Randall S. "Randy" Turnbull
July 09, 1945 - November 11, 2023
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Randall S. "Randy" Turnbull
July 09, 1945 - November 11, 2023
Obituary
Randall S. Turnbull, beloved father, brother, friend, and veteran, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday November 11, 2023, with his daughter by his side.
Randy was born July 9, 1945, to Marjorie (Bell) and Delvin Turnbull in Portland, Oregon. Growing up Randy enjoyed playing baseball, causing mischief around the neighborhood with his buddies, and creating memories with his cousins and stepmother’s closeknit family who all lived next door to one another. His family spent much time on the Oregon Coast at their beachside family cabin, which always held a special place in Randy’s heart. Randy graduated in 1963 from Benson Polytechnic High School. The camaraderie from these years held great significance for Randy as he maintained many of these valued friendships throughout his lifetime, and even enjoyed helping to organize Benson’s 50-year reunion for the class of ’63 back in 2013.
Randy was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country from 1966-1968 in Vietnam as an Artillery Surveyor. He also proudly ran the enlisted men’s club on base which, due to his social and witty nature, was a great use of his skills and became the source of many wartime stories later in life. Upon returning home, he earned his A.A. degree in Business Administration from Clark College in Vancouver in 1969 before moving up to Bellingham to attend Western. Randy graduated with his B.A. degree from Western Washington State College in 1972, Majoring in Business Administration-Economics and Minoring in Psychology. During these years, he enjoyed intramural sports, getting into just the right amount of trouble, and became an avid spectator of local rugby. Like his childhood years, the relationships he established as a young adult were based on a foundation of fond, often humorous memories and they remained lifelong treasures.
In 1972 Randy started his garage door business, Stanley Door of Bellingham, which he independently owned and operated for over 50 years. He was charitable by nature and was first to volunteer his hand when needed. Whether the PTA, his daughter’s dance associations, or local veteran’s groups, he was involved or served on the board within numerous charitable organizations. He supported his local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter, VVA Ron Davenport Memorial Chapter #165, and was involved in organizing their annual car show held each July. He was looking forward to entering his own ’51 Chevy, his very first car, into the show after its restoration is completed.
Randy was most proud of his daughter and loved spending time together. He was the most supportive dad and could hardly have a conversation with friends, family, or even customers without speaking of her. They shared a love of local sports, laughter, and the nature that surrounds us.
Randy is survived by his daughter Melanie (Adam) Flink, brother-in-law Cliff Hamblen, niece Marlaina Hamblen, nephew Jordan (Amy) Hamblen, and three great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Marge, his father and stepmother Del and Anne Turnbull, his sister Debora Hamblen, and beloved cousins John “Whitey” and Jim “Jay” Bolzell who were like brothers to him.
A common thread woven throughout each era of Randy’s lifetime is how he clearly thrived on human connections and the resulting fun that often ensued. Randy will forever be in the hearts of many, and his connections, humor, and entertaining stories will not be forgotten. A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 7 in Bellingham, WA on July 7, 2024. All who knew Randy are welcome to attend. Donations can be made in Randy’s memory to VVA Chapter 165, PO Box 29885, Bellingham, WA 98228.
Celebration of Life
- Date & Time: No Date & Time
- Venue: American Legion Post 7
- Location: 1688 W Bakerview Rd Bellingham , WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
VVA Chapter 165
- Address: PO Box 29885, Bellingham, WA, 98228 - (Get Directions)
7 responses to Randall S. "Randy" Turnbull
Kay Kennedy says:
November 30, 2023
Melanie,I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and I know you were the light of his life. I remember running into the two of you getting a pedicure together…how many dad’s do that? You had a good one ♥️♥️
Melanie says:
December 2, 2023
Not only did he get a pedicure with me, he painted his big toes to match either Seahawks or Mariners colors, whichever season we were in! He would speak Vietnamese to the ladies doing his nails, it was a total blast. That was my dad for ya!
Liane Kerr says:
December 9, 2023
I love that! What a fabulous Dad you had! It was such a pleasure to meet you & such a blessing to see your dad the day before he passed. I loved that he told you that we were “badass” after we left! That memory will stay with me forever!
Richard O. Kiser (Rick) says:
April 1, 2024
Melanie.
My name is Rick Kiser. And last night I went to call your Father as we talked 2-3 times a year and found that he had passed in Nov last year, I am so hurt and and disappointed as Randy and went through Basic training at Ft Lewis and remained really good friends for the last 50 years. Beings that he was so far away in Bellingham, we talked by phone but our lives and month to month year by year things always seemed get in our way. But when we got the chance we talked for hours.
Our last conversations were centered around our love of cars as Randy was not totally aware of my car thing. When he realized to what extent my ROKSTOCK Capri thing really was, he was ecstatic to say the least. And then when I sent him pictures of the replica Cobra that I had just finished building he went beyond all words of explanation. We shared our lives stories in Basic (I was fortunate enough not to have had to go to Viet Nam) After Randy got out of the Army we did run together for several years before he and Mitch went up to Bellingham to college. Your Father WAS truly a Great Man. Our conversations helped me many times because of Randy’s great gift for helping people see a better side of things. I’m SO sorry to hear the news about your Father Melanie… (He spoke so wonderfully well about you and your and his relationship) Please feel free to call me or contact me anytime. Randy was and WILL ALWAYS be a special-special friend of mine always. We had some great times, many laughs, many serious moments concerning the real-things of life. I’m sure that your Father meant the world to you… I wish you the best Melanie, God Speed. I am certain that Randy is in The Good Place, he was too good of a man, to good of a person not to be any where else… but Home. Rick.
Gloria Willman says:
November 30, 2023
Melanie, I was saddened to hear of “Lightning’s” passing. I always enjoyed running into your dad. No doubt there would be some crazy story to share. He was one proud papa too….always wanting to share your accomplishments. I agree with Kay, you had a good one!
Roxanne & Phil McMullin says:
December 2, 2023
Randy was a “brother” to Phil for most of their lives. I met them both July 4, 1965 cruising on a hot summer night. Was the changing moment for all three of us. Thank you Randy. We love you and will never be the same without you. Melanie was the sunshine of his life. God Bless. Phil & Roxanne McMullin
Marlaina Hamblen says:
December 8, 2023
Uncle Randy will be terribly missed. There aren’t enough words to describe what a great father, uncle, great uncle, friend & simply human. He was a bright light never at a loss for words. I will never forget when my mom ( Debbie Hamblen ) I will never forget my mom having her brother there at her bedside while she took her last breath. He helped us to make those last few days bearable. The wonderful convos over the last few years. Him giving me sound advice as I lost my partner. The best & my favorite uncle more I considered him more like a second dad. I will forever miss giving him updates about Amelia & the old North Ptld hood. I remember our last conversation he said it was good to hear my voice. Such a kind & gentle soul. He will always remain in our hearts!
Love Marlaina & Amelia