Steven RANDOCK Obituary
June 28, 1939 - August 26, 2021
On June 28,1939, Steve came into this world loved, cherished, bright, happy and excited to begin an extraordinary life. He was the beloved only child of Charlie and Dolores and they remained very close all their lives. Steve grew up in charming Milburn, New Jersey. His school years included attending Wyoming Grammar School and graduating in the Class of 1957 from Milburn High School. His early employment began working as a box boy while in high school, and moving on to a job he loved as a life guard at the shore where he and numerous friends spent summers, weekends and free time. He also served four years in the National Guard while in high school.
On Halloween October 31, 1957, at age 18, Steve continued what he considered to be a duty to his country by enlisting in the Air Force. Travels took him to an air base in Illinois, Middleton, Alaska, and finally Spokane. In 1958 Steve married New Jersey native, Marilyn Schisel, and Spokane became their home. In 1963 they welcomed their first son, Steve Jr., and three years later their youngest son, Lawrence (Larry) was born.
After his honorable discharge from four years in the Air Force Steve worked for Avis, first washing cars but, being the innovative and driven man he was, he soon found ways to make more income by operating a limousine business, and then began selling and leasing cars. He later moved on to work for Larry Barnes with Mico, leasing mobile offices and buildings. He set high goals for himself moving on to start his own business as a successful manufactured home dealer. Steve Randock Mobile Homes, located on East Sprague, soon became a thriving venture. His expansion led to relocating to Airway Heights in 1979.
Family life included buying a home by Cannon Park on Spokane's south side. Here he and Marilyn raised the boys to their teenage years and then moved north to the new Fairwood subdivision. Life changes moved Steve and Marilyn in different directions, but they have remained friends for life.
In 1980, 41 years ago, Steve met Dixie, and she became the love of his life. It was truly love at first sight for both, leading to marriage at St James Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 1985. Together they had a loving, happy marriage, filled with excitement, adventure and fun. They successfully blended their family including Steven Jr., Larry, twins Heidi and Daryl, and Wendy. Both Steve and Dixie considered themselves very fortunate that the kids became friends and remain so to this day.
Together, they started and operated Allstar Manufactured Homes, previously named Steve Randock Manufactured Homes, and Century 21 Randock, both located in Mead, WA. Century 21 further extended with branches in Spokane Valley, Diamond Lake, Coeur d'Alene and the downtown Spokane Skywalk. In 1992 Steve became the #1 Dealer in the entire USA for Liberty Homes. Much of his success was attributed to him always being innovative and having an honorable reputation.
After closing his own business, Steve's sons started their own dealership. Always wanting to be active, and no time for retirement, Steve began working for them selling homes, and continuing to help by advising and mentoring, He was extremely proud of Steven and Larry (owners of Home Boys in Spokane Valley), and all they have accomplished to be the successful businessmen they are today. Steve's admiration didn't stop there. He was extremely proud of all the kids, seeing them do very well in their own business endeavors. He often expressed how their fortitude and accomplishments made him feel proud.
It was always apparent to those who knew him that the happiest and most fulfilling times were spent with his family, children, and friends. He and his wife Dixie traveled all over the globe including Jamaica, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Greek Isles, Turkey, Italy, France, Monaco, Mexico, Hawaii, numerous other States and Canadian provinces, plus Steve's exciting trip to India and lots of wonderful fishing trips in Alaska.
Steve was a very special and highly intelligent man. He had a vast array of many years of life experiences that he enjoyed sharing. Steve was extremely well read on topics including ancient and recent history, cultures, and politics. His children, and grandchildren, as well as friends, often called him, "Their walking encyclopedia and history book". "Dad/Grandpa" was frequently called for his advice and opinions before making important decisions, knowing his vast knowledge on so many topics would always guide them in the correct direction. Right up until his passing he remained current on all local and world events.
Steve was also an ordained minister and was so honored to have officiated the wedding ceremonies of two granddaughters, Mikayla (to Chris) and Cassidy (to Tyler). He truly adored all his and Dixie's 5 children including Steven (Ute) Larry (Janelle), Heidi (Doug), Daryl and Wendy, as well as 11 grandchildren: Jessica, Chad, Mark, Mikayla, Madison, Jendi, Britney, Taylor, Marissa, Shawn and Cassidy. His family has also been blessed with six great-grandchildren: Tylea, Leland, Rayna, Lucy, Melody and Julian. Steve also considered himself fortunate to be able to provide a private home on their property for his much loved mother-in-law, Sue Pederson.
He loved people, nice cars, good food, his home, making deals, talking to everyone, fishing, traveling, food – all kinds - trying new things, adored watching cat videos on Youtube, reading and learning, but most of all having good times on his big beautiful deck on his home on the Little Spokane River, and spending time with all the kids and friends, and most of all being with his wife and soulmate, Dixie.
Service will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 1:45 Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 West Espanola Road,
Medical Lake, WA 99022. Reception: please join us for sit down dinner and drinks for Celebration of Steve's Life at 3:30PM - 5:00 PM, Spaghetti Factory, 152 S. Monroe St., Spokane, WA, 99201 (509)624 8916.
Published by Spokesman-Review on Sep. 5, 2021.