Randall "Randy" Lesh

Randall “Randy” Robert Lesh, 66, of Vaughn, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Peace Hospice. A celebration of life will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at O’Connor Memorial Chapel, 2425 8th Avenue North. Randy was born January 21, 1952 to Bob and Lorraine Lesh.His early years were spent on the Takala Ranch near Stanford with his mother and grandparents, Liz and Gust, as his father was a Sergeant in the Marines and spent time overseas. It was on the ranch where he learned his love of farming, animals, fishing and hunting. After serving in Korea, his father moved the family to Great Falls where Randy attended Sunnyside Grade School, East Jr. High School, and graduated from Great Falls High in 1970.Basketball was a school passion and he was a part of many winning teams.After graduation, Randy worked on many local ranches before marrying Carol Saksa in December of 1974 and gaining a daughter Niccole, and eventually son-in-law Jay and grandkids Olivia and Tyler. He then worked for Sletten Construction, Cascade County Road Dept., and retired from Montana Refining Company after 29 years of service. Prior to retirement, Randy gained a passion for draft horses and old wagons, restoring a wooden wheeled freight wagon, which was pulled faithfully by his trusty Belgian draft team Sandy and Candy. They delighted people of all ages in weddings, parades and many other special occasions. It was a discussion over “cocktails” with Roy as to how great it would be to take 120 friends and head cross country in wagons and on horseback “like the good ole days,” with brother-in-law Rob as Trail Boss, and Roy’s bride Lana as Gourmet Camp Cook. Thus the “Augusta Trail Runners” was formed and a rubber tired covered wagon was built for Carol to join in on these excursions. The first of twelve wagon trains headed out in June of 2002 with a few mishaps along the way but many lasting good memories and friendships formed, with participants from Canada to Florida and California to Wisconsin attending over the years. Many good times were also spent at the cabin on Carpenter Creek, the cabin at Lincoln snowmobiling and hunting, and the house on Holter Lake, and a very memorable Alaskan cruise and fishing adventure with good friend Harlan. Highlights of the last few months were the “early morning faithful phone calls,” and visits from faithful friends and family in his much loved “Bobcat Man Cave.” Randy loved his family, friends, his farm, his forever faithful Bear dog, and get-togethers with good food and drinks. He faithfully rooted for the MSU Bobcats, hoping every year he and Barb would follow them to Nationals. He had the Gift of Gab and spoke his mind (like it or not). Randy is survived by his wife Carol; daughter Niccole (Jay) Henry; grandkids Olivia and Tyler; mother and father Bob and Lorraine Lesh; sisters Joni (Rob) Saksa and Melisa (Dan) Mathes; brothers-in-law David (Molly) Saksa and Rob (Joni) Saksa; and extended family and friends. Until we meet again, “Happy Trails!” Condolences may be shared with the family online at OConnorFuneralHome.com.