Obituary: Robert Randall Sansom, 57

Robert Randall (Randy) Sansom, 57, died on December 10, 2011, in Wrangell, after a long struggle with heart disease. 

He was born October 12, 1954, or as he liked to say “Columbus Day, 1954”, in Kerrville, Texas to Bob and Georgie Sansom. 

Randy was a happy child and an outgoing adult.  He never met a stranger.  He attended Tivy Schools in Kerrville, Texas. In spite of a learning disability, Randy learned to do yard work and wash dishes while attending the Green House facility for handicapped teens in Kerrville. 

Randy loved to bowl and participated in many Special Olympic events like track and swimming through much of his lifetime. 

After moving to Alaska with his parents in 1980, Randy discovered golf.  He loved to play and especially liked finding golf balls other golfers had lost.  If asked, he would deny that he had lost any himself before proudly showing his newest finds. 

A list of “favorite things” included music, Mickey Mouse, Bingo with the Long Term Care residents, stuffed animals, red shirts & shoes, jigsaw puzzles, checking the mail at the post office, Easter baskets, coffee mugs and talking to people. 

Randy is survived by his parents, Ira R. and Georgie Sansom; sister and her spouse, Iris and Grant Thompson; and nieces and nephews, Traci Brown, Marc Thompson and Eric Thompson. 

Randy loved Wrangell and the people of the city.  He was loved and accepted by everyone.  It was home.  His family appreciates those loving people who took the time to stop and talk and accepted him without seeing the disabilities.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wrangell Fire Dept. and EMTs or the charity of your choice. A memorial will be held Saturday, December 17th at 10:30 am at the First Presbyterian Church. Please join us in the fellowship hall for refreshments immediately following the service.