It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Randy Hagar announces his sudden and unexpected passing on Dec. 6 at the age of 57.
A quiet, stoic man of few words but decisive action, Randy was always willing to be present for others. While working in Oakland, Calif., Randy befriended and regularly ate lunch with a homeless man, eventually buying him a bicycle – just one example of his gentle and giving nature and open acceptance of his fellow human beings.
Born in Damariscotta on Sept. 11, 1961, Randy grew up in Nobleboro and graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1979. He was a high school wrestler, athlete and all-around sports enthusiast. The education section of his professional LinkedIn profile humorously includes his status as a perpetual, lifelong student in the “Boston Red Sox School of Hard Knocks.”
Following high school graduation, Randy proudly joined, and served in, the U.S. Air Force (1979-1985) with the official title of Radio Relay Equipment Specialist. Following basic training, and numerous technical schools to provide support as an Electronic Systems Technician, he was also attached to Kelly AFB as a wideband radio specialist. He later transitioned and completed military service with 601 Tactical Control Squadron in Prum, Germany. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in January 1985 and was immediately hired by Motorola in Germany, working there for the next 11 years, progressing to role of regional supervisor for aftermarket support services throughout West Germany and other international markets.
While serving in Germany, Randy married the love of his life, Gabi, on Aug. 18, 1986. He became fluent in spoken and written German, and in doing so also became very close with Gabi’s family. Randy and Gabi celebrated the birth of their daughter, Alina, on June 11, 1990. Randy’s career then brought the family to California in October of 1997 where he continued to excel in a distinguished career in technical and public safety communications service and management. The family later celebrated the birth of their son, Camden, on December 17, 2001.
Randy began his California-based career as communications manager for Solano County. He later progressed into a new position as deputy director of the General Services Agency for Alameda County with responsibility for two of its primary divisions. Upon retiring from Alameda County in 2015, Randy continued working with the Department of Homeland Security and then became privately contracted as a communications analyst with Wildland Forestry Firefighting for the State of Oregon. After the family relocated to Washington State in 2017, Randy was hired by LoJack, where he had been working ever since.
Throughout his career, Randy was always highly respected and admired in the professional community. He served on, and chaired, numerous professional committees which included the 700 & 800 MHz Regional Planning Committees, and as the Western Division Director for the National Regional Planning Committee Executive Council. As a true life-long learner, Randy consistently trained in, and quickly gained mastery of, the latest cutting-edge technologies, making him a true leader in his field. As such, he was frequently sought out and consulted for his wide range of subject matter expertise.
He was an active member for 22 years with the flagship professional organization, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), serving as a past president for its Northern California chapter (NAPCO) and being honorably nominated and approved for senior member status. Fellow communications and public safety professionals regularly regarded Randy as a consummate professional who always exercised personal integrity, sound judgment, managerial acumen and technical expertise. One colleague described Randy as always “ensuring that ‘The Right Thing’ is a priority.”
Randy enjoyed being active through various volunteer opportunities and outdoor adventures. Together, he and Gabi both joined and enjoyed serving with the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). Randy went on to serve as one of their instructors and a lead evaluator for new, incoming NASAR students. More than anything, Randy always treasured his family time with Gabi, Alina and Camden, whether it be while spending time at home, traveling, being out in nature, or experiencing other interesting family adventures. He shared his big love for photography and music with his daughter Alina and son Camden. Watching his children grow, learn and enjoy their own individual pursuits was a vital part of his family life. Randy once said that the most important thing in his life was to seek out new experiences with the family and to make great memories together.
Randy was predeceased by his mother, Patricia Hagar (2018); brother, Darryl (2017); and father, Harry Hagar Jr. (1983).
Randy will be forever cherished and remembered by his wife of 32 years, Gabriele (Gabi) Hecking-Hagar as a devoted and loving husband and father and the “rock” of her life. His daughter, Alina, and son, Camden, describe Randy as their sweet, reliable, caring and giving father.
Randy will also be dearly and lovingly remembered by his family from the Damariscotta area, including his brothers, Mark (Cindy) and Christopher; his sister, Karen-Ann; as well as nieces, Katie, Gabby, Mia and Samantha; and nephews, Seth, Justin, Zachary, Darryl, Jr. and Joshua.
Randy will also be missed, and fondly remembered, by his native German in-laws, including father-in-law, Günther Hecking; brother-in-law, Hans-Peter Hecking (Sabine); and his sister-in-law, Michaela Hecking-Skeen (Eric); along with niece, Ricarda; and nephews Tobias, Kilian and Micah.
A celebration of life will be held later in 2019.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), 3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.
Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.
Local arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
