Randy Val Whidden, 74, born in Fremont, Neb., passed away on August 2 in Springfield, Ore. Randy was a beloved son, husband, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. Those who knew Randy remember him by his good-natured personality, adventurous spirit, and spontaneous laugh.
At the age of one, Randy and his parents Ardeth and John Haurigan and sister Billie moved to Oregon, settling in Junction City where he lived through his childhood.
In the summer of 1964, upon graduating from Junction City High School, Randy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Camp Pendleton, Okinawa, Japan, and at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro before returning to civilian life in 1968. He lived and worked as a computer science technician in California before returning to Oregon where he had a long and honorable career in the food, beverage, and wine distribution industry.
Randy’s true-life adventure began when he met Jan Kleminsky on the softball field in 1981. They lived a life of commitment for 40 years of which 28 were in marriage.
Randy was active and always ready for an adventure and reveled in the bounty of retired life, always with his wife Jan by his side. Their travels took them on a three-week campervan tour of the South Island of New Zealand, to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the heartlands of Italy, and to the rainforests of Costa Rica. Randy made an effort to achieve remarkable physical goals and was in the best shape of his retired life. It allowed him to climb to the peaks of Machu Picchu in Peru, raft the Snake River, backpack the Grand Canyon, complete the Hood-to-Coast Relay, and bike the Oregon coast. He commemorated his 70th birthday with a 70-mile bicycle ride.
Throughout his life, camping, biking, hiking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends filled his days. Randy was a true-green Oregon Duck sports enthusiast, long before it was “cool” to be a Duck fan.
Randy is survived by his wife, Jan Kleminsky; his sister, Lynette Giles of Hood River; his uncle, Gary Gainsforth of Rome, Italy, and numerous nieces & nephews. Randy is preceded in death by his parents John and Ardeth (Baade) Haurigan and sister Billie Beck.
The family encourages donations to a local animal shelter, an environmental organization or a voting rights group.
Arrangements by Major Family Funeral Home.
