD team for their care in ensuring Randy’s wishes came true.

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday October 21, 2024 from 1:30 – 5:00 pm, at the Harvest Centre, Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB. (4847A-19 Street)

*** Please wear your Jeans and Jerseys (or Harley Davidson Shirts), Oilers fans are also welcome.

Memorial donations can be made to the Rose McQuarrie Legacy Fund.  This fund aims to raise awareness and fundraise for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Research, with an emphasis towards early detection. https://rmlf.ca/

 

• Date : 2024-04-10
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home