Randall Bert "Randy" Smith of Ft. Collins passed courageously into eternity on October 17, 2015 after a brief illness. He was joyfully greeted by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He was preceded into eternity by his father, (Alvin Smith), his mother (Ida Mae Smith), and his brothers (Barry and Richard Smith). He is survived by one brother, (Kenneth Smith of Virginia Beach, VA) and two sisters (Debbie Eckdahl of Denver and Jennie Dachs of Dexter, MO) many nieces, nephews and other family.
Randy was born in Dugway, Utah on September 5, 1958. He became a resident of Ft. Collins in 1970. He was a graduate of Poudre High School, Aims Community College and CSU with a Bachelor's of Science in Information Systems. He was a member of Immanuel Community Church and the Boy Scouts of America. He pursued several hobbies avidly. Among those pursuits were music, athletics, trains, photography as well as many outdoor interests.
Randy's love of music was displayed in playing his clarinet as well as singing. He was the Drum Major of the PHS Marching Band. He excelled in singing as well. He shared his beautiful tenor voice in the elite Impalaphonics of PHS. He gave back to God by singing in many different groups at IBC and traveling with the world renowned Continental Singers. This was an avenue for him to share God's love through song and to minister to thousands of people. With the Continentals he traveled across the USA, overseas to Europe, Norway, Finland, Sweden as well as Russia.
He enjoyed photographing all historical events in his life and even learned to develop his own pictures when he was a student in PHS' Annual Staff while publishing the school yearbook. His interest in trains began in elementary school when he and one of his life-long friends built an H.O. Gage model train set. He continued his fascination with trains as an adult by chasing them!
He loved athletics. He lettered in swimming as well as band while at PHS. He got hooked on volleyball as a teenager at IBC. That interest developed into his forming the Ft. Collins Boys' Volleyball League which he coordinated for several years. His volleyball passion then evolved into being a Line Judge for the Women's College Volleyball circuit. He was so quick at making the calls that the other officials nicknamed him "Guns". He officiated at tourneys from the west coast to the Mississippi River. HE LOVED VOLLEYBALL!
Randy also loved all things outdoors: snowshoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, etc. He found that as a Boy Scout he could pursue his love of all these activities. He joined Boy Scouts in elementary school and was a life-long member. He rose through the all the ranks and attained his Eagle Badge and was selected for the Order of the Arrow. He attended the 1973 National Jamboree in Idaho and the 1975 World Jamboree in Norway. He was an Assistant Scout Master. He truly embodied the Scout Slogan, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
His employment was diversified. He delivered the Denver Post on his bicycle to over 200 customers as a teenager, sacked and stocked groceries at Steele's Market, worked in construction, welding, roofing, painting digitized maps for the US Forest Service, was a Computer Specialist with Hewlett Packard and enjoyed assisting many veterans and their families while working for USAA.
Our brother and friend you are sorely missed, but we are comforted by the knowledge that you have been given jewels in your crown in heaven. We will see you again!
Memorial contributions can be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel 121 West Olive. Ft. Collins, CO 80521.