One of my favorite memories of Randy was actually a repeated occurrence. I would come over to the house after school to hang out with marisa and the series of events went like this:

I’d let myself into the house (ofcourse) and typically bark out a shrill “hellOOOOoo” (ofcourse). Then I’d wander around the kitchen before eventually making my way upstairs to Marisas room. And somewhere between the kitchen and the piano/living room, I’d cross the gym. And there Randy would be, either topless or wearing a sweaty tank top and the tiniest pair of shorts you ever did see on a dad, pumping some IRON. Sometimes I would say “Hello!!” and he wouldnt hear me so I’d scurry off. However, on some lucky occasions, he’d see me and howl out a “HEY HONEY! HOW ARE YA?” with his larger than life barrel voice. A voice that one only acquires after years of asking yourself “why is everyone whispering?”. I suspect years and years of being a seasoned diver were also a contributing factor, but I digress.

In those moments, it was as if Randy and I had this wonderful unspoken understanding and shared experience; While I’ve never once put an oxygen mask on my face and couldnt tell you one basic principle of diving, I too often wondered “why is everyone whispering?” 

Our exchange was predictable after that, “im great! how are you?” etc. but it never ever failed to make me laugh and smile. Much like his voice and tiny shorts, his presence and candor was joyfully startling, gregarious and always made you laugh and smile.