Randy D. York

Randy York passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 28. Known as a talented storyteller who connected with people, he “never met a stranger” and deeply loved his family and friends. He had a passion for life - full of humor, quick wit, warmth and a natural ability to make everyday moments fun.

Born and raised in Alliance, Nebraska, Randy shared every chapter of his life with his wife, Linda. They walked to school together in elementary school, dated in high school, went to college together, married in 1970 and had two daughters. Their bond carried him through a remarkable career that spanned journalism, corporate communications and, ultimately, a celebrated return to Husker athletics.

Randy graduated from the University of Nebraska and began his journalism career at the Lincoln Journal Star, where he spent 18 years as a sports columnist. His talent for elevating everyday moments into unforgettable stories earned him six Nebraska Sportswriter of the Year awards, a testament to both his craft and his connection to the athletes and coaches he covered.

His voice became a trusted companion to fans across the state. As the Journal Star’s prep sports editor, Randy hosted Prep Panorama, co‑hosted Nebraska’s first sports talk radio show on KLMS and contributed commentary to KFOR and KLIN. His statewide rankings and features were syndicated across Nebraska newspapers. Perhaps his favorite piece of work was co-authoring a biography of Nebraska football legend, Bob Devaney.

Next in his career, Randy brought his storytelling gifts to Sprint in Kansas City, where he spent 22 years in corporate communications. There, he led major publications, including the company’s annual report, and earned the prestigious Gold Quill Award for a special publication honoring Sprint employees’ heroic efforts during the 9/11 crisis.

In 2007, Randy returned to Lincoln as an Associate Athletic Director at the university. His passion project was authoring "The N-Sider," the official blog of Nebraska Athletics, for nearly a decade. He loved giving friends and family tours of the athletic facilities – especially taking his grandchildren out on the football field.

Randy served on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, championing the stories of athletes and coaches whose achievements shaped the state’s sports legacy. In 2014, his hometown honored him as the first-ever inductee into the Alliance Public Schools Foundation Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that began in their classrooms and went on to touch countless lives.

Above all, Randy was a devoted husband, dad and papa. Upon retiring in Kansas City, you could find him getting in 10,000 steps a day or in the stands watching his grandchildren play sports (and making friends with other parents). He may have educated a basketball referee a time or two about three steps being a walk!

Ultimately, his words connected people. His kindness uplifted all those who were lucky enough to know him. Randy will be deeply missed, profoundly remembered and forever in our hearts.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Mina; sisters, Linda and Charlotte; and brother, Vernon. He is survived by: wife, Linda (Stephens) York; daughter, Angie (Darin) Henderson; grandsons, Grant, Carter, Payton and Brody Henderson; daughter, Julie (Brian) Jindra; grandchildren, Jackson, Sofie and Logan Jindra; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service:

We will celebrate Randy’s life on Tuesday, February 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection’s Wesley Chapel, located at 13720 Roe in Leawood, Kansas. All are invited to a luncheon at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at https://curealz.org/giving/donate/

34 Washington Street, Suite 230, in Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

100% of donations support research