Randall S Schwichtenberg

RANDALL S. SCHWICHTENBERG

Nov 3, 1962 – Dec 2, 2021

On December 2nd, 2021 our beloved father and partner, dearest brother and nephew Randall Spencer Schwichtenberg (Rand) was unexpectedly taken from us much too soon. But his incredible life’s journey was overflowing with countless accomplishments, numerous passions, many sacrifices and a deep commitment to his family. His infectious curiosity, brilliant mechanical creativity and engaging sense of humor were boundless and will be forever fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Rand was born in New Jersey but whilst still in pre-school the family moved to Flagstaff, AZ where Rand grew up, constructing jet airplane models, exploring the vast outdoors, riding his dirt bike and enjoying a treasured friendship with his life long friend Mark Mangum (deceased 2011). After graduating from Flag High he received his Bachelors in Business degree from ASU in 1984. He met his life partner Darlene Cape in 1988 and together they set off on a 30 year long journey that included travels to Russia, Scotland and Great Britain. They began their family in 2001 with the birth of their fraternal twin boys, August and Spencer. As the boys were born severely premature their ensuing health and welfare became his highest priority. His devotion to his family was unparalleled.

Rand’s genealogical exploration also generated his solo travels to Germany (including the actual town of Schwichtenberg), Austria and Switzerland. He was privileged and very proud to have driven (and survived) the Autobahn. His passion for jet airplanes reached it’s pinnacle when he flew at twice the speed of sound to Europe aboard one of the last flights of the Concorde. He even got to meet with the pilots and intelligently discuss the myriad of mechanics involved in the cockpit.

Rand was a true creative. He was constantly curious about everything and often used his extensive mechanical knowledge and skills to manufacture his own parts. He not only could repair anything mechanical he would usually redesign it in order to create a better final version. His creativity was not limited to mechanics though. He had an acutely observant and delightful sense of humor which he shared through casual conversations as well as his eloquent writing. Rand’s engaging wit and extensive knowledge, his detailed explanation of all the nuances of his interests, although lengthy, were meant to be shared.

In his later years, he and his partner Darlene chose historic Globe, AZ as a calm and peaceful place to raise their two boys. While living in SE Arizona he cultivated his passion for the distinct beers he had sampled while in Europe and became an expert home brewer, crafting his own unique, delicious and complex varieties of hard ciders and Germanic brews. He loved to describe his next combination of yeasts and flavors with baited anticipation.

Rand was an amazing, brilliant, compassionate, dedicated and extraordinary person. Even in the darkest of times he sought out and retained his love for life, his love for his family and kept his endearing sense of humor. He was our rock, he gave it everything he had and will be missed beyond description.