Obituary of Richard T. Randall

Richard T. "Rick" Randall, 80, of Castleton, died suddenly Monday, November 20, 2017 at Albany Medical Center. Richard was born on Long Island to the late Ernest and Bertha Randall. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Colgate University. For over 50 years, Rick, a teacher at Columbia High School in the East Greenbush Central School District, educated and mentored students who remember him to this day. Coach Rick loved sports and coached athletes throughout his entire life. He developed the Blue Devils lacrosse program in 1981 and served as head coach for 15 years. He was honored as Coach of the Year five times and led his teams to 161 wins and a Section II Championship. In recognition of his enduring commitment and success as a coach, Rick was inducted into the Adirondack Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the Columbia High School Athletic Hall of fame. So deeply did Coach Randall instill the importance of values, fairness and hard work, his athletes held him in the highest respect and sought his advice long after their athletic efforts ended. As a husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother and friend, Rick built relationships that lasted. He is described by those who loved and cherished him as kind, dedicated, generous, loving, and endearing. Rick gave his all to all who knew him, whether they were famous or known only to him. He always reached out to help friends and neighbors when he could. Known as one friend's "martini partner and best man", another's "role model", a "man's man" to one, and the "greatest Papa" to his grandchildren, Rick meant so much to so many. He will always remain deeply loved and profoundly missed. In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by his brother Craig Randall. Rick is survived by his wife Sally (Storms) Randall; a daughter Kristen Randall; two sons Kyle (Michelle) Randall and Kurt (Jennifer) Randall; and six Randall grandchildren including Kolby, Kyler, Karsen, Sienna, Alaina, and Sawyer. Family and friends are invited to attend his memorial service Sunday, November 26, at 4:00 pm at the Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY. Friends may call between 1-4 pm on the day of his memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out to: Columbia Lacrosse Alumni in Rick's name are suggested and appreciated. Mail to: 15 Coyote Lane, Troy NY, 12180