RANDY PIPKIN

1972 - 2014

PIPKIN, Randy Of Hingham, formerly of New York City, passed away March 27, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Randy Pipkin was born in New Orleans, LA on May 8, 1972. He grew up in New Orleans and Clearlake, TX. Following college, he had a fulfilling career, working on marketing initiatives for prestigious cosmetics and fragrance companies - including Elizabeth Arden, Calvin Klein Cosmetics and Estee Lauder - before he received the life-altering news that he had ALS. He was living in New York City with his partner, Mark Malinowski, when he was diagnosed with the debilitating, fatal disease in 2005. Prior to his working career, he graduated Cum Laude from the University of Texas in Austin. When he was first diagnosed, physicians said his prognosis was grim. But Randy proved - and continues to prove - that he's a fighter. Doctors told me that I would not live more than a few years. Eight years later, I am still here and am in relatively stable health, he explained, adding, If I can do it, anyone can do it. Don't give up! In 2008, Randy and Mark left NYC, moving to Hingham, MA so Randy could be closer to ALS pioneer Dr. Robert H. Brown, Jr. who at the time was working at Mass General Hospital. He's grateful to Mark - his partner of 11 years, whom he married in 2006 - who has stayed by his side with unwavering commitment and loyalty. Randy's close-knit family has also been tremendously supportive, helping Randy and Mark every step of the way. Randy's parents live in Houston, TX but through the years, they've stayed with Randy and Mark for extended periods of time to help with Randy's care. It has truly been a family-focused effort, Randy said. I think the best thing family and communities can do is help empower ALS patients to continue with their life. Hopefully, someday, [ALS] will not be a death sentence. For that to happen, researchers and patients need to keep fighting every single day. I think it is important for caregivers to remember that, although ALS patients may have mobility or speech issues, they still have a fully functioning brain, Randy emphasized. I'm lucky that my caregivers understand this and respect me completely. And for people with ALS, its important to focus on the day ahead versus looking too far into the future, Randy continued. I think if I was constantly thinking about the future, I would give up fighting. He credited much of his success to his wonderful caretakers, his drive to stay active and his commitment to staying in touch with friends through his iPad. He's also thankful that he was able to run his household through his computer. Randy leaves his husband Mark Malinowski of Hingham, MA; his parents Gail and James Pipkin of Spring, Texas; his sister Mechele Tison and husband Joe of The Woodlands, TX, his nieces Leah Tison and Morganne Tison, Aunts Jean Rabalais, Kay Martorana and the late Theresa Morrison, cousins Kay Burke, Tillie Burke Gomez and husband Al, Michael Inman and wife Donna, Gene Inman and wife Franzi, Phillip Martorana and a host of relatives. Randy strongly believed that a cure for ALS is coming, and he enthusiastically urged people to support ALS-related charities. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Wednesday, April 2, from 4-7 p.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., (Off Central St.) HINGHAM. Funeral service will be held after the visitation at 7 p.m. In kieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Therapy Alliance www.BreakthroughALS.org and the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter at http://webma.alsa.org.