Just to update everyone on the Joseph and Minnie FaceBook page about the passing of Randy R Beckstrand. He is the son of Afton Whitaker Beckstrand and Ray L Beckstrand. Afton is the Daughter of Harold and Elda Whitaker.
Randy R. Beckstrand, 62, of South Jordan, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2019 surrounded by his family. Randy fought hard and valiantly through numerous health issues before returning to live with his Father in Heaven.
Randy was born to Ray L. Beckstrand and Afton (Whitaker) Beckstrand on September l8, 1956 in Provo, Utah. His family moved to San Diego, California when Randy was about to enter Kindergarten where he grew to love the ocean and San Diego, which has always held a special place in his heart. He lived in San Diego until his family moved back to Provo in time for him to begin high school. ln 1973, while a senior at Provo High School, Randy began working at Baskin-Robbins where he met his sweetheart, Denise Gardner. Randy and Denise began to date and were later married on February 5, 1976 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
A few years into their marriage, Randy and Denise purchased two Baskin-Robbins stores in Salt Lake County becoming the youngest franchisees in Baskin-Robbins history. They owned and operated those stores for about 25 years. After selling their stores in 2006, Randy began working at Harmons Grocery Store where he worked for many years. While at Harmons, Randy made many great friends he talked about often.
Randy was a loving man who made friends everywhere he went. He was an example for all to follow of what it means to truly love God and love his neighbors. Randy was always willing to help anyone in need whether that be family, friend or stranger. Randy looked for opportunities to brighten the day of anyone around him. He loved to make others happy and he was quick with a joke just to see someone smile. His passing has profoundly impacted the many people who knew and loved him.
Randy was preceded in death by his father Ray and we are comforted to know they have had a joyous reunion in Heaven. Randy is survived by his wife Denise; his mother Afton; his children: Matthew (Melissa), Staci (Benson), Nathan (Marci), his grandchildren: Garrett, Kyler, Bennett, Maggie, Jace and Leilla as well as his sister Raelyn (Gerry), his niece Kimi (Jason) and nephew Cameron (Emily).
A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 11th, 2019 at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on April 12th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1540 West 10400 South at 11:00 AM with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 before the services. Graveside services to follow at South Jordan City Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Promise Hospital for their care of Randy.
