Warren H. Randall, M.D., died October 3, 2012, in Billings, Montana, of natural causes.
“Barney” was born at home in Miles City, Montana, on October 27, 1918, to Ray and Helen Randall. He graduated from Custer County High School in 1936 and went on to attend the University of Iowa, receiving a BA in 1940 and an M.D. in 1943. On September 4, 1943, he married Mary (Molly) Geddes in St. Paul, Minnesota. After his internship in Philadelphia, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served as surgeon in the 202nd Engineer Combat Battalion, the 38th General Service Regiment, and the 202nd Aviation Dispensary in the European Theatre. He was discharged in October 1946 as a captain in the Medical Corps. After the war, he completed a fellowship in general surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In January 1952 he and Molly and family moved to Miles City, where he practiced general surgery until May of 1985. He was very proud of his medical service, considering it “a great privilege afforded me by the people of southeastern Montana.”
He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Mayo Alumni Association, and a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery. He was a member of the Miles City Club and the Town and Country Club, and he served on the Custer County High School Board for eight years.
Barney’s most enjoyable recreations were camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing, and skiing with Molly, family, and friends. He was an avid reader. Barney and Molly enjoyed many wonderful trips in the United States, Mexico, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Australia, and Turkey. In later years, he and Molly enjoyed spending winters in Green Valley, Arizona. He said his wife and family were his greatest satisfaction.
He is survived by his wife Mary (Molly); his daughter Barbara (Merrill) Nelson of Glencoe, Minnesota; son Ray (Marilyn) Randall of Bridger, Montana; son James (Laurie) Randall of Missoula, Montana; grandchildren Eric Nelson, Angela (Chris) Adams, Erin (Joel Chapman) Randall; Matt (Tanya) Randall; Ross Randall; Marilee (Matt) O’Connor; great-grandchildren Sydney and Sierra Adams; Colton Randall; Ivy O’Connor; sisters-in-law Lucille Randall and Barbara Hagg; brothers in-law Douglas Hagg and William Longley; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Douglas Randall, sister Helenray Lydick, brothers-in-law Henry Lydick and Richard Geddes, and sisters-in-law Dorothy Longley and Doris Geddes.
His ashes will be interred at a private family service at the Veterans Cemetery in Miles City, Montana. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception at the Range Riders Museum in Miles City from 2–4:30 PM on Saturday, October 20, 2012. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Range Riders Museum on West Main Street in Miles City, Montana, 59301, or to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Reception
2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday October 20, 2012
Range Riders Museum
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Reception
2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday October 20, 2012
Range Riders Museum
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Roberta Phair Schulz says
Dear Randalls,
My sympathy to you all. I not only admired Barney as a Dr and neighbor but a wonderful unique man. He was a forceful personality with unimpeachable integrity. My memories will always include him briskly walking between the hospital and home. Condolences.
Roberta
Lance Bredvold says
Best wishes to everyone who cared about Dr. Randall. I just plain liked and respected him. And I saw him at Reynolds just a couple years ago where we were able to exchange pleasantries. A nice, interesting and interested man.
I have a hand written note which he prepared telling of some of my Father’s history in Miles City about 1930 which I appreciate. They became reacquainted in Green Valley as Dad was only a few years older than he.
Lewis & Marla says
Dr. Randall was an amazing person and Dr. he was blunt and to the point and because of that he saved my life 38 years ago. He was also a very caring person and knew his job very well he helped so many people in his life. RIP Dr.
Gerald & Janet (Wallace) Himelspach says
Dr. Randall was a man of highest integrity and was our Dr. for over 40 years. He helped us out in several emergencies. Not only our Doctor, but a personal friend of the Wallace family. Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Randall’s family.
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
I remember working with Dr Randall in the ER many years ago when I
was just out of nursing school. I was so very impressed with his work
as a surgeon.
He was always so kind to the very ill and dying patients.
May he rest in peace
Aaron and Mollie Phipps says
So very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Randall. I always thought of him as the man who saved my grandpa Ed Orestad so that I could know him, and my children could know him. He was always kind to me and my family, although I was little when he was a physician. Blessings and peace to Molly and her family in this difficult time, as you say see you later, to your husband, father, and friend. Grandpa is waiting in Heaven with a hearty welcome, thank you for sharing him with so many so their lives could continue in good health!
Mollie (Ostendorf), Aaron, Robert, and Michael Phipps
Nick & Betty Clauson says
Hi Molly & family; we were blessed to have you and Barney as next door neighbors when we bought the house in Miles City! Life does change on a daily basis, now your life has changed as Barney has passed from this world. All of us who knew him as a friend and Doctor will miss his smile and sense of humor. We’ll be praying for you Molly and your family. Sincerely, Nick & Betty
Dolores I. Christensen Hainer says
Dr. Randall delivered me when I was born in 1943. I even told him that, when I seen him and his wife at Don Dundas’ funeral here in Billings. He was a very good family doctor and admired greatly.
Glad he got to enjoy some of his life in Green Valley, AZ.
Heaven will welcome him with open arms.
Denise Oberlander Harvey says
Dr. Randall saved my brother’s (Dale Oberlander) life back in the sixties after a motorcycle accident and was my husband’s doctor in the eighties (Jay Harvey). I remember him sharing his interest in Chuck Yeager with Jay.
He was a wonderful man who truly cared and was always a delight to visit with when we encountered him anywhere. He will be missed and his legacy will live in the lives of many of those whose lives he touched. Molly, you are one of the sweetest people I know and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care and God Bless,
patricia christopherson says
I worked with him as a student, and then briefly at HRH after graduating. He was always teaching, and helpful to those new in the field. He certainly had respect from the staff, and we all learned so much from him….
Blessings to the family in their profound loss..
Leah Buffington says
My condolences to the family of Dr. Randall, he was such a great Dr. He saved my daughter’s life when she was 9 month’s old and had a ruptured appendix. After being in the hospital for about 18 days she had an aversion to any one who was bald, but she got over that. RIP Dr. Randall.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
I was a MCC nursing student from 1979-1981. Dr. Randall was a very intimidating presence to one so young and inexperienced, but that all changed one day of clinical. He recognized my last name from my name tag as he took care of me shortly after our father died unexpectedly in 1966. I was shaking in my boots when he called me out of the line to accompany him as he made his patient rounds. He was so patient, explained the why of post-op recovery, and encouraged and answered all my many, many questions. From that day on, whenever he saw me he would stop and ask how school was going. His kindness meant so much! Who would have known that 30+ years later I would be working in post-op care. May shared memories of his goodness and kindness ease your sorrow at his passing.
Tammy Pecha/Mallett family says
So Sorry for your loss.He was the Dr and friend for our family for years.I grew up hearing stories from my Granddad and Grandma.He saves many of our family members.Hugs and prayers are with you.
Burch, Ray and Linda Palmer says
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Doctor Randall. He kept our family patched up for years and was a great surgeon. He was also a great supporter of the Caledonia club and the Robert Burns dinner and loved bagpipe and Celtic music. He will long be remembered and respected by our family. He was our family doctor. So long and thank you so much, Dr. Randall.
We love you and will always remember you. Next time I have the bagpipes out, I’ll play a little piece for you.
Burch and Linda and son, Ray.
Thora Hanson says
One of my strongest memories of Barney was when my mother, Rhoda Hanson, had died. He stopped by the house, I invited him in but he wouldn’t do it…I guess he was in a hurry to get to Holy Rosary. He wanted to tell me, specifically, that he thought my mother was a wonderful person and he respected her greatly. Coming from one of the most respected men in our community, I was so touched. His words helped me with my grieving. And now, I can pass on those same sentiments to his family because he was, truly, a remarkable human being.
Dona Wynne Stebbins says
Dear Ray and Family,
I was saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember him well from my Miles City days, and always had a lot of respect for him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bus Morris says
Late in September 1962 (we lived in Miles City at the time), I was mowing the lawn and involved in an accident with the mower which resulted in a trip to the hospital and an after hours call out for Dr. Randall. I am most grateful for the services received from him. I lost about half of each of the four fingers of my left hand and lost only two days work. Through the years (I am now 84), I have associated with many people for extended periods of time before they noticed this hand was short fingers. I have only praise for Dr. Randall and his work. He was certainly a very capable surgeon. My condolences to his family.
Bus Morris
Glendive
Suzy Lemire Albano says
I was a pretty little girl but my memories were of Barney making sure the gunny sack swing was all okay so that we could swing to our hearts delight in his backyard. The Randall’s always let us come over and swing and were great friends to my sisters and brothers and my mom loved Barney and Molly dearly. He was a good man to my family.
J.D. and Mary Alice Murnion says
Dr. Randall was a great surgeon, and a friend. We (all of this family) had experiences with his care and thankful for the good care we received in his hands. Our deepest sympathy to all his family.
Teresa Geib Klein Bacon says
Dear Family, Dr. Randall was both my Dr. as well as to my family the Rumphs. We are very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. Prayers for you all
Bill & Karen (Curran) Dutton says
Dear Ray and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. What a great legacy he left you. He was such a good and respected doctor and he was a surgeon used by our family. There are so many of us he helped. We are sorry about your loss, but rejoice with you of his life. Words do not seem adequate but know we are sending our condolences and prayers.
Melvin L Stene says
Ray and family:
My condolences for your father’s passing. Maybe he and my buddy Jack Radke can have some good visits again. May God Bless.
Bobbi Marchello Ritcheske says
Dear Molly –
I know how much my parents, Bino and Ginger Marchello, loved you and Barney. I know they were waiting at the gates of Heaven to welcome him home. You and your family are in my prayers.
Judy Hastetter Walter says
So sorry to hear of Dr. Randall’s passing. I have such fond memories of him as a young girl. He and Mrs. Randall so generously allowed me to stay at their home during a basketball tournament. I also know how my parents so enjoyed their company. We have truly lost another great person of his generation!!!
susan mathers valach says
Molly and Barney have been an importanat part of our lives and my heart is heavy as I think about this world without Barney. He rescused me from an irate skier in Bozeman when I was about 16. We had all gone to Bozeman for Nancy Woodwards wedding. After a day of skiing I returned my skies to the rental shop in town and learned that I had picked up the wrong skies after lunch. I skied on someone elses equipment all afternoon. Realizing the mistake, Barney took me back up the hill to return the skies to the proper owner. The angry man yelled at me for ruining his afternoon of skiing. Barney got in front of him and came to my defense. He was my hero that day. We both misseed Nancy’s wedding!!
He will be greatly missed. May you be comforted by your memories and the love of each other. Love and prayers , Susan Mathers Valach
Khris and Chris Olsen says
To Jim, Laurie, Ross, Marilee, Matt, and Ivy,
We are so sorry to learn of your Father’s death. Please know our prayers are with you all.
Khris and Chris Olsen
Gay & Mike Peterson says
Dear Randall Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know all of you are in our hearts and prayers as you get through this sad time.
Mike, Gay, Kelly, Mary Peterson
Doug and Teri Zook says
Dear Ray and Family:
We heard your father had passed away recently, Ray, and wanted to tell you that we both remember him well and with fondness. It was always common knowledge in Miles City that Dr. Randall was a good doctor and a good man. We both had occasioin through the years to be treated by him and he was serious and dedicated to medical excellence.
Please accept our sincere sympathy ~ It’s hard to lose a parent, no matter what their age – or ours.
Your Friends,
Doug and Teri
Ann Woodward Kapernick says
Dear Molly and family,
Our memories of every 4th of July spent with the Randalls and Woodwards out at the Richard/Radke ranch on Tongue River are priceless! Barney would always have to eat early and miss the fireworks because he would inevitably get called to the hospital to patch up somebody!
Barney was deeply respected in our family for his surgical skill and for his ethical behavior. He diligently took care of our healthcare needs and was always available for medical advice. And to think that he did the same for so many people is amazing… Molly, my parents treasured yours and Barney’s friendship. We are thinking of all of you at this time. What a fabulous life this wonderful man had…
Ann, Paula, and Nancy Woodward
Charles Pratt says
Barney and dad were great friends and practice medicine in Miles Ciity for many years, I have many fond memories of our family’s getting together many special dinners etc. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie & Marilyn Pratt
Corina Venable says
Like my uncle Burch said, Dr. Randall kept our family patched up for years. He was the family doctor for four generations of our family. He knew all of us and cared about his patients. It is had to find a doctor like that today. Thank you Dr. Randall for all of your dedication to my family and the people in Miles City.
Corina Venable
Bill And Mary Beth Keil says
Dear Molly and family:
It is of great sadness we learned of Dr. Randall’s passing. Your family and my parents were good friends. Some of the fondest memories of my childhood were the Thanksgiving dinners we spent at your home. Often Barney would be called away from the table to take care of some emergency. Never did I hear him complain. He was our family doctor as well and has put more than a few stitches in me. We trust that He is now in heaven and is reliving the good times he had with those many friends who have gone before. Molly and family we were privileged to share a bit of our life with you and Dr Randall.
Bill and Mary Beth Keil
Connie Genger says
Molly,
So sorry to hear of Barney’s passing. It was such a treat to see you both last Christmas season when our choir did caroling during your dinner. He was a special friend and kindred spirit in many aspects of my political life and views in Miles. Bless you.
Connie Genger (formerly Clarke)