There are way too many memories of Randy O for me to list them all but I think the first one may be the most telling.
Many years ago I came to the Realtree forum because I was an avid bowhunter looking to share similar likes with other people. I began reading and sharing my own thoughts and quickly became part of the Realtree family. One day I was posting about my two young sons and how they too picked up the love for archery that I possessed. It wasn't very long after that post that I was contacted by one Randy Oitker. I believe he was a mere 17 year old at the time but even at that young age he possessed a maturity and understanding that few adults ever master. It was soon afterward that I ended up getting a package in the mail addressed to my sons with a ton of gear and magazines for them to enjoy. I couldn't believe what that man did for my boys. It was a definite surprise and honor that my boys took to heart. They couldn't believe they had been acknowledged by a professional archer/hunter and that he took the time out of his busy schedule to not only send them some gifts but that he would call them personally and have a good ol down to earth conversation with them. They were in awe of that little piece of generosity that sprung from Randy's heart and to this day they count Randy as one of their friends. As a father, nothing could have made me happier to see them boys smiling when they got to speak with such a fine young man.
Since then he has become an inspiration to them (and me as well). Not so much for his archery accomplishments, although they too are very special, but because he is what every man should inspire to be. He is generous beyond a fault. He promotes archery and good honest living to every young person he meets. He lives by integrity, honor, and humility and those three things are what makes Randy so special. He works as hard as any man and still takes time to share his life with many people. He constantly reminds us of what being a man is truly about. I am honored and a better person for having met Randy and consider him not only a great friend but family. I can only pray that my boys become a fraction of this man.
Randy, I thank you for being the person you are and wish you nothing but success in everything you do.