Book of Memories for Randy Blaine Yates

Condolence From Rick Ozzello

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:08:25 EST

Randy I think of you everyday and remember all the good times we spent together. Rest In Peace my Friend.

Condolence From Jim Kehoe

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 09:42:55 EST

Many fun times with Randy. My favorite was at Castle Farms working security at the ZZ top concert. Great story Great time. You will be missed my friend. God Bless!!!

Condolence From Brenda Eddy

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 23:28:11 EST

My heart is breaking for all. Although I haven't seen Randy in awhile, he has never left my thoughts. I met Randy over 30 years ago and what a special man he was. Oh what good times we had. Prayers to his family and friends.

Condolence From Ardie Reid

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 14:32:44 EST

Randy was fun to be around.. he was a great dispatcher..

Condolence From Pam & Larry Farmer

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:58:03 EST

Words can not express how my heart hurts for you.Randy has been a good neighbor and friend.My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Condolence From Michael Meeker

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 12:24:01 EST

I will miss my friend,but,I will cherish the memories of our times together the rest of my life. Mrs Yates I am so sorry for your loss. Please take solace in the fact you raised one of the finest human beings that ever walked this Earth.

Story shared: True gentleman

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 10:06:57 EST

Randy and I attended graduate school together at Siena Heights University. Through the entire program, no matter how touch we seemed to have it; the big man never quit smiling. Randy always approached a problem with his version of the answer and it was your choice whether to challenge that answer. Although Randy was a big dude who could give the perception of being aggressive; he was just the opposite; a gentle and peaceful man. Jokes were his thing for sure and you just never knew when you would be the star of the show. I considered Randy a true friend and I will miss the hearty chuckle. Rest in Peace my friend!

Condolence From debbie shortt

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:14:40 EST

I worked with Randy to help him become employed again after leaving the GR 911 position. He was so polite, kind, soft-spoken and honest. I am sad to learn of his passing. I am grateful I was able to know him. RIP friend.

Condolence From Maria ozzello

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:17:12 EST

Laura, My heart is aching for you and your family and my prayers are with all of you. I will always remember, how Randy use to tease me and call me Mo. I thought a lot of him for the way he treated and the kindness he showed my son, Nick. I use to love when he came over and got me laughing, until I would cry. I missed him and I will always miss him. Rest in Peace big guy and you will always be in my thoughts and heart. Love, Maria

Condolence From Chris Trumpower

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 18:34:20 EST

Randy was always the first to show compassion for the people he worked with. But also was quick with humor and lighthearted comments. He was a great man and will be missed

Story shared: Gone Too Soon

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 17:38:31 EST

Although I only worked with him briefly at Grand Rapids, Randy and I kept in touch through social media after I moved on to better things. Randy had a sense about him that commanded presence when he walked into a room--his smile that greeted everyone, his infectious sense of humor, and his compassion that emanated from his every pore--was what I remember most about him. Randy seemed to know what he thought about life, work, and the balance that both of those require, and he wasn't afraid to share that with you. I admired him for his blatant honesty, quick wit, and no-nonsense communication style.

You were called home too soon, and I will miss you. Rest in peace, brother, we've got the watch.

Condolence From Loren Hebert

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 17:21:43 EST

I had the pleasure of working alongside Randy at Grand Rapids, where he shared many stories of his life and work experiences. Randy was a gentle giant, always quick with a smile that could light up a room. Knowing that he is no longer with us is still difficult to comprehend, but I know that he will forever be watching over his friends and family, lighting up their lives with that smile.

Condolence From Renee Hosh

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 14:38:57 EST

Randy, you've brightened my life since we were 15. Our friendship spanned many miles but we always remained in each other's lives. I love you my Little Brother and am comforted knowing there's another angel in heaven to watch over us! R.I.P Randy. My prayers and hugs are with your family now.

Condolence From Pauline Butcher

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 14:03:00 EST

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence From Rick Ozzello

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 12:12:05 EST

Laura, Hilda and Dan My prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. My heart is broken because I loved Randy like a little Brother. I'll always remember the Great Times we had together. I know he's up talking with his dad and letting him know how great his family is.

Story shared: Where to start...

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 07:14:24 EST

A man among men. I used Randy's car almost every day our senior year at BCCHS. I had to get to Verona and didn't own a car at that point so he offered his.

One of his favorite subjects were the ladies in his life, his Mom and sister. He loved you both so much.

Hadn't seen Randy in years and years and he came to a classmates dinner in March, what a wonderful surprise. We talked quilting, his eyes lit up when he found out I was a quilter.

God took Randy and we have all the wonderful memories, let him rest in peace.

Story shared: Mom

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 16:21:18 EST

I had the pleasure of meeting Randy at our current place of work (State of Michigan) as we were hired in together with a group of three other guys. As I was the only woman hired in that group, Randy instantly named me "Mom". I always kept the guys in check, no matter our ages or agendas. About every other day I would check in on him to see how he was doing. He alway greeted me with a smile and asked about me and gave me words of encouragement. He was very forthcoming yet kind and light-hearted. He spoke of his Mom often and how much he really appreciated her. As a mother myself, I hope she knows how much he really adored her. I really miss him at work, its just not the same walking by his desk without me waving, him stopping to take his headphones out, asking me how its going, smiling, and thanking me for stopping by. May you soar on angels wings. You are greatly missed.

Condolence From Mike DeKam

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 14:23:28 EST

I had the privilege of working under Randy's supervision at Grand Rapids 9-1-1 for several years. He was a kind man, and he treated us employees with fairness, respect and consideration. Aside from work, I enjoyed talking to him about his vast knowledge and experience with all types of firearms, and also deer hunting. I pray his friends and family will experience God's peace and comfort during this time of sadness and loss.

Condolence From Jason Forsythe

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 13:53:01 EST

Randy it's been hard not having you stand up, towering over your cubicle at 17:00 to let me know that if I didn't hurry up that you would leave with out me. You always knew when I needed a laugh, some old bull to young bull advise, a that a boy and most of all to feel blessed for all that we have in life. What I admired the most about you, was how much you loved your mother. I'm going to miss you buddy, you will never be forgotten and I'm so lucky to have known you. Your passing has been difficult for everyone that was blessed enough to sit around you and absorb the positive energy that you always radiated. You are not only with the Lord your father, but you are finally reunited with your dad as well. Take care Buddy!

Story shared: Mountain of a Man

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 13:08:18 EST

I worked with Randy on two different fronts. He worked for years as a Barry County Central Dispatch telecommunicator. I worked with the dispatch center on its Administrative Board. I also worked with Randy as a fellow police officer while he worked as both a patrol officer and as the Woodland Twp. Police Department's Chief. Randy was well known for his "shall we say witty" since of humor. Often times Randy was known for speaking his mind- regardless of what others thought of his opinion. We call that being brutally honest. Randy was also a sincere and feeling individual. For the big man that he was I observed Randy as his eyes teared up on several occasions while coping with his choosen vocation and the stress that it often brings. I'll remember Randy for the sense of humor that was a big as he was....and that's no small thing. Thanks for the memories Randy. Jerry Sarver, Retired Hastings Police Chief.

Condolence From Ashley Monroe

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 11:38:37 EST

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Randy. I did not have the pleasure of knowing him for very long, but he was a wonderful man and great to work with. He was very kind and funny, and he will definitely be missed. You all will be in my prayers. God bless. Ashley "Little Lady" Monroe.

Condolence From Melinda (MO) Perin

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 11:23:39 EST

Randy was the type of guy you immediately adored and grew to love very quickly. He brought cheer and humor (often riddled with sarcasm-which we welcomed) to an often stressful job. That's what has made the days since his passing so bleak. He was just such a wonderful human being. I already miss his smile, his "Good Morning" greetings to all of us as he passed by and his positive spirit. I am, without a doubt, a better person to have known Randella (as I called him). Tears have filled our office this week and he will continue to be missed for always. My sincere condolences to his family and close friends. -Forever your friend, "Mrs. Mo."

Condolence From Lynn Trall

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 11:17:37 EST

One of the nicest human beings I've ever met. He had a fantastic sense of humor and went out of his way to stay positive. He was taken too soon, but his impact on those around him will be remembered.

Condolence From Chris

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:49:25 EST

Randy was one of our supervisors at GRPD 911 for 3 years and I can't think of a nicer person that's ever walked into our office. He was thoughtful and truly cared for his employees. He will be missed.

Condolence From Tammy Smith

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:33:02 EST

Although I've only known Randy for a short time I realized quickly what a smart, kind, sweet and caring man he was. He will be sorely missed at the office. Sending my deepest sympathy to his family. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Photo shared: Yates photo_001.JPG

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:09:04 EST