Deceased March 12, 2023
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in memory
Randy arrived at Amherst from Canandaigua Academy in New York. At Amherst, he majored in economics, pledged Chi Psi and earned a cum laude degree. He graduated from Harvard Law in 1963 and spent his entire law career at Nixon Peabody, eventually heading the firm’s banking and lending groups.
He was a self-professed ski bum during his pre-law days in Utah. Later he realized a downhill dream, helicopter skiing in the Bugaboos of British Columbia. Other trips included rafting the Colorado River, a sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands (complete with kids), Adirondack fishing trips, African safaris, Caribbean cruises and ski trips to Europe.
Besides skiing, Randy’s life was very much guided by two other seasons: duck hunting and fishing. He landed a record-setting lake trout at Little Moose Lake and was forever impressed by the intricate markings of brook trout.
An excellent craftsman, whether it be a complicated corporate negotiation, model sailboat or productive vegetable garden, he crafted things with care, creativity, honesty and detail.
When a 2010 stroke put a damper on some of his favorite activities, Randy repurposed an empty tennis ball can to help anchor his fishing rod. He also continued to ski for several years, holding his own, but with one less pole. He loved a good party and a cold gin and tonic after a sweaty game of tennis. He reveled in a river full of rises and a marsh full of mallards. He cherished lifelong friendships, family reunions and early morning expeditions with duck-hunting partners.
Randy is survived by his devoted and eternally optimistic wife, Janet; his son, John (Danie) of Edwards, Colo.; his daughters—Barrie Hillman (Mark) of Poulsbo, Wash.; Cynthia Sims (Shay) of Wellesley, Mass.; and Heather Gray of Rochester, N.Y.—and grandchildren Luke, Talia, Julie, Tyler, Sam and Summer.
Peter Levison ’56