It was like a Sunday morning Baptist Church service on a sweltering hot summer day.  Everyone was gathered at Richmond High.  Perfectly lined rows of chairs quickly filled with excited bodies,  lifting their eyebrows as they flashed large smiles and waves while reminiscing with those close by.  Programs, like misselettes, were used as makeshift fans circulating the heat into a warm breeze, but leaving the spirit of the room unwavered.

And I swear, at any given moment if someone had shouted out “Hallelujah!”, it would have been echoed right on back tenfold.  This room held that kind of energy this day.  We were all gathered for one purpose, and that was to celebrate Randy, and it was pretty dang sweet.

There were lots of laughs, and lots of tears.  But they were good tears.  The kind that tingle in your soul, pulling through the sadness and trickling out the joy.

Brad and I were supposed to give speeches that day.  But when we tried to write them, the emotional mess we turned into became quite the shit-show and so we both bailed (pardon the French but it was the most appropriate adjective I could come up with).  We’re just not that strong, not when it comes to our dad at least.  But that’s okay.  Because the stories we got to witness of our dad that day will long be remembered and reside somewhere deep into our hearts, carrying the legacy we know simply as dad.  Stories from his high-school coaches, of the day the accident happened.  Of triumph and support.

Mike Rodich – Former Richmond High Football Coach

Jim Peters – Former Richmond High Football Coach

Stories from the boys of South 13th Street.  Some who are now a second family to our own.  The mischief, the poverty, the morals built upon each other, leading each to their own success in this world.

Paul Flatley – South 13th Street friend, Former Pro-football player

“Uncle” Tom Porter – South 13th Street friend, Godfather to Brad & Laura (don’t hate me – it’s the best shot I got of you!  hopefully you’re laughing!)

“Aunt” Niki Phenis – Richmond High bestie, Godmother to Brad & Laura

There was so much incredible love surrounding this day.  We packed up and headed to Nicki and Rodney Phenis’s house.  Friends of my parents since high school and without a doubt, family.  It was the kind of celebration that was full to the brim.  Everyone gathered for pulled pork, whimpies (sloppy joes), sangria… and we celebrated.  It lasted deep into the heat of the day, leaving a proud few in an intimate gathering.

Scott, Randy & Sandy Stigleman

South 13th Street Boys – Paul Flatley, Ransom Stigleman, Carl Flatley, Tom Porter, Randy Stigleman (l to r)

And the hearty conversation was only broken by a firefly chase.  And like little kids we scampered through the sweet soft grass to capture their glow.

My brother, Brad, truly summed up our dad the best.  He said to me, you know, we all spend our lives trying to become someone great, something that sets us apart from the pack.  We strive to make our own mark on the world.  And dad, he’s spent his whole life just trying to be a normal, to be and be seen just like everyone else.

I don’t think anything could sum up our dad better.  When you first meet him, it’s inevitable, you see a man in a chair.  Which, by the way, comes very much in handy when you want to get recognized or for free admission into National Parks (you can ask my mom for the list of perks)!  But talk to him for 5 minutes.  The chair disappears and before you know it you are knee-deep in laughs and stories.  He probably doesn’t even know it, but his lifelong goal is continually succeeded.

He’s the fairest and kindest person I know.  He’s humble.  And not humble in a way where he knows his accomplishments are great.  Humble in a way that a life he’s striven to make so ordinary through his unordinary life, to him is just life itself.

Recognize the hottie on the bottom left?

I’m so proud of my dad, that he is my dad.  I’m so proud of who I’ve become because of his love, his patience, his guidance.  The work ethic he’s instilled in us has proven invaluable throughout my life and my career.  And the values that he continually sets an example of carry through strong in our relationships and friendships.

It’s true.  I’m the captain of his cheerleading squad.  My herkie jumps may be shameful but I’d rally behind him in the drop of a hat any day of the week.  He’s my dad, and from the time I can remember I’ve been madly in love with him.  He makes life, life rich.

A big ridiculous “Thanks” to this crew from the Richmond High Class of 65′ who have rallied behind Randy every step of the way.  Then and now.  We have all been touched by your kindness, love and support.  Thank you for nominating my father for this award.

There’s nothing better than to be able to celebrate someone’s life… with them there by your side.

Our hearts couldn’t be more full right now.

The slideshow video that was played during the ceremony can be found here.