Obituary of "Randy" Warren LeRand Harker
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Warren LeRand "Randy" Harker on March 28, 2025. Randy passed away peacefully in the Red Deer Regional Hospital with his sister, Cheryl, by his side.
Born on May 25, 1954, to Warren and Francis (née Myers) Harker, Randy spent his early years in Hill Spring, Alberta, before moving to Cardston when he was nine years old. Randy was a spirited child, full of energy, adventure, and just the right amount of mischief. Randy’s quick wit and playful nature made him a natural troublemaker, but his charm and infectious laughter ensured he was never in too much hot water. He carried this mischievous streak with him throughout his life, always bringing laughter and fun wherever he went.
After high school, Randy moved to Lethbridge where he attended Lethbridge Community College to become a butcher. He worked at Canadian Dressed Meats for many years before taking on odd jobs and eventually working for the City of Lethbridge Waste Management Services until his retirement.
While living in Lethbridge, he met and married Daryl-Lynn Thingvold. Together, they had three wonderful sons: Dason, Daris, and Davin. Although life took them all in separate directions, Randy was a proud father and grandfather, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family.
Randy was an avid athlete, with baseball being his greatest passion. He played on many teams, and with the Lethbridge Senior Men’s League for many years until he finally retired at the age of 65, reluctantly admitting he was getting too old. One of his greatest accomplishments was being involved with building Softball Valley ball diamonds in Lethbridge. After stepping away from baseball, Randy found solace in nature, spending summers camping and fishing at Shaw’s Point at Slave Lake with his oldest brother, Ron, and his family. Those peaceful moments by the water were some of his happiest times.
Recently, Randy reflected on the power of lifelong friendships as he was fortunate to grow up with such friends in his life, Perry and Paul Leishman, whom he often called his "crib mates." Tragically, Paul passed away when they were just 21, but Perry remained a close friend throughout his life. Randy treasured those friendships, along with many others he made over the years.
Randy was predeceased by his parents, Warren and Francis (née Myers) Harker, and his brother Brent, who cared for him while he battled cancer. He leaves behind his three sons, Dason (Michelle) and their children Blake, Collin, Aubrey and Leah; Daris (Christa Teeple), Davin (Natasha) and their children Laila and Hunter. He also leaves behind his brother Ron (Marthe) and sister Cheryl (Paul) Carrier and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Randy was surrounded by love as he came to Red Deer in February so that his sister, Cheryl, could help take care of him. She gave selflessly of her time to ensure that he received the best medical care right up to the end. During these final weeks, he was fortunate to be able to spend time with Cheryl and her family, his boys, their wives and all of his grandchildren, his oldest brother and sister-in-law, and many of his nieces, and nephews. He left this world knowing how much he was loved. Randy’s humor, kindness, and passion for life will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In honoring Randy’s wishes, there will be no public memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating toward The Lending Cupboard Society of Alberta as they were a valuable support in the last month of Randy’s life.
The Lending Cupboard Society of Alberta, #1-7803 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4P 1M8, https://www.lendingcupboard.ca/.
Condolences to Randy’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Randy Harker” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944