RANDOLPH B. FELKER

1944 - 2021

RANDOLPH B. FELKER
Randolph 'Randy' Felker – The oldest of six siblings, born April 4, 1944, passed away November 3, 2021, in the comfort of his home following a brief illness.
With a strong sense of love for country, Randy joined the New Mexico Air National Guard after graduating from the University of New Mexico in 1966 and entered pilot training. He was selected for F-100 fighter training at Cannon AFB in April 1967 and later transitioned to the A-7 in February 1974 accumulating over 2,800 total flying hours. Randy flew with the "Flying Tacos" for 25 years of dedicated service before retiring in 1990 with the rank of Lt Colonel. Randy often said he "had a great time flying fighters and couldn't believe they paid me to do it."
While serving with the NM Air National Guard, Randy went on to receive a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1972 and became a prominent Santa Fe attorney while maintaining a dual career as attorney and pilot. Immediately following law school he was hired as an Assistant Attorney General for the state of NM until January of 1974 when he opened his own law office. His wealth of knowledge and remarkable intellect was increasingly noticeable as he developed a successful and illustrious law career. He quickly became a respected litigator and a tenacious advocate for his clients, many of whom also became his friends.
Equally at home in a flight suit, fishing waders or a tuxedo, Randy was an avid pilot, fisherman, reader, hunter, and a pretty fair dancer. He enjoyed, among other things, the opera, museums, travel, the annual Scottsdale car auction and a campfire with family and friends. Many of his friends' children caught their first fish under his patient guidance or went for their first airplane ride in his Beechcraft Bonanza.
Having breakfast every morning with his 'breakfast club' friends and colleagues brought great enjoyment to his active life. Randy shared a ranch in Northern New Mexico with some of his friends where he enjoyed spending many summer weekends taking in the joys of various outdoor activities. He loved spending time with valued friends and family. However, his many accomplishments and his tenacious spirit, enthusiasm, sacrifice and courage paled in comparison to his dedicated love for Barbara, as well as for his friends and family.
Everyone who knew him will miss his presence; however, as each of us in life can hope, Randy has left a special place in the hearts of all those who were honored to call him colleague, friend, and family. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is not the length of life but the depth of life." He leaves behind a legacy of fond memories that will be cherished by many.