Randy Churchill Jr., 39, dies in logging accident

Randy William Churchill Jr., 39, of Wrangell, passed away on Feb. 22, 2023, after a logging accident.

Randy was born on Dec. 27, 1983, to Carol and Randy Churchill Sr. at Wrangell General Hospital. After graduating from Wrangell High School in 2002 he went on to study welding at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward, and graduated in May 2003 with welding technology and pipe welding technology certificates.

After graduating, Randy started his first welding job in Bellingham Washington, and later moved back to Wrangell, where he had a small welding business. "Randy was a fisherman. He started at 13 running his first boat and eventually became one of the best hand trollers and longliners in Wrangell," his family wrote.

In 2004, "Randy married the love of his life, Celsee Churchill," in Paradise Cove. "Randy and Celsee eventually started a family and had three beautiful children," Randy Churchill III, Della Churchill and Titan Churchill.

Randy was preceded in death by his grandmother, Johanna Rinehart, and grandfather Chet Powell Sr. He is survived by his parents, Randy and Carol Churchill Sr.; siblings Letitia Benson, Harry Churchill and Christy Good; his wife, Celsee; and children Randy, Della and Titan; along with many aunties, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in care of First Bank in Wrangell.

A memorial service for Randy was held March 5 at Wrangell's Harbor Light Church.