Randall K. Hems

Obituary of Randall K. Hems

On Friday, September 5th, 2025, a remarkable man departed this world.

Randall (Randy) Hems, 62, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after living

with a glioblastoma diagnosis for 2 years. Throughout his illness, Randy maintained hope, the gift of

making others laugh and smile, wit and gentle sarcasm, gratitude, and his deep love and admiration

for his family and friends.

Randy is survived by his wife Lisa, children Matthew and Caroline (Luke) Bamburoski, sister Lorraine

(Andrea West), brother Murray (Shiellee Adams), in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, and devoted

friends.

Born in Rochester, NY, in 1963, Randy was a lifelong resident of Fairport. His childhood was marked

by visits with extended family throughout New York State, church youth group, and summers at

camp on Otsego Lake. In his formative years, you'd likely find him writing letters to editors of

motorcycle magazines, listening to classic rock, doing Latin homework, or eating 5 meals a day.

When he met Lisa at the University of Rochester in 1984, there was an irrefutable connection which

endured the distance of Randy's Master's Program at University of Michigan. They maintained a

loving and supportive relationship of 41 years as each others' best friend. Together they raised two

children who continue to make them proud.

Parenting Matthew and Caroline has been the honor and joy of his lifetime. Randy enjoyed going on

scouting trips with Matthew to the Adirondacks and Gettysburg, geeking out with him over STEM

topics around the dinner table, and maintaining the family minivan over 16 years. Randy also

delighted in playing butler for Caroline's birthday tea party, holding the camcorder during her recitals,

and using his engineering expertise to mentor his son-in-law, Luke, in house remodeling projects. As

a family, they cherished everyday moments as well as family holidays and vacations to dude

ranches, National Parks, and Europe. Randy and Lisa were thankful their children introduced them

to families who became lifelong friends.

In addition to the blessings of family and friends, Randy was fortunate to have a fulfilling career in

engineering and management at PSC, Inc and UTC Retail. Randy was respected and valued for his

thoughtful assessments, technical knowledge, curiosity, humor and patience. Randy also respected

and admired his colleagues and was thankful for their many years together.

During his leisure time, Randy loved to tinker and fix household items, travel, listen to music, and

duel with Lisa on games and puzzles. He also had a reputation for enjoying cuisines from near and

far and also for accumulating information about innumerable and sometimes random topics. His

penchant for the unfamiliar and unexplored led to many memorable experiences.

Randy was the family member, colleague, neighbor, and friend who was consistently available to

help with a smile, encouraging words, laughter, and perhaps some obscure knowledge or

uncommon tool.

Although Randy's life was far too short and he still had adventures he wanted to enjoy, he was

blessed to give and receive the love and respect of many. Randy enriched the lives of those who

knew him and was enriched by their presence in his life. He leaves a legacy of kindness, wisdom,

integrity, humor, and gentleness.

The family thanks Randy's care providers from the last two years: Roswell Park Cancer Institute,

URMC, Rochester Regional Health Hospice, HCR, and particularly Dr. Abad, who embodied

individualized care, advocacy, and an exceptional ability to connect. They also thank their vast

community of support for their loving care and generosity during Randy's illness. The

visits, meals, errands, messages, and prayers have been greatly appreciated.

A memorial service will be held at the University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel, 1045 Wilson Blvd,

Rochester NY (parking in Trustee Road Lot) on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at 3PM with

visitation prior at 2 PM. Private interment. For those wishing to donate in Randy's honor, please consider the American Brain Tumor Association or Roswell Park Cancer Institute.