George Randall Ward, better known to friends and family as “Randy,” was born on June 15, 1956 in Roseburg, OR and died on March 24, 2026 in Boise, ID. His mother, Elsie Richardson and sisters Vicki Tschan and Twila Donald were at his bedside, accompanying his passing with song and prayers.
Randy was preceded in death by his father and best friend, Charles Bryant Ward Jr. As outdoorsmen built for a different era, Bryant and Randy were happiest hunting and fishing in the remote wilderness of the American West. When cancer curbed his dad’s ability to traverse mountains and rivers, Randy dedicated himself to round-the-clock caretaking, supported by their tight-knit community in Cambridge, ID.
From a young age, Randy displayed remarkable intelligence and creativity. In third grade, he tested in the 99th percentile nationally for reading comprehension. His artistic talents were evident in his schoolwork, often featuring airplanes and rockets—a passion that followed him throughout life. He excelled in music as well, playing the saxophone in the marching and concert bands that won numerous awards.
Randy graduated from Douglas High School in 1974 and soon after fulfilled a lifelong dream by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Despite challenges, including meeting the minimum weight requirement (132 pounds for his 5’10” frame), Randy’s determination to become a Marine never wavered. He completed boot camp at Camp Pendleton on March 4, 1976 as part of Platoon 3136. His military career was distinguished by his expertise with maintaining the communications and navigation systems of F/A-18 fighter jets, and service during Operation Eagle Claw. He was awarded the Navy Achievement medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal and numerous unit commendations.
Randy is survived by his mother, sisters, daughter Aryella Tecca, and three grandchildren. His ashes will be interred at Roseburg National Cemetery Annex on June 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration for what would have been his 70th birthday.
