July 17, 1964 – March 26, 2024

In loving memory and with great sadness, the Ljuden family announces the passing of Randolph (Randy) Gordon Ljuden, 59, of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, on Monday, March 26, 2024, quietly in his residence. He was a loved and charismatic brother and friend who vehemently enjoyed the great outdoors and pushing its boundaries.

Randy Ljuden, born in Fort St. John, British Columbia, on July 17, 1964, and known to those close to him as a spirited soul, has left us to join the natural beauty he so cherished. A carpenter, painter, and reforestation worker, Randy’s hands shaped the world both in buildings and the mountain scape. His life journey began at birth as Traci Gautier, and through the loving adoption by Phyllis and Gordon Ljuden days after his birth, he found his forever family. Randy spent a great deal of time and research investigating the indigenous legacy of his birth family and had great pride in his origins.

He graduated from Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with his sister Lori while focusing on maximizing his speed skating success, having accumulated during his youth a number of British Columbia Indoor and Outdoor Championships, Alberta Open Indoor and Outdoor Championships, and consistently placing in the top tier of his Age Class at the Canadian National Championships. Randy reveled in his ability to leap over or around competitors with a huge smile landing himself in a better position for the next curve of the indoor rink. Randy was twice the Pacific Coast International Champion and the North West International Champion and participated in multiple North American Championships placing in the top tier of skaters at that level. He was proud to participate in the early days of Indoor Speed Skating in Canada.

Randy lived in Fort St. John, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Canmore, AB; Banff, AB; and Kamloops, B.C. where he enjoyed camping, climbing mountains, and the great Canadian wilderness. He truly loved climbing, tele skiing, speedskating, and was a fruitful competitive swimmer. He was fearless! His energy was infectious, he liked to laugh, and his athletic achievements were a natural gift.

Preceded in passing by his father,Ljuden, Randy’s legacy is carried on by his beloved mother, Phyllis Ljuden, his sisters, Carol Ljuden and Lori Kaczynski, and his brother, Doug Ljuden. His nieces, Heather Hyland, Elisabeth Johnson, Sarah Ljuden, Erika Kaczynski, and Anna Johnson, along with a vast network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and his biological sister, Dolores Berkelaar, will forever hold Randy in their hearts.

Randy’s life was a mosaic of high-speed chases on the rink, laughter-filled gatherings, and quiet moments amidst the pines and mountains. He was fiercely loved and shepherded through life by his adopted parents, who instilled in him the values of family and the importance of leaving the world a little greener than he found it.

As we bid farewell to Randy, we remember a man who lived with vigor, needed his space to live as he chose, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. May his spirit soar as freely as the wildness he so admired, and may his memory be a beacon for all who strive to live life with passion and live through adversity.

Rest in peace, Randy. Your journey continues in the wilderness of our memories, where every tree whispers your name, and the wind carries your laughter for eternity.

There will be a remembrance service at Red Willow Park in St. Albert, AB, at 5:00 p.m. on June 21. For more information about attendance and the service please email RandyRemembrance@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers and if you are so moved, the family requests memorial donations to The John Howard Society of Canada at https://johnhoward.ca/donate/ in Randy’s name and memory.

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Ljuden family.

• Date : 2024-03-26
• Location : Kamloops