Elvert Albion Randall

Elvert Albion Randall and known by most as ‘ Al ‘ of East Bridgewater passed away peacefully on Sunday August 21st.  He was born on May 19, 1929, the eldest of 3 children of the late Everett and Gladys (MacKay) Randall, and brother of John Randall of Avondale, Arizona, and the late Barbara Farrar of Maine. 

Al enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1946 which required permission from his mother and completed two years of duty.  Returning graduated from Weymouth Vocational High School in 1949 the same year that his brother John graduated from Weymouth High School.  During those years, a favorite place was Nash’s corner where he made friends.  He started his career as an Automotive Machinist apprentice.  One work location was Estes Auto Supply in Rockland, MA.  He continued his career as a machinist working at Marshfield Auto Supply that became Bagnell Auto Supply. 

Al married his beloved wife the late Betty L. Schultz on July 29, 1951.  They lived in Abington for 29 years, raising the family of four, and were actively involved in the United Church of Christ, and the Boy Scouts of Abington.  The remaining years of their marriage was spent in their East Bridgewater home where they made many friends in the community.  The wooded homestead gave him many pleasures with wildlife sightings of hawks, deer, turkeys, rabbits and of many types of birds.  Dad enjoyed feeding the birds and rigging up the feeders to keep the squirrels away.  Not very successful, but he was determined. He enjoyed his wood stove and gathering wood around the property that gave him a reason to get out of the house and be with nature. 

Al is survived by his children David Randall and partner Joyce Fafard of Braintree MA, Judy Forbes of Maryville TN, June Curran and her husband Larry of Holbrook MA and Jayne Schwarting and her husband Bryan of Pembroke MA.  Papa, as he was called is survived by 11 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren whom he always adored and loved and many nieces and nephews.  Great grandchild Bryce Albion shares his name and birthday.  He was very proud that grandsons Benjamin, Nathan and great grandsons Caleb and Bryce obtain the rank of Eagle Scout.  This includes the Eagle Scout mentor pin and grandparent pin.  He was especially proud when a great grandson Caleb joined the US Marine Corps. 

Dad was very proud to be ‘left handed’ and he would make sure you knew about it.  He was always interested as another grandchild came along if that one would be left handed and of course very excited when he saw grandson Zachary, great grandson Andrew and great granddaughter Rachel followed. 

As his trade continued until he retired, he became very appreciated in the South Shore area working on many types of engines including Model T, racing and boats.   It seems that He was always working on engines for friends at his garage in Abington and later at his shop in East Bridgewater. 

Dad was an avid deer and game bird hunter and enjoyed fishing.  He and his family raised the Brittany Spaniel dog utilized for hunting and later became a favorite for a pet.  He was a member of several hunting clubs over the years like Easton Rod & Gun Club and later at the Wankinquoah Rod and Gun Club in Middleboro and he would enjoy taking his grandchildren to the annual holiday event at the club.  Dad applied for a summer camp gun scholarship and his grandchild Kim was a recipient which he was proud.  Dad received the NRA Sharpshooter and was a Life Member of the Wankinquoah club. 

For many years Al and Betty would enjoy a family place in the small town of Stoneham Maine on Lake Keewaydin.  It all started when Dad’s parents obtain a place on the lake.  It became a place to go for a weekend or week during the summer.  Later they obtained another lot on the lake and started a dream to build a place of their own.  With the help of family and many of his friends the dream came true to build a lake front camp and today this is their legacy and is still enjoyed by many family members.  Dad would enjoy the area for walking, canoeing and hunting as the location is near White Mountain National Forest.  He enjoyed sharing the property with the Boy Scouts in the winter or hunting in the fall.  He and mom also spent several summers there when they both retired and welcomed family and friends to enjoy the beauty. 

Dad had several other hobbies and interests which include traveling, cribbage, coin collecting, puzzles and walking.  Al and Betty traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, and other national parks in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, in addition to traveling to Nova Scotia, Canada. Dad and Mom enjoyed playing and teaching the game of cribbage and this was especially true with his brother John while enjoying the relaxing time at the camp in Maine.  Dad enjoyed collecting several types of coins.  He enjoyed his visit with his great grandchildren with walks outdoors on his property or indoors making puzzles.  He also enjoyed making adult puzzles on his three season porch. 

A celebration of life for Al and Betty Randall will be held at Mt Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.  Entrance is off Southern Artery, Headstone is located on Hemlock St. Service will be on September 25th at noon.

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