Obituary

David Thomas Randle
September 22, 1961 – March 20, 2025

It is with immense sadness that we share that our beloved David Thomas Randle left this earthly realm after a long and brave fight against the symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy caused by recurrent concussions.  He was a Spartan warrior at heart and fought the illness for as long as he could to protect the family he cherished so dearly.

Affectionately known by many other names including Daddio, Original Pooh Bear, Major Thom and Zhero Vertigogh, Dave’s creativity, irreverent humor, generosity and love for his family knew no bounds.  He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 41 years, Emily Marcus Randle, daughter Mya Murphey, son-in-law Eric Murphey and daughter Bryn Catherine Randle.  Mya and Bryn were Dave’s proudest contributions to the world, bragging about them endlessly to anyone and everyone who would listen.  Dave is also survived and loved deeply by his father Vernon Randle, brothers Mike and Steve Randle and their families, as well as the family of his late brother John Randle; mother-in-law Jolene Marcus and the entire Marcus family.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother Carol Randle and his youngest brother John Randle who he lovingly referred to as Johnny; we are certain that Dave and Johnny are now causing all types of mischief in an otherwise peaceful paradise.

A man of remarkable talent and intensity, Dave excelled in every academic, professional, athletic and artistic endeavor he attempted.  He led the defensive line of UCLA’s Rose Bowl Championship teams in 1982, 1983 and 1984 with his unrelenting pursuit of excellence.  He never met a weight he couldn’t lift, from his early days of hoisting and repositioning cars (much to the delight of his high school classmates) to receiving countless awards related to his agility and strength, both in his high school and college years.

After graduating from UCLA, he fulfilled a lifetime dream of working for the Happiest Place on Earth.  He later pursued a career in graphic design and moved on from Disney to the L.A. Times Creative Services division, bringing innovation and expertise to an increasingly digital world.

In 1997, he began his work as a multi-media fine artist, producing a virtual mountain of incredibly complex pieces which reflect Dave’s vast interest in everything from ionic bonds to medieval history to his search for a deeper faith.  Using brilliant colors, light and an obsessive attention to detail, his work transforms any space and leaves the audience searching for meaning (and maybe a few hidden creatures).

Dave was a complex man…with an equal affinity for superheroes, stuffed animals, new wave music, the Bushido philosophy, swords of every variety and all things associated with David Bowie.  Conversations with Dave were never boring; he was fascinating in more ways than can be listed.

Of all of Dave’s pursuits, he was happiest when giving gifts and helping others.  He was known to seek out homeless individuals to share anything he had, all without judgment, and always parting with a respectful handshake and a blessing.  He often signed off texts and ended calls with a sweet “Peace Be with You”.  Of course, if he was being silly, he would revert to that old Episcopalian blessing from his youth of “May a Piece of Pizza Be with You 😊”.  Did we mention that he was often irreverent?

We encourage all to carry on Dave’s legacy through acts of generosity and kindness.  Donations in Dave’s name can be made to two of his favorite charities:

• Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) ChildLife/Art Therapy
  https://raiseup.choc.org/honor/ArtHeals
  CHOC Foundation
  c/o Honor Dave Randle
  1201 W. La Veta Avenue
  Orange, CA 92868
  (949) 792-2196

• Long Beach Rescue Mission
  lbrm.org
  P.O. Box 1969
  Long Beach, CA 90801
  (562) 591-1292 x119

Dave will be greatly missed and holds a special place in the hearts of all who were impacted by his extraordinary spirit.  An exhibition of his art and an opportunity to share stories about our remarkable Dave is being planned for a future date.