23 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Mike Randall's father passed today.

Can't imagine that loss is ever easy, but being the Holidays just makes it that much more tough.

Let's wish the best to Mike and his family in this difficult time.

[BSLZackKiesel]

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Mike.

[Pedro Cerrano]

So sorry Mike.

God bless him.

[BobPhelan]

Damn. Sorry to hear that Mike.

[NewMarketSean]

Sorry for your loss, Mike.

Thinking of you this Christmas.

[Dupin]

That's terrible, sorry Mike.

[RShack]

Whenever it seems right to do so, please tell us a little bit about him....

[Russ]

Sorry to hear this, Mike. That's terrible news.

[Markus]

Terrible news, Mike. Do your best to think of all the good times.

[SBTarheel]

So sorry for your loss, Mike. 

[Mackus]

Awful news, Mike, so sorry to hear.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Heart breaking stuff, Mike. Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

[Matt_P]

Sorry to hear that. My condolences.

[Cisc-O's]

Mike that is awful news man.  Good vibes and thoughts sent your way.

[mweb08]

My condolences Mike. Best wishes to you and yours.

[BSLMikeLowe]

So sorry to hear about your loss Mike. You and your family are in my thoughts.

[Mike in STL]

Thank you all so much for your kindness during this rough time. I don't even know where to start when describing my dad. He built his house with his bare hands back in 1980. A log cabin out in Carroll County where he grew up. He was adored by so many people had so many friends, was always the life of the party. Unfortunately, being the life of the party is what ultimately led to all of his friends out living him. The last five or six years life seemed to unravel around him. He got sober about 18 months ago, but the damage was already done. It's been painful on him, all of the side effects of slow liver failure. He's the life of biggest party of them all now. 

 

Witty, quick with a joke, an old fashioned manly man. He made things, works on his own vehicle, planted a garden big enough that we rarely had to buy vegetables. Hunted and fished, and kept the freezer stocked with deer most winters and fish most summers. Built fires in the fireplace and rarely ran the heaters. An old school kind of guy. 

 

He was a big Orioles, Colts, Terps, now Ravens fan, and his dad had always gotten them season tickets to the O's and Colts when he was a kid. He could tell stories for days. His fandom wained in the 90's and 2000s because "it wasn't the same without Earl". But it came back the last few years because Buck "reminds him of Earl". Same with the Terps. He watches, but "it's not the same without Gary throwing a fit out there." Like I said, old school kind of guy. 

 

I could thank him for so many things, but one that stands out is my competitive spirit that I get from him. When I was a kid, he didn't make life easy on me. He didn't handle me with kid gloves. Whether we were playing checkers when I was a little guy, playing HORSE in the driveway on the regulation height basket, or when he robbed me of a home run in a father/son baseball game when I was 16, he never let me win. I needed to "practice, get better" if I wanted to win. I couldn't play HORSE with him with the basket lowered to 7 feet at 10 years old. How would I ever get better if i make the game easier? 

 

The way he raised my brother and I gave us very thick skin which you need to make it through life's toughest tests. I wouldn't be half the man I am without his guidance. 

 

Make sure you all have a Merry Christmas, and tell your parents you love them.

[Pedro Cerrano]

That's well said Mike. And again I'm sorry. Eulogizing my father was maybe the toughest thing I ever did.

[Icterus galbula]

I can't imagine how you are feeling, but that was a nice thing to read Mike. Hang in.

[Russ]

Well done, Mike.