Brent Michael Randall

Brent was born in Cloquet, Minnesota, on May 12, 1958, to Jack and Kay Randall (née Millen). In the years to come, his parents welcomed the births of three sisters, Vickie, Brenda, and Sue. Much of Brent’s childhood was spent in the woods and on the lakes of northern Minnesota - God’s country, as he called it. There, he developed a deep passion for nature and wildlife that would endure the rest of his life. When he was not busy throwing snowballs at cars or teasing his sisters, he could often be found hunting or fishing. Over the years, he grew to be an adept sportsman, a skill he carried with him all his life. Formal schooling was not Brent’s bailiwick. He often said - with a bit of pride and a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes - that his principal wouldn’t let him fail high school because he didn’t want to see Brent back at school for another year. After graduating from Cloquet High School, he married and welcomed his first child, Pamela. Although the marriage did not last, his love for Pamela endured. After working a few jobs around Cloquet - most notably as a bartender at the Cloquet Bar & Lounge, where he learned to pour a mean Gimlet - Brent joined the United States Navy. The Navy was just the ticket for Brent, both figuratively - teaching him mechanical engineering and discipline - and literally - a ticket out of Cloquet to see the world. During his career, the Navy took Brent far and wide: Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines were among his favorites. While stationed in San Diego, California, Brent met the love of his life and the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life, Anne (née Willy). After being introduced by mutual friends, Brent and Anne were married at the Hotel Del Coronado, and entered the next chapter of their lives. As newlyweds, the Navy called them to Bremerton, Washington, for a few years, before Brent was re-stationed in San Diego, where he served the remainder of his 20+ year naval career, and where he and Anne lived for the rest of his life. Brent and Anne looked forward to annual Christmastime trips back to the Hotel Del to admire the tree and steal a kiss in the courtyard where they were wed. After their return to San Diego, Brent and Anne welcomed their first daughter, Courtney. Five years later, Kelsey came along, completing their little family. Although his naval service called him away from his family for stretches of time, Brent was a devoted husband and father. He supported and loved “his girls” in myriad ways. He loved to spend time with his family, from short evening “walkabouts” around the block after dinner, to the countless Saturdays he spent riding his motorcycle with the El Cajon Harley Davidson motorcycle club, with Kelsey holding on tight right behind. Brent took great pride in his children, celebrating their successes and helping them overcome life’s challenges. When Brent and Anne retired, another chapter of their lives began. They bought a motor home and set out to see this country’s beauty. They traveled to 44 national parks, taking in the majesty of America’s wild places while reconnecting with many cherished friends, and meeting many more new friends. Although he waited most of his life, Brent eventually got his son when Courtney married her husband, Jason Dreibelbis. Brent loved finally having a son, and shared a close bond with Jason, particularly around guitars, fly fishing, and good bourbon. As the seasons of life passed, Brent became a grandfather to Pamela’s children, Joe, Caitlin, and Gregory, and Courtney and Jason’s daughters, Callie and Julia. Brent loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially when he and Anne could take their grandkids camping in the RV. Indulgent to a fault, Grandpa was always ready to fire up another s’more for one of his “squirrels.” Throughout his life, Brent made countless friends. With his broad smile and a ceaseless desire to serve others, Brent made lifelong friends in the Navy, the Harley club, the Corvette club, and the Winnebago club. Brent loved his friends and would do just about anything for them. If a friend needed help moving something heavy, fixing an appliance that was acting up, or driving across the country, Brent was always happy to volunteer. He showed his love for his friends and community with his hands, through acts of service. Brent was taken from us far too soon on December 5, 2025, at the age of 67. He was preceded in death by his father, and is survived by his mother, his loving wife, his daughters, his grandchildren, and his sisters. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that those who loved Brent donate to the American Cancer Society in his name.

Brent Michael Randall

May 12, 1958 - December 5, 2025