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Randy Stalk Obituary
January 13, 1956 - October 23, 2010
Randy passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, October 23 at the age of 54 after a long and heroic struggle with cancer. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, and practiced law for 20 years. Before his illness, Randy was planning on changing his practice to be an advocate for abused children.
His greatest joys were his family and friends. Randy is survived by Robyn, his loving wife of 32 years, their daughter Denise, and his mother Bernice. He is also survived by his 3 brothers and their families: Jeff and Addie; Irwin and Terry, Marc, and Sarah; and Arthur. Randy loved cooking, hiking, playing basketball, watching myriad sports, playing chess on-line with people all over the world, listening to eclectic music, and riding his bicycle.
He will be remembered best for his love, warmth, smile, kindness, and sense of humor. While Randy will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched, he will live on in our hearts every day.
Funeral services were held at Eden Memorial Park on Monday, October 25.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Randy's memory to
CASA of Los Angeles
(Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children)
201 Centre Plaza Drive,
Suite 3
Monterey Park, CA 91754
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randy Stalk
Sponsored by his loving wife, Robyn.
Addie Stalk
September 15, 2011
You are always in our hearts.
Sheri Rueckert (Werkow)
September 14, 2011
I have known Randy's entire family my whole life. Randy's mother, Bernice, was my mother Goldie's best friend. Randy's father, Dave, was my father Ted's best friend. The whole family was like my family, and I was very sad to hear of Randy's passing. Randy's father, Dave, was a man bigger than life, always laughing, joking, and wishing saying me and my sister Lori were his daughters he never had. But he loved his four boys. So, Randy was like my brother, and Robyn, you were so very lucky to have an extended family like them. Wishing you the best. Sheri Rueckert ( Sheri Werkow, Goldie Werkow's daughter)
Judith Stalk
September 6, 2011
Randy was the sweetest, most gentle and caring person I've had the privilege to call "family." He was always interested in what was going on in everyone's life and had positive things to say to everyone! He was also a very modest, sincere person. And determined. Whether it was sticking to his guns in a family "discussion" around the dinner table or challenging himself to bike ride great distances or to learn to read Torah for Denise's Bat Mitzvah - he really set out his goals and attained them. Robyn and Denise - you were loved by a very special man and it's for sure he's loving you still. xxx ooo Judit
Randy and his ladies
February 21, 2011
Robyn and Denise,
I was looking through some old photo albums with some friends today. We were remembering the good, old days when we came across Randy's photos. The first is from Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake and the other is from the El Torro Air Show. They are both from 1997. These were the good old days! I thought you might enjoy these. Love to you both, Leah
Robyn Stalk
February 14, 2011
To my forever Valentine,
I miss you so much, my heart hurts. I miss your hugs, your smile, your laugh, your kiss... Life will never be the same without you. I love you and always will.
Love, Robyn
Stalk1 and Stalk2
Addie Stalk
January 18, 2011
To me Robyn and Randy were always "Robyn and Randy" expressed as one thought, one name, one unit. When I met Randy for the first time, 33 years ago, he was standing in front of the mirror, getting spruced up for his first date with Robyn. And it only took one date for Randy to make up his mind that he would marry Robyn and from that day until the day he died "Robyn and Randy" were united in love. Robyn, even though you will miss his jokes, his smile and his hugs, remember you were one of the lucky ones, because for 33 years you had one true love.
Robyn and Randy
Addie Stalk
January 18, 2011
Darlene Goldberg
January 14, 2011
I just recently heard about Randy's passing through a newsletter I read at the temple. It saddened me to find out about his passing, even though I haden't seen him in many many years.
I knew Randy from elementary school, Noble Ave Elem. He was one of the people I hung around with. I remember how smart he was and seem to recall that some of our classmates used to call him "Peabody", from the cartoon Peabody and Sherman, everyone thought he would be a professor or scientist because of the way he talked and we all used to laugh about it even Randy. It was many years later that I saw Randy working at a grocery store, we talked for a long time, but I regret never keeping in touch with him. I just wanted to send my deepest heartfelt sympathies to you and the whole family. I know how much he will be missed.
John Zhou
January 3, 2011
I met Randy about 10 years ago when our daughters were attending the same elementary school. We quickly became good friends, following our daughters' footsteps. Our two families often had dinner together and we talked about everything, including politics, laws, economics, finance, sports, and different cultures. Randy and I used to play one-on-one basketball. Even though I am taller than him, he still beat me almost every time. He was a very skilled basketball player. We also tried to play tennis and table tennis, but unlike basketball, I outperformed him in both. Finally, he gave up and said "I will beat you in my next life."
During the spring break of 2008, I had chance to lead a group of CSUN students to visit China. I told Randy about the trip. He was so exited that he decided to join the group even though he was in lots of pain during that time. We visited Beijing, Xian, Quilin/Yangshuo, and Shanghai.
On March 18, 2008, we visited Xian, the capital of ancient China where the first Chinese Emperor along with thousands of his Terra Cotta warriors were buried. When we were visiting the gravesite, Randy said to me, "John, I had wonderful life and I enjoyed every moment of it. I had nothing to regret. But I am worried about Robyn and Denise." What a wonderful man, a loving husband, and a caring father.
Randy, I miss you. My family misses you. I am waiting for you to play tennis and table tennis with me again.
Steve Weiss
December 26, 2010
Dear Robyn & Denise,
Randy was an en extraordinary and unforgettable person. What we remember best are those occasions when our families spent time together - in Virginia and in California. One of the images of Randy that we will always remember and always smile about, is from a visit that you made to our home in Virginia many years ago. Steve was doing some yard work and Randy asked if he could drive our riding lawnmower. After some brief operating instructions, he hopped on and rode all over the yard. He looked happier than a kid who had just gotten a pony for his Birthday! He was beaming! Randy was a guy who derived joy from life's small things and big things, new things and old things. He was always curious, always learning, and always reaching ahead - looking toward the future. Randy loved life, he loved learning and most of all, he loved the two of you. Even though he's gone, we're sure that he's smiling down on you both.
We will miss him.
With our love,
Steve, Ellen & Max
Franklin Dickson
December 26, 2010
Robin and Denise,
Lydia and I offer our belated condolences and hope for the future. I never met Randy, but he was obviously a fine man and beloved husband. Again, our sympathy for you loss.
Brett Fisher
December 23, 2010
Dear Robyn and Denise,
Marc and Sarah have been my "siblings" for the past 17 years (and my wife Jessica's for the past 10) and we have spent a few occasions with your family. Although we may not be close, we felt the pain with Randy's passing. As an uncle to Marc and Sarah, a brother to Irwin, Art, and Jeff, and brother in-law to Judith -- we still mourned your loss. I know that Randy was a great person to both of you.
We wish you both lots of strength, freedom, and happiness with each day that passes. May you find lots of love from us, the rest of your family, and your friends during this time of healing.
Much love,
Brett and Jessica Fisher
Leah Delaney
November 30, 2010
Robyn and Denise,
Though this was a stressful time for you, you created a beautiful funeral. Randy would have loved it. I loved to hear the eulogies from you two, Neil, Jon, and his brothers. You all spoke about the Randy I knew and loved. I have many stories, but have chosen my favorite ones to share with you. I met Randy in February 1980, in a statistics class at Cal State Northridge. Through the years Randy and I would spend time together. These were our “play dates”. We played racquetball, made trips to the beach, rode bicycles and talked for hours. On one of these trips Randy and I visited the graves of our families. My parents along with my aunt and uncle are buried at the San Fernando Mission. Across the street is the Eden Cemetery where Randy’s dad is buried. We would bring flowers to my family and rocks to his. Many times he would visit my parents on the way to see his dad. On one such visit he called me afterward and asked if it was our religious (Catholic) custom to spell sister, “sisther”. Apparently, the over worked union workers had misspelled, “sister” on my aunt’s grave stone. Randy reported the error to the cemetery then called weekly to check on the progress until the stone was corrected and replaced. He called me weeks later to report that all was well. Randy had an eye for detail and a kind heart. I always felt a great sense of comfort when Randy called and said he had visited my parent’s and they send their regards.
In 2006, our family visited Big Bear Lake just before Christmas. When we returned we had a large stack of mail to go through. As I was sorting through the mail, I noticed a letter from a New York law firm. As a health care worker, it is assumed you will be called to court at one point or another in your career. I opened the letter. It was a summons to appear in the Los Angeles Court House on December 30th at 10:00A.M. The plaintiff’s name was not familiar to me,”Ayhv Bihn Hahdby”, nor was the defendant’s, ” Uhy Hnoh Hwhu”. The lawyer’s name was “I. Fleecem”. I called my boss and left a message inquiring why I was not notified of this hearing ahead of time, who was this patient, and what documentation did we have on this case. I left my phone number and asked my boss to return my call as soon as possible since the appearance was only a couple of days away. There was a Visa gift card enclosed for the appearance fee. Then I turned to my daughter at the computer and asked her to look up this law firm in New York, “Dewey, Rookum, and Howe”. At this point I realized I had been scammed. Who would have guessed? The return address on the envelope was a valid New York street address, the envelope was post marked from New York, and there was an active phone number to call for this business. On the answering machine, there was a law firm”ish“greeting followed by HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEAH! GOTCHA! Oh boy, did he ever. You should have heard him laugh when I told him what happened. Not long ago when I spoke with him, we talked about the subpoena and how he had a bigger plan coming up for my 50th birthday. All I can say is, “Bring it on, Randy!”.
Randy loved to find new ways to exasperate me. When Randy went to China in 2008, he sent me a letter written totally in Chinese. Fortunately, I have students who can read Chinese!
Randy was a sincere, kind man with a heart of gold. He had an intense dedication and love for his family. He rejoiced in their successes and cried at their failures. He was very proud of them and cherished each day he shared with them. When Randy died, my heart felt empty. I am grateful that Randy was a part of my life as well. We are never promised any certain amount of time with someone we love so it is what we make of that time that is our gift to our soul. The real sadness would have been to never have had Randy in my life at all. Thank you for sharing. Love to you both.
November 11, 2010
Dear Robyn & Denise, There are often regrets when one passes away, and mine is that Michael and I met him too late and our friendship with him was too short. My fondest recollection is that the week after Michael passed away in 2005, and I was still your neighbor, Randy walked over before Yom Kippur with the most beautiful big Challah he had just baked, with his already weakened arm. Nothing has touched me more. He was a proud and thoughtful man, and will be missed by many. I will keep you both and him in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Gloria Sher
November 10, 2010
Dear Robyn and Denise,
We are deeply saddened
to learn of your sudden Loss
of your dear husband, father, our friend, Randy.
We would like to express
Our deepest Condolences
And our heartfelt Sympathies
To you and to everyone in the family.
Let us find comfort that
Randy is now engulfed in the
Warm embrace of our Almighty Father.
God Bless...?
Suresh Vasandani
Robyn Stalk
November 10, 2010
J. Chou of Woodland Hills was more than a friend, he was also Randy’s doctor. Whenever we went for an appointment, he would examine Randy, and then Randy would tell him of all the plans that he had for the future.
One in particular was a trip he took a couple of years ago with his wonderful friend John Zhou. When Dr. Chou heard he was going to China, he told Randy he must visit a certain restaurant and order a certain thing. Randy asked him to write it down, which he did … all in Chinese. Randy started laughing and asked what the name of the restaurant was and Dr. Chou wrote down the name of the restaurant phonetically in English. Randy then continued to laugh and asked exactly what it would be that he would be eating if he ordered the thing that was written in Chinese as the meal (he would have to show the Chinese word to the waiter)!
Another time, Randy complained to Dr. Chou about always having to get his blood drawn whenever he went there. Dr. Chou said: this is hemotology … it’s what we do! Randy responded in kind: Yeah, I guess if you don’t get the blood, no one would get paid!!
Dr. Chou was always encouraging Randy to make plans, even encouraging Randy’s plan to climb Kilimanjaro. It gave Randy an incredible adventure to look forward to. Although he never made it there, thanks to the people at Kiliwarriors, he will be there because they will be taking a picture of him to the summit and Randy’s spirit will definitely be with them on the trek.
There many such instances of the Dr. and Randy bantering back and forth, I will post more as I think of them.
But all I know is that Dr. Chou gave us 5 years with Randy that we would not otherwise have had. He was with us through all the ups and downs, and tried to encourage us all the way.
We will forever be thankful to Dr. Chou for all he did over the years, and will always love him for it.
J Chou
November 9, 2010
I have known Randy for five years. He was a very positive person in the face of an incurable disease. I still remembered the very first time he was able to move his right fingers, following chemotherapy. His face brightened up and he was so proud he could sign using the right hand. He was already expecting and planning trips when he was better. He had such a strong will to accomplish a lot and maintained interest in bicycling, hiking, mountain climbing and so on. In my office, we talked about many aspects of life as well as cancer treatment. It appears that cancer is only a trivial part of life. He was a man with few words to make pertinent comments and witty remarks. I lost a good friend with his departure but he remains in my memory.
Denise Stalk
November 9, 2010
my dad was one of the most amazing people I know. Somehow he always knew just the right thing to say. When I wanted to do something he pushed me to get it. He did everything he could to make sure I never gave up. He loved so many different things and knew so much that I sometimes called him a walking dictionary. He taught me how to read, write, and to differentiate right from wrong.
I have one memory that sticks with me the most. About a month or two after my dad had his arm amputated he took me up to Monterey. We had wanted to go back for a while. On the way up there I asked him if we could rent a surrey since I had always wanted to go on one. Well we rented one and I begged him to let me drive. Eventually he did and I almost ran us off a cliff. :) It was pretty funny. For some reason that day has stuck with me since. I guess it’s because we had so much fun.
I really don’t know where I’m going with all of this but my dad was an amazing guy and I love him very much. And I miss him a lot.
November 9, 2010
My dearest Robyn, I met you before I met Randy (a long time ago, wasn't it?) and I loved you from the start. You are such a loving, kind, sweet person - quiet and sensitive and you helped me so much to begin a career that allowed a single mom to raise two children alone. Than I met Randy and now my secret must come out: I fell in love with your wonderful husband in a "mom" way, though. I cry as I write this and remember his beautiful smile and the hideous puns we used to exchange with glee - the sillier, the better. I have not seen you in so long and I am sorry I didn't have one last time to give you both a big hug. What wonderful people you are - both you and Randy - and somehow I know his big, bold, laughing, loving spirit is still here with you and Denise. I Love You! Sandra D.
Randy aka ET calling home
David Murdock
November 5, 2010
Randy Mark Stalk
There are times, not many, but times when someone special comes into our lives. Randy, Robyn and Denise came into mine just 10 short years ago with an intensity we all too seldom feel.
Robyn, Denise, I will cherish many times, but one special trip with Randy to the Little Alien Inn and the picture of him calling you Robyn on a Satellite phone under the sign Extraterrestrial Highway. His continuing battle kept us from doing the actual Area 51 trip to visit that non-existing site though the pleasure of planning was worth the time. Perhaps, Randy will still meet me there.
Robyn and Denise, you will miss Randy in your daily lives and we will miss him in our hearts forever. God Bless you both, He already has Randy, giving him such a loving family and so many devout friends.
Elaine Friedman
November 2, 2010
My Dear Robyn and Denise,
I am so saddened to hear about Randy. I just saw him recently at the Kaiser Pharmacy, and we had such a nice talk. I will always remember how happy he was at Denise's Bat Mitzvah and his witty sense of humor. I know how much you all loved each other. My prayers to you. We have lost a good man, a brave man, a loving man.
With love, Elaine
Carol Ferris Schoeman
November 1, 2010
Dear Robyn, Denise, and family,
On behalf of Kiliwarrior Expeditions, Randy’s Kilimanjaro outfitter, we send our deep heartfelt sympathy. Randy was such a delight in our correspondence and conversations with him when he decided to trek Kilimanjaro with us. He was friendly, warm, humorous, positive and upbeat…and so excited about climbing the mountain next year. We will fondly dedicate our Jan 12 – 20, 2011 trek to Randy. May God’s everlasting peace and the love of family and friends bring you comfort. We are praying for you...
Howard Levine
November 1, 2010
Randy was a very special person who knew family and friends were so important. The memories of him bring smiles, his death brings tears. The gift of him made us all better people.
Arthur Stalk
November 1, 2010
Rest in peace, my brother and friend. So many things remind me of you. It is like you are still here with me.
I remember going on your paper route with you. Riding on the handlebars of your bike while you peddled.
Those were the days ! I miss you so much.
November 1, 2010
Robyn and Denise, My memories are limited to your wedding and the trip I made to L.A. for that beautiful event; I remember the canopy adorned with baby roses, Randy in his white tux and you, Robyn, looking so beautiful. He was a kind a gentle man and a wonderful host to Sue and me during those few days. I'm so happy knowing that you two had such a wonderful life together and that your union brought forth your beautiful daughter. The coming days will be hard for you, I know, even as you take comfort in the knowledge that his illness and suffering are gone. You WILL be together again and until then take comfort in your memories and the knowledge of how deeply you were loved. May God hold you both especially close to his heart in the coming days, and give you peace. Liz (Walker) Goodman, Las Vegas
Andee Tytell
November 1, 2010
Dear Robyn and Denise,
He touched my life after knowing him for just an hour or so. He was such a bright light. May the depth and warmth of his beautiful soul keep you safe and well. He was one of the really good guys. G-d must have needed him to argue a tough case in Heaven. No doubt, he'll win!!!!
Carol Flicker
October 31, 2010
Please accept my condolences.I was shocked to hear about Randy's death. Its so hard to go through this. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
October 30, 2010
I am so sorry to read and hear about the death of Randy Mark Stalk. God gives a promise that will be fulfilled in the near future (Isaiah25:8)So in the near future there will be no more sickness nor death. I hope this will bring you much comfort and please accept my deepest sympathies.
October 27, 2010
I was so sorry to hear about Randy. My thoughts are with all of you. Karen Swanson Oberle
John Swanson
October 27, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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