Randall Lee “Randy” Carrier, beloved son, brother, teacher and friend passed from this world’s toils into the hands of the Lord suddenly, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

He was eldest son of Robert and Patricia (Titus) Carrier, born in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was an outgoing and curious child, making up a language of his own, and making friends. The family moved to Fenton, Mich., where he was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle, learning many skills along the way, which he later put to good use. His love for the outdoors and camping was honed through those years, and camping and road trips were a favorite activity.

Randy’s love of music was central to his life, nurtured by several excellent teachers. A highlight of his high school years was being in the bands and choirs, and he was selected to be one of 100 high school students in the Great Lakes area to represent the USA in the musical arm of People to People, called Musical Youth International. His tour went to Europe, including the countries of Germany and Denmark.

He chose music as career, starting at Michigan State University, where he was a proud member of the marching band, serving in the flag corps. He transferred to Western Michigan University where he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Following graduation, he served as teacher in a couple of small towns in eastern Michigan, Yale and Harrison, and then due to cost cutting in arts budgets, he moved at the urging of his best friend from college to Farmington, N.M. He greatly enjoyed exploring the Four Corners area, and added school bus driving to his repertoire of accomplishments.

Randy moved back to Michigan in 1985 and was hired by the school district of Watervliet, where he served as band teacher for about 9 years, before his career was cut short by a massive brain hemorrhage, which left him in a coma for a month. Through grit and determination, with a lot of encouragement, he worked himself back to walking, and driving, and playing his horn again. He even got to dance with his sister at her wedding! As Ron said, “He was a fighter!”

His final years included more health issues, but he continued with his love of music, singing in church choirs, attending concerts, and playing his French Horn. He moved to Madison, Wis., to be near his sister’s help and care, and spent his days listening to music and reading and singing in the church choir. He was always upbeat, happy to meet new people.

Randy is survived by his sister, Roberta (Mike Byrne) Carrier; brother, Ron (Pam) Carrier; nephews, Christopher (Jesse), Ryan (Jordan) and Patrick (Taylor Denton) Carrier; cousins, Doug and Sally Titus; step-niece, Lara (Richard Sanchez Camacho) Byrne; and step-nephew, Mitchell (Samantha Richardson) Byrne. He was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Pat Carrier.

There will be a funeral service on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, Wis., with Pastor Andy Twiton presiding. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 10 a.m., and a luncheon following.

Memorials to your local youth music programs would be most appropriate. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Randall Lee Carrier

March 09, 1955 - September 13, 2022

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