Randy Webber

Randall “Randy” M. Webber led a life saturated with honesty, integrity and respect. He was many things in his life – a hard worker, an advocate, a great golfer, but above all, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Randy was continually guided by strong values, values that helped him make a lasting and positive impression on all the lives he touched.

The world was not a very safe place in 1942 as World War II showed little signs of abatement as more and more U.S. troops shipped out for the European continent. At the same time, thousands of women stood united and labored to keep domestic industries running full steam. It was into this time of unity and patriotism that Ernest and Ellen (Morse) Webber of Muskegon Michigan proudly welcomed the birth of their second son, Randall Morris, on September 26, 1942. Along with his older brother, Ernest, Randy led a typical childhood of the time, attending the area Muskegon schools, and spending much of his leisure time playing street sports with his friends. He always had some kind of side job to earn extra money, which included a paper route and later on he worked at the country club, waiting tables and shining shoes.

Shortly after graduating from Muskegon High School in 1960, Randy followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served from 1961 until the time he received his honorable discharge in 1964. Once home in Muskegon, Randy enrolled in classes at Tri-State University (now Trine University), where he went on to earn a BA degree. During this time, something wonderful happened to Randy – he met the love of his life, Barbara Arntz. He and some friends were hanging out at a local bar one night and Barbara, a student teacher, was there with some of her friends too. What began as love at first sight blossomed into true love and after dating for a time, Randy and Barbara were happily married on July 22, 1967. It wasn’t long before the happy couple was blessed with their two wonderful children, Greg and Christy, who brought them great pride and joy.

By this time, Randy had started his career as an accountant at Peat, Marwick & Mitchell Accounting. Eventually, he took a job at Wells Electronic for a while before being hired by Humphrey Products as the Controller in 1976. This new job led to a move for Randy’s family, and they soon made their home in Kalamazoo. With an admirable work ethic, Randy quickly worked his way through Humphrey to the position he currently held as Chairman of the Board. He became a well respected businessman around the world in his travels for work, which included over 50 trips to Japan alone over the course of his career. Randy was also very active in his community, serving on the Boards for Goodwill Industries, Junior Achievement and more recently, Knappen Milling.

Although Randy worked hard, he also played hard, especially when it came to his passion for golfing. With a job that took him all over the world, Randy was able to play at some of the most prestigious golf courses, his favorite being Old Head in Ireland. Closer to home, he enjoyed 18 holes at the Spyglass Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California and Point O Woods Golf Course near Benton Harbor. Nothing made Randy happier when he could share his passion with his son, Greg, who also came to love golfing. While the girls went and did their own thing, he and Greg had some father/son time on the links. When not out making “pars,” Randy liked the leisure of fishing too. Perhaps not as peaceful, Randy was a staunch Republican and very enthusiastic about politics. In fact, he had several TVs in his home, every one tuned to Fox News; he could go from room to room and never miss a political update.

One of Randy’s most endearing traits was that he was generous to a fault. He compassionately donated to charitable organizations over the years, and he never gave a second thought to helping his family or friends either. Randy loved his family dearly, and would have sacrificed whatever was necessary to make sure his loved ones were taken care of. His greatest joy was being a proud “Big Grandpa” to his four precious grandchildren, who he adored. Randy undoubtedly filled a room with his commanding presence, and left a lasting impression on everyone he met; however, being in the circle of his closest friends and family was where his heart was at home.

Although Randy will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Randall M. Webber, age 69, of Portage, MI died suddenly at Bronson Methodist Hospital on Friday, January 27, 2012. Visitation will be on Friday, February 3, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo; 212 S. Park St, Kalamazoo, where a memorial service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m.

Members of Randy’s family include his wife, Barbara; his children, Greg (Meghan) Webber and Christy (Tim) Howard; his grandchildren: Peyton Webber, Avery, Cooper & Isabel Howard; his brother, Ernest (Joanne) Webber; his sister-in-law, Mary Tokarz (Bill) Duncan; as well as nieces and nephews. Please visit Randy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a thought with his family, upload a photo and sign his online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to Goodwill Industries, Junior Achievement, Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association or consider donating your blood to the American Red Cross. Arrangements made by Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600).