RANDALL GARTH MCGUNIGAL

Condolences & Memories (28 entries)

• I met Randy and his parents in 1978 in Victoria BC due to the tragic death of Doug. Doug had started the Blue Moon Band, my first real band. I was almost 20 yrs old and devastated by Doug's passing. Randy, just 30 at the time, was an emotional rock! So mature and strong! I'm not surprised at his career choice! I remember well Randy getting on stage with the band at Mothers Cabaret and singing and playing the guitar! It was an extremely emotional evening! He was very talented. I'm glad he lived a good life. Dan McLelland formerly Dan East - Posted by: Dàn McLelland (bandmate of Doug McGunigal) on: Aug 10, 2019

• I should have posted something back in 2014. I met Randy in Miami in about 1973 and, being of similar age and the only single guys in town, hit it off. We were close friends for about ten years. A road trip to Long Beach, x-country skiing the Rae trail, his Volvo, his J-45 Gibson (and the Martin - an interesting story), our shared interest in rock music, lots of beer, pubs, bands. Good times. We drifted apart but I still have good memories. - Posted by: Sandy Kerns (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2019

• To Shannon and David, it has been many, many years since I have last seen Randy or any of you, but when my brother Bill told me about Randy's passing I was very saddened. I am so very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have many fond memories of Shilo and your family was a very big part of those times. Dougie was my first best friend and we were able to reconnect for awhile in Winnipeg a year or so before his passing, and I have often thought of you all over the years. I remember Randy as the older brother who was always so nice, friendly and fun to be around. My Mom, brother Bill and sister Joanne also pass on their condolences. I am very sorry I was not able to come to the service and be able to tell you this in person. - Posted by: John E Phillips (acquaintance) on: Sep 22, 2014

• My deepest condolence goes out to Randy's family, friends, past students, and to all of the individuals whose lives that Randy touched throughout his lifetime. Randy and I met while taking out Counseling Practicum together many years ago, and later teaching together at Ken Seaford. Randy was a remarkable person, and one who will be forever in the hearts of those who knew him. Skol! - Posted by: Johanna (Hanneson) Skaftfeld (friend and colleague) on: Sep 12, 2014

• Mr McGunigal was the guidance counsellor at Ken Seaford/ Maples when I attended and most recently was the councilor at West ST Paul school where my children attend. 2 generations he had a positive and lasting impact on! He was especially a great help for my son when he was having a hard time with a "bully". He will never be forgotten by myself or my son for the guidance he gave. Our condolances to his family. - Posted by: Dione Truthwaite (Edwards) (former student/ parent of one of his students) on: Sep 11, 2014

• To Randy's Family - my deepest sympathies...I too, was a former student of Ken Seaford Jr. High and found myself at times in Mr. McGunigal's office. He was always there to listen, non-judgementally, and in confidence. Years later, I had the wonderful experience of being colleagues with Randy as we both taught at West St. Paul School. I am so glad to have re-connected with such an amazing teacher, mentor and to have had the chance to teach with him. He will be greatly missed! - Posted by: Melissa Evans (Rioux) (former student/former colleague) on: Sep 09, 2014

• He was very supportive all the way up until last year. I kept in touch with him after he left Seaford. I was shocked to hear about his illness and passing, an excellent person who will be greatly missed - Posted by: Samantha Eguiluz (Taylor) (Former student at Ken Seaford Jr. High) on: Sep 03, 2014

• I volunteered with Randy at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. We always had great conversations about music, food and travel, all things he seemed passionate about. He had great travel stories, and one of the most memorable parts of my honeymoon was based on Randy's recommendation. I will remember him fondly. - Posted by: Aynsley (friend) on: Sep 03, 2014

• David Simpkin was principal at Miami, a young staff, 1968 to 1972. What times, what larks! So sorry to hear of Randy's passing. - Posted by: Susan Simpkin,wife of the late David Simpkin (Friends in Miami, Manitoba) on: Sep 03, 2014

• Randy was a guidance Counselor at The Maples at the same time I was there. He used to say that his office looked like "a bus shack" compared to mine. That always made me laugh. He was the ultimate professional and could be trusted to keep confidences. He had many long time friends working with him and he had so much respect for them. What I loved about him was his " samenes". You could always count on his mood to be pleasant and kind. Rock solid. He was fair and honest. A great partner in a stressful job. - Posted by: Diane Peters (Co worker) on: Sep 02, 2014

• Shannon and David, I am so saddened by the passing of Randall. He was a very important person in my life. Randall was very influential in my development as an educator, but more importantly, as a human being. He was incredibly encouraging, supportive and loyal. He and I shared many memorable times on the golf course, trips to Mexico and nights out having a few casual drinks. Randall touched the lives of so many and I am so fortunate that I was one. I send you and your family my sincerest condolences. I will miss Randall very much. - Posted by: Jerry Freed (Friend and Colleague) on: Sep 02, 2014

• Shannon and David: The McGunigal family was a large part of my life in the 70s and I can remember nothing but good times knowing you all, but a smile still comes to my face when I think of Doug,Randy, and me singing together at the old house. When I moved back to Winnipeg in the 80s, Randy and me were always going to see good bands at the *Zoo*. He celebrated his 40th birthday at my house. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you both during this difficult time. Duane Speare - Posted by: Duane Speare (friend) on: Sep 02, 2014

• Randy and I both came at the same time to THE AIRBASE AND RIVERVIEW at the same time...GRADE 10. Both of us entered those two places knowing nobody. Met on the school bus there and back each day...but not in the same class. Basketball was our first real connection. Through it, other sports and SCHOOL DANCES, we met the rest of the SCHOOL AND AIRBASE. We hung around so much those three years that i cannot tell you how many times I was called Randy? When he headed back to Manitoba we kept up a long distance friendship but once he headed out into the work world our paths never crossed again....A MYSTERY. Gwenn would once in awhile keep me informed of his movements and also of his family. He never kept in contact with the Moose Jaw student he knew...but they always asked about him at the reunions as soon as they SAW ME. It is sad that he never knew how much they cared about him....THREE YEARS AT THE SCHOOL...AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. I have tried to notify as many of them as I can through any email contacts I know. He was a brilliant student, fine athlete, and a FRIEND. Wish we had not lost TOUCH.....Good Luck ABOVE! - Posted by: Norm Sorel (CFB MOOSE JAW...RIVERVIEW COLLEGIATE....MY BEST FRIEND) on: Sep 01, 2014

• I am extremely saddened to learn of Randy's passing. He was a very humble man and a talented musician with a gentle soul. He was a member of our band called the "Campfire Junkies". Randy was also known as "Write It Down Randy" to his band mates, as we teased him to take notes during practices. I have fond memories of his sincerity and every time I hear the songs, "Harvest Moon" or "Heart Of Gold" I will be reminded that I was privileged to know him. My sincere condolences to all of his family. - Posted by: Teresa Beauregard (Band mate) on: Sep 01, 2014

• Very sorry to hear of Randy's passing. I subbed for him several times through the years, always treated me and others in a very professional manner. - Posted by: David Imrie (Substitute Teacher) on: Sep 01, 2014

• A nice man whom I have let slip from my thoughts from those long ago days. I was friends with his younger brother Doug and friend/school mate with Shannon. I remember him as a gentle kind and fun soul. Stay strong Shannon; we are grieving with you. Ron and Caron Hayes. - Posted by: Ronnie Hayes (Acquaintance) on: Aug 31, 2014

• Randy was a very very special person in my life and we shared many experiences through the years, some life changing, some sad, but also many many happy times with great memories which I will always treasure. To Shannon, David and all your family and Tereza, I am so sorry for your loss and please know that he will remain in my heart forever. - Posted by: Diana Yaworski (Close Friend) on: Aug 31, 2014

• I remember Randy well from high school. He was always such a gentleman. I thought very highly of him & am sorry to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Elaine (Diehl, Wallace) Rose (High school friend) on: Aug 31, 2014

• Oh My Goodness. Such sad news. So sad for the McGunigal family! I had such a crush on Randy in school, before Mel moved to Shilo. My heart went "pitter-patter" and my face flushed 50 shades of red every time I saw him. I was too shy to even look him in the eye. At the last high school reunion I finally confessed my crush to him, and he took the news most graciously! Such a tragedy that our "dear friends" are leaving us. To Randy's family, may you find peace in your memories! - Posted by: Mel & Judy Rioux (nee Hummel) (Fellow Students, PEHS, CFB Shilo, MB) on: Aug 31, 2014

• He was a good man. - Posted by: Douglas Jordan (friend) on: Aug 31, 2014

• Randall was the guidance councillor at Ken Seaford Jr High/Maples Collegiate when i attended school there he was a great mentor and firend to all and am saddened to hear of his passing. - Posted by: michael wenuk (former student) on: Aug 30, 2014

• A great student and personality and teammate during our three years together at Riverview Collegiate in Moose Jaw. So very sad to hear of Randall's passing. - Posted by: James Rogers (High School classmate) on: Aug 30, 2014

• He leaves behind a legacy. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Rick Carlson (Fellow Shilo Brat) on: Aug 30, 2014

• A wonderful guidance counselor. I am truly saddened to learn he had such a debilitating disease. - Posted by: Teresa (former student) on: Aug 30, 2014

• Randy and I worked together with many troubled junior high school kids. Randy had this kind and gentle way with kids, and they just knew he cared and they could trust him. When I was having a bad day I would go see Randy and things weren't so bad. I no longer live in Winnipeg and have not seen Randy for a long time, but I will miss him. - Posted by: WALTER KROCHAKF (FRIEND AND COLLEGUE) on: Aug 30, 2014

• I met Randall 49 years ago in Shilo, as close friend to Shannon and the family. I have a lifetime of stories of the many years since that time...some at the McGonnagal' Madhouse...a costume party that remains a most talked about event, travels to Germany and many places in between. Lots of laughs, some tears, but many, many happy memories. The one time I remember with such clarity, is sitting in Shannon's bedroom in Shilo, during a lightening storm with the power out, and Randall playing his guitar and singing. Everything from Lightfoot to Simon and Garfunkle. I can't even express my sadness and feeling of loss at Randall's untimely passing. He was loved greatly by his family and his numerous friends. I will miss him always. Love Gwenn - Posted by: Gwenn McCormick England (Life long friend) on: Aug 30, 2014

• We met Randy in one of his travels. I work in the school Division and had seen and met Randy at in-services and Restitution seminars. When I saw him at the airport I immediately said hi and struck up a conversation only to find we were traveling to the same destination and his Hotel was across the street from ours. We found ourselves sharing our days on the beach with him, dinners out and music at local venues. We had such a great holiday with him that evolved into a friendship in the city once we returned. We will miss you, Randy. RIP - Posted by: Linda and Larry Kyrzyk (Friends) on: Aug 30, 2014

• To Shannon and David McGunigal, and Randy's entire family. So very sorry for your loss. Randy was one of my teachers when I attended Ken Seaford Junior High School, and also was my basketball coach. But more than that, he was a friend and mentor to me and an untold number of students. He had a delightful sense of humour, and also a strong sense of compassion and fair play. I ran into Randy at Polo Park many years ago, and he was just the same guy - warm, engaging and sincere. I will miss him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Michelle Powder (Former student (Ken Seaford Junior High School)) on: Aug 30, 2014