John Thomas Randall MD

John Thomas Randall, 84, of Fremont went to be with the Lord on December 4, 2012. He was born at Sunshine Hospital in San Diego, CA, to Anna (Russell) Randall of Cornucopia, Oregon, and Thomas Randall of Belfast, Maine. John had two older sisters, Betty and Barbara. When John was seven, the family moved to California, ultimately settling in Santa Barbara where he graduated from Santa Barbara High School at age 16. John began college at UCSB at 16 years of age and joined the US Navy at 17, at the end of WW II. John attended UC Berkeley and completed his medical education at McGill University School of Medicine in Montreal, Canada, in 1954. He re-enlisted in the Navy as a physician and served the next seven years, leaving at the rank of Lt. Commander. In 1961 John partnered with Dr. James Sylvester and subsequently was joined by Dr. Willard Wyman to form the Fremont OB-GYN Medical Group. John was a much loved and respected physician who felt that delivering babies was the happiest and best profession. He retired in 1993 after delivering over 10, 500 babies, sometimes even delivering the grandchildren of his earlier patients. John loved all kinds of music, having played piano, recorder, organ and guitar. He also enjoyed painting in his earlier years. He loved researching his family genealogy and made considerable progress in recording his memoirs and family history. John loved Jesus, and he enjoyed reading the Bible, studying God's Word regularly with friends. He loved to recite poetry, play bridge and tell jokes and funny stories! He was known for his hearty laugh, and often remarked that one should laugh at least 20 times a day! John especially enjoyed spending time with his family, and with his cherished sweetheart of many years, Mary Wolfe. John was a member of Irvington Presbyterian Church, Washington Hospital Medical Staff (Honorary), American Medical Association, California Medical Association, Alameda Contra Costa Medical Association, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Life member), as well as a former member of Fremont Rotary Club and Alameda Masonic Lodge No. 167. After a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in 2007, John sold his home and moved to Merrill Gardens of Fremont; he very much loved the many friends he made there. His family is deeply grateful to his compassionate caregivers of Diamond Health Care Agency, who lovingly cared for him during the last years of his life. John is survived by his nine beloved children, Virginia (Tim Gradin), of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; Valerie (Larry Bockus), of Lincoln, NE; Victoria (Greg Harvey), of Atascadero, CA; Jayne (Craig Morrison), of Vacaville, CA; Jessica of Port Townsend, WA; John (Adriana) of Stockton, CA; Jim (Shenell) of Elk Grove, CA; Jason (Elita) of Roseville, CA; and Josh (Robin) of New Smyrna Beach, FL; 19 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and his beloved Mary Wolfe, as well as many other dear relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters. A celebration of John's life will take place at Irvington Presbyterian Church, 4181 Irvington Ave., Fremont, at 12:00 p.m. on December 17th. A graveside service will take place at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon, on December 14, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Washington Hospital Health Care Foundation with designation to the childbirth and family services fund at 2000 Mowry Ave., Fremont, CA 94538.