Randolph C. Virden

Randolph C. "Randy" "Bear" Virden

LANCASTER: Randolph C. "Randy" "Bear" Virden, 61, of Lancaster passed away May 10th, 2011 as a result of a tragic motorcycle accident while riding at his favorite location in the Hocking Hills.

Randy was born June 28th, 1949 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Margaret and Jean Virden. He was a life long resident of Lancaster, a 1967 graduate of Lancaster High School and attended West Liberty State College. Prior to his passing Randy worked for the Advertiser as a Sales Consultant.

For all who knew Randy, he was a unique and passionate person. He had many friends and a deep love for some of the best things in life. Randy was most proud of his past collection of immaculately kept sports cars. He was an avid golfer frequently playing at the Lancaster Country Club and the Valley View Golf Course. In 1976, he was the first to make a hole in one on the par 4 9th hole at Valley View Golf Course and won the 1976 Lancaster Country Club Men's Club Championship. Randy spent many hours perfecting his game even in the most adverse weather. Randy also had a strong passion for his collection of motorcycles which currently were BMW and Ducati sport bikes noted for their speed and superb handling. He lived to ride the winding roads and view the beautiful scenery of Southeastern Ohio. He excelled at the sport of body building. Randy loved to spend hours with special friends listening to his favorite music, discussing world issues and sharing his thoughts. He played the guitar and spent years designing a perfect sound system which could penetrate every and any wall. He was fond of nice clothes...As his style and fashion would change, so would his ideas and special interests. One never knew what to expect from Randy but when meeting him out at any social gathering or just on the street he always had a genuine smile, a kind word and always carried an appearance of class. He took pride in appearance, his life and his loves.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Jean Virden; and his grandparents, R.J. Virden and Estel Virden, and Lester and Laura Crow. He is survived by his brother, David of Lancaster; cousins, John and Mike Virden of Norfolk, Virginia, Robert Virden of Annapolis MD, Aunt Linda and Uncle Jim Gault of Wilmington, N.C.; cousins, Jamie Gault and Mary Sides of Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; his four legged buddy, Tony; close friends, George and Beth Thrush; his friends at work including Joni Baker and all the employees at the Advertiser; and his long time friend, Dr. Gordon Snider.

A Memorial Wake will be held for Randy on Sunday, June 12th, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Valley View Golf Course shelter house, 1511 George Road, Lancaster, Ohio. A Memorial Tree will be planted in Randy's name on the 9th hole. We could think of nothing more fitting as Randy would have loved this dedication. Other Memorial plans for Randy's final interment will be decided at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to: The Cheyenne and Crow Children of the St. Lebre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004, The St. Joseph's Indian School and Lakota Children, Box 89, Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325-0573. Feed the Children or any Charity helping our fearless Service men and women injured while serving our Country. Anyone wishing to send a donation to the Randolph C. Virden Memorial Fund can send it to Randolph C. Virden c/o Colony Classics & Interiors, 602 N. High Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

It is impossible to try to describe Randy's life in three words as we tried. He had a unique tongue in check sense of humor so if he were here today and asked about his legacy and the time he spent on earth he would probably tell us that "The best things in life are........................Expensive".

May you rest in peace our wonderful friend...You will be sadly missed !!!