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Randy Hand

1958 - 2006

BORN

1958

DIED

2006

Randy Hand Obituary

HAND Randy E. Randy Hand, 48, passed away suddenly November 17, 2006, at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Randy was born on July 5, 1958, to Robert and Sharon Hand of Swanton, Ohio. At the age of five, the family moved to Toledo where Randy graduated from Start High School. Randy was born with cerebral palsy. Confined to a wheelchair, he had the burning desire to be independent. Randy amazed his family and friends with his ability to adapt to his physical limitations. He often worked two jobs. Randy met his wife, Bethany, of eighteen years, at the Toledo Zoo where he was working as a tour guide. Beth and Randy gave birth to a baby girl, Crystal Hand on January 4, 1991. Randy would light up whenever talking about his daughter. One of his proudest accomplishments was being able to send Crystal to Toledo Christian School for her education. Randy had several jobs over his short life: The Toledo Zoo, Kinko's at UT and Lowe's on Central Ave. His ability to interact with the public made him a great asset to these companies. He was often requested for tours at the zoo, and assisting customers at Lowe's. With his beaming smile and genuine zest for life, Randy has touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He will be truly missed. Randy was preceded in death by his father, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Bethany; daughter, Crystal; mother, Sharon Hand; sister, Kathy (Jeff) Carr; brothers, Rory (Cheri); Mike (Sallie); mother-in-law, Helen Green; brother-in-law, Neil (Patti) Green; special daughter, Jakcie Garza; and many nieces and nephews. Friends and family will be received in the Neville Funeral Home Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland (419-865-8879) from 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2006. Burial will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be forwarded to the "Crystal Hand Educational Fund" at any 5/3 Bank.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Nov. 20, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Randy Hand

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walter schulz

November 14, 2022

Been 16 years Buddy! There should be a statue of you. You did not go quietly into the night. You faced the world with a grand smile and made the world know you were alive. One last thing you always talked about your daughter.Lucky she had you as an example of courage. You were so proud of her.

michael oneill

December 4, 2006

I have been deeply touched by the loss of a friend, hero and eternal optimist. You will never be replaced.

Jim Marshall

November 25, 2006

Our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter. Julie and Jim have such fond memories of Randy. Their lives were truly enhanced from knowing you and Randy. Julie, Jim, Rita and I all miss you.

Brenda Martin

November 23, 2006

Randy was the nicest man I have ever known. He always had a wonderful smile on his face and everyone who came in contact with him couldn't help but love him. He loved his family and was so proud of them. I had the honor to work with Randy for a short period of time a few years ago at Lowe's. He made every customer feel welcome and was very helpful. Randy will be truly missed.

John Richey, III

November 22, 2006

Randy I will miss you my friend.

Karen Johnson

November 21, 2006

Randy will truly be missed at our Lowes 1614. He was Simply The Best Love Ya Always

Nici Emerson

November 21, 2006

Mr. Hand was so nice. Every time I saw him he would ask me for a hug and call me sweetheart. I remember one time I believe I was in like fourth grade and we had this bike a thon for school. Well I was unable to ride a bike and walked the 2 mile track. I was walking and here comes Mr. Hand in his wheelchair and stops next to me and tells me to climb on the back of his chair. I did and rode with him over to where my family was at. I was really thankful because my feet ached. I will miss him alot. I will keep Crystal and Mrs. Hand in my prayers.
Mr. Hand if you can read this I'll make sure Crystal doesn't get in too much trouble.

Micahel Rottenstein

November 21, 2006

Lowe's will never again be the same. I looked forward to seeing Randy ~ and trying to outwit him ~ my was he quick! We have 11 children, and they thought Randy was the neatest guy. He was on their level and very funny. I, too, heard Randy talk about his family and witnessed the love that would gleam in his eye as he told of "his" family.
Your family will be in our prayers. The memories of this dear man will live in my heart and I'm sure will be one of the key ingredients to your comfort in the days that lie ahead. I thank God for allowing me to meet Randy Hand.

Jeff Carr

November 21, 2006

... to a loving brother... for You, to choose me as a friend, I could ask of no better, as an advisary.. ND vs M, no better a stalwart... in chess, black or white, I will always miss our mornings, may God give you Pease... I hope I may reach your final resting place so we may play again...

Jeff

Karen Keeler

November 20, 2006

Bethany and Crystal, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Randy for 3 years at Lowe's and never met a more wonderful and loving man. Of course he had that quick wit and would never miss a chance for fun that would make his blues sparkle and his big smile shine.

Kay Timpe

November 20, 2006

Randy, I love you and know you are running free! I know Aunt Dot has already smothered you with "booby hugs". I love you Beth and Crystal. I will miss Randy. :):) I have fond memories of him and will always cherish those, his smile lasts forever. Love, Kay Lynn

Mary Poe

November 20, 2006

What a great loss for mankind! I met Randy way back in early 80's when I worked near the university,and he would patrol the parking lot to keep students out so our customers would have a place to park! No matter what kind of weather, Randy was there, and always smiling and telling jokes! And it was great when in later years we'd run into him at Lowes! And He remembered me as well as I remembered him! Still smiling and telling jokes!

JIM SKEETERS

November 20, 2006

i went to school with randy.we got to be good friends.i was happy when he got married and had a baby.he would not let anything get in has way. he was a wonderful person.

walter schulz

November 20, 2006

randi, I first met randy 15 years ago , we became friends , I would like to tell all who read this , that randi was a great man, this is a man all toledo should mourn , we have lost a great soul, , I saw him work in rain and snow in cold , bitter wind , he always smiled and made me laugh, he was so smart , he could read people so fast and accurately. in 11 years he never complained to me about his illness , he made fun of it , he mocked the disease, , he would always have this twinkle in his eyes , he wanted everyone to be thankful they were alive.he was alive . I was in awe of his determination to live a full active life,I remember him racing his wheel chair down sidewalks just to get a rise out of me,he was kind and gentle, but he was also so mentally strong, he had iron will , physically if he grabbed you, you new it,.there was no phoniness about him, no airs .we where all made better by knowing him , i was made better by knowing him

Janice Rankin

November 20, 2006

So sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Randy for a short time working with him at Lowes. He always made me smile. My deepest sympathy to you.
Janice Rankin

Maumee Senior Center

November 20, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

cindy

November 20, 2006

I was sad to read about Randys passing. I met Randy about six months ago shopping at Lowes. I have MS and was having a rough time loading a piece of paneling on a cart when Randy came zooming by in his chair. I am as stubborn as the next one, saying I can do this myself. Well, I was in a heck of a pickle. Randy turned back around to see if I needed help and had all he could do not to keep from laughing. Finally we both just started laughing. Which he said he wasn't laughing "at me", he was laughing with me. We did get the paneling on the cart and after an hour long conversation, I found a new friend and a whole new outlook for my life. He spoke so highly of his wife and daughter, it was like I knew them by the time I left. My prayers to you and your family.

Heather Allen

November 20, 2006

To Randy's Family,
You don't know me, but I wanted to share my thoughts of Randy with you and to let you know that I am very sorry for your loss.
I first met Randy when I was a student at UT and he worked at Kinko's. I would go in to print a report or make copies and he was ready to help me. He never made me feel like I was dumb for not knowing how to work the machines (even though he'd show me every time). I would think about him every now and then when I went somewhere and needed help and the person was not so nice; I'd say to myself... why can't we all be more like Randy. Then, years later I ran into him at Lowe's and he was the same exact smiling, nice helpful Randy I remember from college. One time when we ran into each other he was with you (Bethany and Crystal). He introduced me to you both and his face just radiated. I could see the love he has for you!
He never knew my name... but I knew who he was... he touched my life and I just wanted you to know.
With deepest sympathy,
Heather Allen

Gregg and Karen Carr

November 20, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Gretchen Ronau

November 20, 2006

Bethany I am sorry to hear of the loss of Randy. May God bless you and comfort you and Crystal. He will be greatly missed. I know he truly loved you and Crystal very much. Gretchen Ronau associate from Lowe's

Gretchen Ronau

November 20, 2006

Bethany and Crystal I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and dad. He was a very nice man. May God comfort you today and always and I know Randy really loved you both very much.
Gretchen, an associate from Lowe's

Elg & Annette Durdel

November 20, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jennifer Skaff

November 20, 2006

Randy was a great man. He knew where he was going, so he didn't have to worry. He was kind, generous,and loving. Thank you Randy for being my friend. You will be sorely missed. We all love you.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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