Randy Hermsen

Randy Hermsen, 54, of College Place died Dec. 7, 2009, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
Arrangements are pending at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St.

Just this morning, I was told the news.
I couldn’t believe it and am a little confused.
How could a guy that makes me laugh all day,
Decide to just pick up and walk away?
I thought you would handle it longer than you did,
You never gave up and you never hid.
I watched you go through some hard times.
Whether you were innocent or convicted of your crimes.
You were the one person that would never stop,
And you always found a way to come out on top.
So, it surprises me that much more
That you were the one to walk out the door.
You were a beacon for many, a champion of hope,
And you were the rock people hung to when they just couldn’t cope.
When I felt I couldn’t take the hostility any longer,
You stepped up and made me stronger.
When I just wanted to lash out and fight,
You helped me find the path that was right.
I enjoyed your humor no matter how racy,
You kept me sane when all around us was crazy.
We all know that you left and aren’t coming back,
And we are hurt that you didn’t call us to help you pack.
But we know what happened and understand
That things don’t always go quite as planned.
We all hate the fact that you are no longer here
But no matter how far you went, you’ll always be near.
Because, in my heart and memories you always stay,
And I will think of you each and every day.
You were one of the rare people that made this world a better place
And I wish so bad that I could tell you to your face.
I will miss you Randy, you were truly a great friend.
But more than that, you were my brother by the end.
So rest now, as you deserve to do,
And know that your fight with cancer is through.
You have so much life that will go unsung
And I hate that it’s true that only the good die young.

I miss you chief and wish I could tell you that I have not met many people quite as important as you.