Randy Lynn Jones

On Monday, March 17, 2025, I lost “My Person” on his 66 ½ birthday. Randy fought with everything he had to stay with me, but we both came to understand that our journeys would part for a time. I will join him when my work here is done.

Randy Lynn Jones was born on September 17, 1958, in Ogden, Utah, to Orvel and Susan Caitano Jones. Shortly after, the family moved to his mother’s native Hawaii, where Randy spent his childhood between his grandmother’s ancestral home in Hawi and the family home in Hilo. He worked in the family freight trucking business and spent his free time surfing and diving—two passions that stayed with him throughout his life.

At 15, Randy moved back to Utah with his family. He graduated from Clearfield High School and joined the United States Marine Corps while still a senior. Immediately after graduation, he entered boot camp, where he became an expert marksman and helicopter crew chief. During his service, he married Robyn Kennedy, with whom he had a daughter and a son. They later divorced.

After his time in the Marines, Randy served six years in the Air Force Reserves before completing his career as a Program Manager in the Air Force as a civilian.

I met Randy when he was my scuba instructor—a role he cherished for over 20 years. Through his instruction, he introduced hundreds of people to the undersea world he loved so much. I was lucky enough to become his wife in December 1997 in Kona, Hawaii. From that moment on, he was not only my husband but also a stepfather and best friend to my two daughters. Our dynamic was golden: if I could dream it, he could build it, remodel it, or fix it. A perfectionist to a fault, he took great pride in everything he did.

Randy and I loved traveling the United States and exploring countries abroad. We shared a passion for the great outdoors, riding our side-by-side with friends, and creating unforgettable adventures. We loved to cook together, always eager to try new dishes. Randy was an avid hunter and fisherman, and some of his happiest moments were spent sharing those experiences with his son.

He adored his 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson, finding joy in watching them grow, change, and explore their own passions. Randy was kind, patient, and always saw the best in others.

He is survived by his wife, Tara; two brothers, Richard (Young) Jones and Rodney Jones; three sisters, Leilani (Billy) Crissman, Susie (Dave) Osborne, and Stacey (Chuck) Berett; his son, Christopher (Amy) Jones; his daughter, Brekka Heywood; his stepdaughters, Tasha Clifford and Brit (Maurie) Moline; nine grandchildren; one great-grandson; and two of his greatest joys, Coco and Bentley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Mo, who came to take him home.

They say life is ironic—it takes sadness to understand happiness, noise to appreciate silence, and absence to value presence. All of this is true. But we were so happy, we cherished our silence together, and your presence will be with me always.

No services will be held at this time. Instead, please take a moment to remember what Randy meant to you. The family will hold a paddle-out ash ceremony in Hawaii at a later date.