Randy James Ward

It is with great sadness that we announce that Randy J Ward age 60 of Sarasota, Florida passed away this evening, August 4th, 2023, with his daughter Ashley Hope Ward and his beloved Grace and her running buddy Gypsy at his bedside. Randy was born in Plattsburg, New York and migrated to the Sarasota area over 13 years ago. Randy was an avid fisherman and professional painter. He was loved and admired by so many people both in his native New York and his adopted home of Sarasota.
While Randy struggled with his lung disorder for many years, he never failed to provide a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Having painted many homes and businesses over his career he was most happy when he could do for others. On occasion his offbeat sense of humor would shock those who had just met him, but they truly loved him and began to admire his brilliance as they grew to understand him better.
An avid New York Yankees fan, he never missed a game and recently while watching one game he reminisced to "back in the day" as he put it to when Managers like Billy Martin made the game more exciting. Over the years Randy accumulated a very large collection of Christmas Village decorations and friends and family came from near and far to see how he transformed his sunroom into a Christmas Wonderland to be enjoyed by folks of all ages. His love for Legos began a few years ago and he spent many hours as his mobility decreased constructing very detailed and complex projects including his famous roller Coaster and just recently a fully functional lighthouse.
Randy is survived by his daughter Ashley Hope Ward-Cole and her husband William, of Sarasota his parents Sherry and Al Parent, of Sarasota. His sister Kay Hebert and her husband Gary and their daughter Emily of New York, his brothers Jeff and Bryan, his ex-wife and best friend Bonnie Englert and her husband Pete of New York. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Ray and his furry best friend Otis.
While we grieve his passing, we ask that everyone who knew Randy Ward, celebrate his life. Have knowledge that he is at peace and no longer in pain. Recently when asked if he had a religious preference, he stated that "he was spiritual and didn't need a brick and mortar building to celebrate his faith". So, as you look towards the sky and see a rainbow know that it's a sign of amazing colors painted by Randy himself to show you, he is watching over us all.
Ashley, Kay, and Bill would like to recognize and thank the amazing Team from Continuum Hospice of Sarasota for their compassion and love for Randy leading up to his passing. The entire Continuum organization have truly been our Angels, and we are forever grateful.
Plans for a Celebration of Randy's life are in the works and will be announced in the near future. Maloney's Funeral Home of Sarasota is in charge of the arrangements on behalf of the family. In Lieu of Flowers the family requests donations be made to either Continuum Hospice of Sarasota or your local Animal Shelter to support and promote canine adoptions.