Randy Dee Mays' Obituary
Randy Dee Mays passed away on January 7, 2015 due to complications after heart surgery. He was 49.
He was born March 31, 1965 in Springfield, Oregon to David and Ruth Mays. He grew up in Springfield surrounded by the love of family members of many generations.
Randy lived in Springfield for 18 years and graduated from Thurston High School in 1983. Soon after he moved to Portland he received his Electronics Engineering degree at ITT Technical Institute in Portland in 1985. He worked in the electronic consumer repair field for 10 years and over the next 16 years became a Sr. Network Engineer for The Standard and Multnomah County.
Randy married his soul mate Gwendolyn Cogburn on August 2, 1985 under a 138 year old cherry in Eugene, Oregon. Like their love, it has grown and blossomed with deep roots. They have been together 38 years total; 5 years as children, 3 years dating and almost 30 years married. They have raised three beautiful children.
Randy loved the outdoors from the beach to the mountains; hiking, biking, rock hounding, scuba diving, geocaching, camping, fishing, and most of all hunting. He will be remembered for his barbeque and smoked meats, sense of humor, kindness and wisdom. His philosophy was to live life to the fullest and in the moment with no regrets. Family was always first.
He has called St. Helens home for the past 25 years.
Left to cherish his memories and stories are his wife and best friend Gwendolyn Mays and their three children, Jared Mays and Keagan Mays of St. Helens, and Salena Mays of Springfield, his mother Ruth Jellison Mays of Springfield, two sisters Ramona Mays Peterson of Springfield, Gloria Mays of Springfield, numerous family, extended family as well dear friends who have been adopted into the family.
His is preceded in death by his father David Mays and his sister Frances Mays Fair.
A service honoring his life will be held on January 13, 2015 at Warren Community Fellowship Arrangements made by Columbia Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Scappoose, Oregon.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Springfield, Oregon to be determined.
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