Randall Louis Terrian

Randall Louis Terrian, "Red Dog," "Randy," of Thomas Township, was called home to the Lord without warning on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in the presence of his tribe, at age 65 years old.
Randy was born into the Catholic faith Feb. 22, 1959 to Ray and Sandy (Sebenick) Terrian at St Mary's in Saginaw. He attended many services with his grandma Sally Hitts at St. Helen Parish, where he also was enrolled in school for a short time before the family moved to Buena Vista.
At two years old he began riding 2-wheel bicycles. By nine years old he was delivering the Saginaw News on his bicycle. At 15 he was jumping lawnmowers, trash cans and tires on his bicycle in the neighborhood to entertain all his childhood friends on Ribble Road. Soon to be followed by his grand finale jump when he cleared four cars, traveling 35 feet in the air, at The Scene on Bay Road in 1977 on a motorcycle.
He graduated from Buena Vista High School in 1977 with honors; several of his classmates met him at the gates, while a handful of his BV crew remain to grieve this loss. He married for a short time to Mary Bigelow (survives); from this union came two daughters: Nichole Lynn and Arin Sue.
Wearing many hats, he worked at The Scene, restaurants, delivering the Saginaw News motor route, and a job at GM. Trying to raise a family after being laid off from GM, he knew he wanted better for his family, so he decided to enlist in the US Navy. Several uncles (Godfather Gary Sebenick, Billy Terrian, Jerry Terrian) who had served, were his mentors with this decision.
He served with the U.S. Navy for nine years where he received many honors, including several letters of appreciation, certificates of appointment, and completed all of his nuclear schooling at the top of his class. During his time on the USS Bainbridge CGN 25, he completed many cruises on the oceans around the world with his shipmates, spending months out to sea where he gifted those men with his leadership and integrity. While serving, he was approached by his superiors on a regular basis, insisting that he continue moving up in ranks to become - Chief. He always declined, stating he found great satisfaction in teaching the men at ground level with hands on tactics, to drive home the importance of work ethic, attention to detail, and safety.
Randy was a member of Neligh Church of Christ in Nebraska and was baptized on July 27, 1984, by Ron Mortensen (deceased). Ron also officiated the marriage of Randy to Beth Hanson of Oakdale, Neb. on July 28, 1984, and she survives him. From this union came three children: Russell Louis, Kinde Caroline, Christina Marie. Once they settle in Michigan, Randy served the Lord at the Midland Christian Church on M-20. He enjoyed singing in the adult choir and the strong fellowship that he felt with his brothers and sisters in Christ. His service of the Lord surpassed the enclosed walls of the church, he could often be found cutting the grass and manually changing the marquee by the roadside. God guided Randy's love and appreciation for the outdoors into other ways for him to minister, including helping with Vacation Bible School and various youth sports teams.
He retired from Midland Cogeneration Venture in 2018 after 27 years of service. He was active in the Union for the entirety of his employment and served as the Union President for several years with a voice of reason and strong leadership skills. Again, he was consistently approached by his superiors about moving on to be a shift supervisor or a control room operator. His resolve was strong, and he would rather make less money doing what he felt was right for his fellow shift workers. He helped spearhead the creation of the Safety Committee and tirelessly fought to improve the working conditions and practices/policies for his coworkers and fellow utility worker comrades.
Complimenting his many interests, he voluntarily dedicated his time and expertise to the following clubs: Local Union 564, Lifetime NRA member, Michigan DNR Hunter Education Safety and Responsibility Instructor, Fraternal Order of Eagles 497, American Legion Post 439, Saginaw Field and Stream Member and Safety Instructor, North American Hunting Club Life Member, and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 82.
He was a gifted and intuitive outdoorsman from a very young age. The woods and rivers were his preferred home. He was a natural and shared his passion and knowledge through Saginaw Field and Stream Club being a Youth Hunter's Safety Instructor. He was a thought leader and heavily involved in the hatcheries within the state of Michigan, serving as the 2nd rank of the Lake Huron Citizens Advisory Committee to expand the Atlantic Salmon Program. The opportunities for friends and families to create memories while fishing is what fueled his passion for the fisheries and his efforts will be felt for generations.
He had a deep love for music, was a passionate entertainer and had an infectious energy. He brought so many together and shared his heart with us through song and dance. Any genre, any time, any where.
Work hard, play hard, and love like crazy. Bill, keep the party hoppin'.
He was greeted at the gates of Heaven by Robert and Sally Hitts, Ken and Ruth Sebenick, Thelma Billy, Bob and Jeannette Boyd, Leroy and Norine Hitts, Lottie Kratz, Jeff Risdon, Joe Terrian, Joe Terrian Jr., Billy Terrian, Jerry Terrian, Debbie Farrand, Mil Terrian, Joey Lynn Metz, Kayla Woodson, Ken Denk, Don and Jessie Hanson, Steve Zuzula, and Todd Breckenridge.
He is survived by his wife, Beth, and all of their kids: Nikki Schmidt (Steve Kuehne), Arin (Reid) Williams, Russell (Amanda) Terrian, Kinde (Casey) Malott, and Christina(Bradford) Woodson. Also, all of his grandkids: Zachary and Derek Pierson; Ruby and Alliyah Williams; Angel Terrian (Nathan Barkey); Russell Louis Jr and Trenton Terrian; Cora, Chuck and Rory Malott; Kaleb, Kessalyn Jo and Kolter Kevin Woodson. As well as his parents, Ray and Sandy Terrian; his Godfather and Uncle Gary (Nancy) Sebenick and Aunt Gloria Terrian; sister, Renee Hayes (Brandi Hayes and Tiffany Moyer); brothers, Craig (Mary) Terrian and Kevin (Kelly) Terrian (Kat Butterworth, MA and Tommy Curtis), Bob (Sherry) Farrand, Pat Risdon, and Thurman Kratz. Also left to grieve are Nebraska's Hanson Clan, many nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and three great-great's, countless friends that felt like family all across the lands.
He will always be remembered for his bold presence, wonderful voice, and consistent hard work. He was a man of great intensity and dedication in everything he did, most notably his relationships. Any person lucky enough to meet him was touched by his confident and determined personality. He was inspiring and uplifting to all he spent time with. Build your foundation and let nothing move you from it. God. Family. Country.
"Keep singing and dancing, lead with love everywhere you go."
Bravo Zulu. Mission Complete. Terrian Tribe on 3; 1, 2, 3....