Randy Barrados Garcez

Randy Barrados Garcez passed away at his home (age 70) from complications of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cancer. Randy was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013 and lived on for over 12 years. He was raised in Oakland, CA, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology/Animal Biology from University of California, Davis in 1978, and his master’s degree in Transfusion Medicine from Duke University Medical School in 1996. Randy met his wife of over 38 years, Silvia Swigert, on an adult co-rec softball field in Berkeley, CA, and married her in 1987. After buying their first home in El Cerrito, CA, they later moved to Yorba Linda, CA, where they resided for over 34 years.

Randy worked as a Research Scientist in biochemistry at Cutter and Miles Laboratories in Berkeley, CA, for 26 years. During that time, Randy was awarded two U.S. patents with his research team for “Enhancing Platelet Morphology Prior to Patient Use (Patent #4,753,797)” and for a “Method of Preparing Neocytes and Gerocytes in a Closed System (Patent #5,104,788)”. He also worked for Pall Medical Corporation as a Research Product Applications Specialist for 8 years where he visited blood banks all over the United States, making many friends along the way.

Randy had meaningful involvement and memberships in professional organizations throughout his career, which included the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB), the Specialists in Blood Bank (SBB), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He was also a member of Toastmasters International (TI) for 35 years and mentored many leaders at the club and district levels.

Randy enjoyed his hobbies which included camping and hiking, skiing, bowling, golfing, traveling, and scuba diving. He was an Eagle Scout, a 500 Club member at Golden Gate Lanes, and an Advanced Scuba Diver. He was also a good friend and listener, and brave and loyal to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a very funny side and was known for his humor.

Randy is survived by his beloved wife, Silvia, and his nieces, nephew, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. His ashes will be interred at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, CA, on May 16th at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will be announced later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation (https://givebutter.com/uclajccf-donate).