Randall Kingston van Hecke

Randall Kingston van Hecke, age 78, of Kennewick, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2018, due to complications with Parkinson’s Disease.  Randy was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on May 4, 1939 to the late Gladys Talle and Wiley van Hecke. 

Randy moved to California in 1944.  He graduated from El Cajon High School in El Cajon, California in 1957.    Randy joined the Marine Corps in 1957 and served at Camp Pendleton.

He met and married Judy Holway in 1959, and they lived in San Diego for a few years.

They moved to Hillsboro, Oregon in 1964 and began their family.  Randy worked for Standard Oil and Chevron Asphalt companies.  The family moved to Gig Harbor, Washington in 1979, where Randy enjoyed several careers, especially as a bus driver of special needs children, for whom he became a friend and advocate for many.  He also was a Small Arms Instructor with the Air Force and Air National Guard. 

Randy enjoyed working on his 1967 Chevy pickup, and listening to Classic Country and Bluegrass music.  He was a Life Member of the John Birch Society and the National Rifle Association.

Randy was a charter member of Discovery Baptist Church in Gig Harbor, WA and a current member of the First Baptist Church of Richland, WA.  Randy’s giving spirit and loyalty was a reflection of his faith in Jesus Christ.  He will always be remembered as a kind, gentle and honorable man.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy van Hecke; along with 2 daughters; Jill (Jim) Mailloux and Darci (Roy) Swalling.  He is also survived by 11 adoring grandchildren, Tristan, Jenise, Alexis, Brendan, Tyrell, Julissa and Brylee Mailloux, Kyleigh Crowell, Zachary, Maiseigh and Wyatt McKellep as well as his sister Alice (Dan) Goggin.  He is survived by his 3 beloved cats, Buster, Callie and Misty.