I remember one time when I was just getting started sailing in Stars and I was crewing for Randy about 1974 in the Silver Star at Gibson Island, Maryland. We were getting ready to go out and sail in the practice race. The tide was rather low and Randy had already gotten onto the boat. I was only about 19 at the time and I had a lot of spring in my step and was rather limber, so I jumped onto the deck from the dock, which was about 4-5 feet straight down. Randy had his head under the deck putting some ropes away, and I guess I made a rather loud entrance on the foredeck. Randy jumped up with surprise and said, "Man, you'll go right through that thing!!" So, that was the last time I tried that maneuver. Had a great time sailing with Randy over the years and also in the Bacardi Cup in Miami. He also brought his boat down to Springfield to sail a number of times, too.

Randy, Mary, and Mike,

My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Marianne(Nawoj)Gondek

Our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Wilkin Family on the passing of Randall.  He was a wonderful, classy man who deeply loved his family and his country. Sincerely, Greg and Diane Diem

To the family of Mr. Wilkin:  I will deeply miss my dear friend Mr. Wilkin.  Mr. Wilkin and I first met when I went to work for him at Ocean Reef.  At our first meeting I knew he was a good man as he was so appreciative of the work that I had done and he continually thanked me.  Our working relationship blossomed into a beautiful friendship that spilled over to our families.  We would sometimes sit on his patio and enjoy the birds together while watching the many golfers pass by.  Mr. Wilkin truly knew how to enjoy the many "little" things that life has to offer.  I cherish the times we would go and eat lunch and talk about everyday events over a glass of wine.  I would love to hear him talk about how much he loved his family and he always looked forward to their visits at Ocean Reef.  He was also very proud of the company he formed and would talk of the many projects that he had done around Chicago.  I will always remember when my niece and I visited him in Chicago in mid December about three years ago.  He was a gracious host and took us to see his old neighborhood where he grew up as well as all that Chicago had to offer.  We enjoyed our lunch that day at a little Irish Pub that he liked.  It was a great day that Mary was able to enjoy with us as well.  It was hard for me to leave Mr. Wilkin that day as I really enjoyed his friendship.  Mr. Wilkin was a good hard working family man that I will always look up to.  He set the standard of what a good God fearing family man should be.  He always appreciated everything that he had earned in life.  I will miss the wild rides in the golf cart and how much fun we had together.  He was and always will be a blessing to me and one of my dearest friends.  Enjoy his memories as I will forever.

Randy, Mike, Mary, and the entire Wilkin family.  In the 55 years I have been on this Earth, I have met maybe two others as wonderful as your father.  Mr. Wilkin was truly the cream of the crop from the "Greatest Generation" that ever lived.  I loved to listen to his many stories on what life had dealt him.  I was so impressed on how he served and fought during the "Great War", fighting his way through the Ardenne Forest and the Battle of the Bulge.  I loved how he would tell the story of when he was shot.  I was so impressed on how he still had some compassion for the young German soldiers he was fighting against.  I was also impressed on how Mr. Wilkin lived life to the fullest.  He built a successful company from the ground up, rode bicycle races as a young man and lived life his way.  He loved and lost more then most men could handle and he continued to go on with a zest for life that very few have. He has touched so many in his life and he will be missed.  Since I retired in October, Yvonne and I have spoken many times about going to see Mr. Wilkin.  Sadly we always seem to put it off until it was too late.  I will always regret not making the time to go to Chicago to visit with Mr. Wilkin one last time.  I do take some comfort in the fact that I was able to chat with him on many occasions in Key Largo and we would take in a meal at the Capri restaurant in Florida City when possible. Great times and Conversation!!!! Take solace in knowing that your father touched many people outside the family in a positive way.  As long as I live I will always remember the great memories I have of Mr. Wilkin.  May God bless you during this time of grief.

Never prepared but memories are forever.  Celebrate the good times with smiles and laughter.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  Love, Mary Lou and Ray

Fay and I were long time friends of Randy and Rita during their time at the Ocean Reef Club. Bob and Fay Witz.

I'm the former G.M.of Baltis Built Homes and son-in-law of the late Walter Baltis. Randy was a friend and associate in our home building business and I am sorry to learn of his passing. He will be in my prayers.

On behalf of the Eichhorns & Browns, we feel heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your Grandfather/Father.  We didn't know he was a Purple Heart recipient!  He was an honorable, loving family-man.  We can all learn from his example.  With prayers for peace and comfort, James & Emily

Marge and I are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.  We have many, many fond memories of him.  He was a delightful man. We are living in Portland, Oregon now, or we would be there to share your sorrow in person. We extend our deepest sympathy to all of you.

OBITUARY

Randall K. Wilkin Sr.

April 20, 1918 – May 18, 2011

Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home

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