My condolensces to Randy's family and friends.
I had the pleasure of first meeting Randy in 2006, the Friday morning before the Tinley Park Buffett show. He was an anchor of the Chicago CBS2 Morning News, and they broadcast their show that morning live from the Anita Dee II at Navy Pier. The Beach Bum Band was playing aboard the boat for the show, and Johnny asked if I could come along. The other people on board in the audience were viewers that had won tickets.
I was wearing my hat (below), and for the last segment of the broadcast, they brought me up to the anchor desk. They were talking about weekend happenings, tallships and such, and then Randy asked me what else was going on, to which I responded "It's Jimmy Buffett weekend... woohoo!"
, and Randy talked about the concert.
After they signed off the air, we cruised Lake Michigan along the Chicago lake front. It was super cool!! He was a very friendly, genuine guy.
Later that night, I saw him at the Mac McAnally show in Mokena. I didn't have my hat, but got an enthusiastic "hey Tiki!" and chatted a bit. I saw him again Saturday afternoon in the Holiday Inn parking lot pre-party, and enjoyed visiting again. And I saw him after the concert in the bar at the Holiday Inn, where he introduced me to his wife. I innocently started feeling like a stalker when I saw him again the next morning outside!
But he was just one of the many parrotheads hanging around the hotel for the weekend, and like the rest of them, smiling and socializing.
This past October, when we were at Margaritaville for Nadirah's show, Randy came in with Mac... I couldn't believe it! And again, even without the hat, I got a "Tiki! How are you?" and a hug!
So included in my sympathies, is some PHIN POWER for ((((Mac)))), who I believe lost a friend.
Randy was a News Anchor in Chicago, and "famous" in his own right, but if you've ever met him, you wouldn't know it. He was just a regular guy, and another great person who left us too soon.
Sail on, Randy.
