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Woody Randel Obituary
Woody Randel passed away at Pomona Valley Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. He passed away with his twin sister, Deborah Khademi and his spouse, Bret Helvig by his side; and was surrounded by his family.
Woody was born in Bakersfield, California to Wilbur Randel, Jr. and Marian Randel. He attended Bakersfield Adventist Academy, graduating in 1985. He worked in the metal fabrication industry. The first part of his career, he worked at Randel Welding and later at Warren and Baerg Manufacturing, where he traveled extensively.
Woody is survived by his spouse Bret Helvig; his parents Wilbur and Marian Randel, Jr.; his twin sister Deborah Khademi and her husband Mehdi; his brother Frank Randel and his wife Lori; and his sister Babette Benson and her husband Jeff. He is also survived by his nine nieces and nephews; Breanna Ramirez and husband Jorge, Marissa Strauss, Nathan Randel, Erin Macomber and husband Chris, Joshua Randel, Matthew Khademi, Nicholas Randel, Hannah Khademi, Michael Strauss, and one great nephew, Wayne Michael Macomber.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, March 6, at Hillcrest Memorial Park 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Woody Randel
Sheldon W. Helms
March 3, 2022
Woody was a great guy. We met in the 1980s, and hung out pretty regularly for the next 15 years or so. After I moved away to SF, we stayed in touch via phone, text, and social media. He was so thoughtful, and sent text messages for just about every holiday from New Year's to St. Patrick's Day, to Memorial Day, to Independence Day, etc., etc. I could always count on a greeting from him via call or text, just to say hello and ask how things were going. That's pretty rare for folks who live hundreds of miles away and lead busy lives.
I remember when I first met him, seeing this skinny blond kid from Oildale and assuming the worst. Our first conversation corrected that assumption, proving him to be intelligent, introspective, and surprisingly funny for such a young guy. Those qualities only deepened over the years, developing him into the man he was.
It's sad to think how much more life he had to live, but I'm happy that I got to know him and have Woody in my life all those decades.
L.
March 24, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Woody's passing. Woody was a kind, caring and compassionate person with a strong sense of integrity and gratitude. I was blessed to meet him and Bret a few months before he passed away. To this day, I still have the Ferrero Rocher box and thoughtfully written note from him hanging on my refrigerator. Each day I see it, I remember why I get up each day and do the job I do. Woody and Bret will always hold a very special place in my heart and in my memories.
My Condolences
-L.
Gloria Jaime
March 17, 2016
Wilbur and Marian
Our prayers are with you and your family. You will remember my brother Joe and I were your playmates as youngsters. We were neighbors on King Street. I can be reached at (661) 871-2606 or Joe at (661) 664-8898.
Keith Davis
March 5, 2016
I'm so sad to hear of Darren's passing. I met him in 1996 when I had just moved to California. He lived in Oildale at the time. He became a good friend to me and I'll always remember his mysterious personality. I say mysterious because you never knew what he was thinking. He had a huge heart and a loving smile/laugh. He was so good about staying in touch and even came all the way to Shaver Lake to visit on his motorcycle. My condolences to his husband and family.
MOE NOWROUZIAN
March 4, 2016
PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCE.
Brett and Jenny Downey
March 4, 2016
We will always remember Woody as a friendly, generous and "good hearted" person... a real all around nice guy. We will miss your true, gentle and kind spirit!!
- Brett and Jenny Downey
Pamela Tarango
March 2, 2016
Much love to the Randel Family from the Tarangos. Growing up together at Bakersfield Academy is an experience that is fixed in our memories of childhood. May your love for each other comfort you in the days, the months, and the years ahead.
Pamela Crandell
March 2, 2016
Just wish we could have spent some time together before you left. Your light will be missed so much by all who love you
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