Randal Blasius, 61

Randal Blasius, 61, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Nov. 7, 2017.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Nov. 13, at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell. Father Tom Duncan of St. Pius X Priory in Post Falls, Idaho, and pastor of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in Shelter Valley officiated. Randy’s final resting place is St. Richard’s Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

Randy was born in Long Beach, California, to Donald and Bernice Blasius on Aug. 22, 1956. He was the oldest son, followed by his brothers Rod and Russell (deceased shortly after birth). Randy completed his education at Mission Viejo High School, California, in 1974.

Randy moved to Carson City, Nevada, in order to be close to the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe. He succeeded in obtaining his Commercial Drivers License (CDL) driving for Helms Construction and Capital Beverages.

Randy married Cheryl Fenn in 1985. A son, Rocky Byron, was born in 1987. That marriage ended in divorce. Randy worked at the family Midas Muffler Shop in Carson City. When his brother opened Rod Blasius Automotive Shop, Randy came on as an auto mechanic and later promoted to office manager.

In 1996, Randy married the love of his life, Patricia. He became stepdad to her three children orphaned in 1986.

With the sale of Rod Blasius Auto, Randy returned to driving for Kragen Auto Stop, Labcorp and Toyota Automotive.

Randy and Patty made numerous bike rides with friends throughout the Southwest. In 2010, Randy and Patty followed the lead of his brother and wife to Kalispell, where they retired in Bigfork.

Randy will be sorely missed. His smile, humor and hearty laugh would identify him in any crowd or family gathering.

Randy is survived by his wife Patty, and his son Rocky Byron and Ashley Blasius of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Patty’s children and their spouses, Christie and Dorian Wilbun, Camille and J.C. Mejia, and Casey Caliva, and four grandchildren, of San Diego. His brother Rod Blasius and Karen reside in Kalispell with their children, Beau and Ayala Blasius, Weston and Misty Blasius, and Rheanna Blasius, nine grandchildren and numerous cousins.

The family is grateful to the folks at Buffalo Hill Mortuary and St. Richard’s Cemetery who served so well the needs of guests and family during this difficult time.