948, at Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle, Randle Richard Hayden departed this life at his Lake Sammamish home Sept. 11, 2004, with his parents, sister and brother at his side, losing his 11-year battle with a rare form of cancer.

Randy never once entertained the idea that cancer would win. He had a huge enthusiasm for life, actively pursuing his interests and dreams and always reassuring everyone that the next treatment would beat it. For 11 long years he faced cancer with dignity, quiet courage and a real sense of humor and never once uttered a word of self-pity or defeat. He was a proud and private man who enthusiastically shared his future plans and dreams, refusing  to let cancer define or restrict his zest for life. 

Growing up a Navy brat, Randy’s sense of home was not tied to where he lived.  Home was where his family was. His childhood years were lived in Washington, California and Hawaii. He completed high school in San Diego in 1966 and obtained a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Western Washington State College in 1970.

His part-time job with Saga Food Service during his college years turned into a successful 30-year career as an executive in college food services and later hospital food services. On retirement from that career, he decided to launch a new one in real estate where he remained until his illness forced him into permanent retirement early in 2004.

Handsome, intelligent, hard working and athletic, Randy tackled everything he did with enthusiasm, persistence, skill, charm and class. In spite of being a workaholic, he managed to find time to pursue his sport passions — skiing (water and snow), tennis and golf with his many friends and family. 

In love with Hawaii since he lived there as a child, he regularly vacationed in the islands and hoped to retire on Maui.

Randy leaves behind his grieving parents, Jean and Dick, sister, Sandi (and husband, Frank), brother, Rich (and wife Elizabeth), his niece and nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, many friends and T.C., his well-loved cat.

Funeral services  will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m., at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. Cmdr. Fred Renfroe, CHC, USN (Ret) will officiate with burial to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland,  or Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville.