Clarence "Pete" C. Randall

Clarence “Pete” Randall
If you never had the opportunity to know Dr. Clarence C. "Pete" Randall, this account of his very full life, may be your introduction. He was a member of what is now commonly labeled "The Greatest
Generation" ... the generation which served, sacrificed, and worked, many of whom gave their lives, to save our country and our liberty; pulling our communities and country back from the twin nightmares of The Great Depression and World War II.
Pete Randall was born on 24 July 1923, in Logan, Utah to Dr. Clarence C. and Irene C. Randall. He grew up in Logan, attending the public schools there, graduating from Logan High with the class of 1941. The Great Depression, that spanned his early years indelibly marked the children who lived it, bringing hardship to most families, devastating others; leaving experiences, lessons, and memories that in many ways shaped Pete's life, his wife Janet's life, and all others who lived through that experience.
In the fall of 1941, Pete began college at the USAC in Logan, with the eventual goal of a degree in
Dentistry. In 1942 he gained admission to the University of Oregon Dental School. In that same year he was drafted into the US Army, beginning Dental School, along with every other member of his class, in the uniform of a US Army Private. Those years in school were punctuated daily by news of the World War in the Pacific and Europe, in company with scores of notices and clippings from home, which were heart breaking. In all, 49 young men with whom he attended Logan High School, the boys he grew up with, played baseball and golf with, would never come home. Like so many others who shared that time of World War, he sometimes wondered aloud ... why it had been he that was spared.
Pete graduated from Dental School, less than a year after World War II ended, in 1946. He was
discharged from the Army prior to his graduation, having never served a day on active duty or in harm's way ... an outcome that grated on his conscience ... that he hadn't done his part ... that there was an unpaid debt to his country and to those who had contributed much more than he ... and to the memory of so many friends who would never return.
On 2 March 1946, Pete married Janet Cannon, the girl of his dreams since his 14th year, beginning a time of "lives shared and family" for over 68 years. They returned to Logan from Dental School, beginning his dental practice and their family in that same year. Three years later, with the outbreak of the Korean War, Pete wrote the Surgeon General of the United States volunteering to serve in the US Military. He never received a reply to that letter ... but did receive orders to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, where he served in the Air Force for the duration of that war.
Following his discharge from the Air Force, Pete and Janet, now with three children, returned to Logan. He restarted his dental practice, which was uninterrupted until his retirement in 1986. Over those years of practicing dentistry in Logan he became closely involved with the Utah Dental Association, serving multiple terms on the Board of Directors and one term as President. As President, in addition to the many other more important responsibilities, he convinced the State Attorney General that the necessity of having an attorney hold an appointed position on the State Dental Board was of equal importance to having a dentist hold a similar position with the State Bar Association. On completion of his term as
President of the State Dental Association, he was selected to serve two terms as the President of the Utah State Board of Dental Examiners. While in that position, identifying the need for enhanced
standardization within the accreditation and certification process for those entering the dental
profession, he, in company with contemporaries from Arizona and Oregon, instituted the Western
Regional Dental Examining Board, which he chaired for one term. That organization continues in those same efforts today, now covering all the western states. He served on the Board of Directors for the Logan Country Club from 1953 -1959, and as President of that Board in 1959. In those positions he initiated the successful effort to revitalize and expand the golf course from nine to eighteen holes. From 1971- 1980 he served on the Board of Directors of the Utah Golf Association, including two terms as President, where, most importantly he was instrumental in the effort to bring an enhanced junior golf program to Utah. In 1988, Pete was appointed to the Logan River Golf Course Committee by Mayor Russ Felstead. In company with Dean Candland, Ruth Baugh and Elaine Seeholtzer, and chaired by Red Burnette, that committee compiled all preliminary research, selected the best design and architect; mitigated issues brought by the EPA and Corp of Engineers (in addition to overcoming the objections of local naysayers and vocal protesters) breaking ground in 1991 and opening for play in 1993. This project has added to the revitalization of the areas in proximity to the City golf course, promoted junior golf, provided a "non-tax" revenue stream to the City, and most importantly, provided a facility that tens of thousands will enjoy over the next hundred years.
Pete's involvement with Utah golf also included his participation as an exceptional amateur player and competitor in the state of Utah. Holding a scratch handicap for over 50 years, he won his first club championship in 1939, his last in 1993, with at least one victory in each of those seven decades ... an unmatched achievement in United States amateur golf.
Pete Randall leaves a legacy of professional achievement and civic contribution that is a reflection of what so many others of his generation offered. They weren't satisfied; there had been too much
sacrifice by too many; the status quo was unacceptable ... Pete, along with all others of his generation, fought to overcome the obstacles confronting them, rebuilding not only their own lives, but their communities, and their country as well; demanding that a "better place" be provided for their children and grandchildren. We are indebted to all those who answered the call, doing their parts however large or small, to bring following generations lasting freedom, prosperity, and opportunity ... with the added obligation for those of us who follow, to do the same for the generations that will follow our own.
Pete Randall was preceded in death by his baby daughter Charlotte Ann, along with many lifelong
friends and professional associates. He is survived by his best friend, and adoring bride, Janet of 68
years; three children, Annette Haws, Carolyn Farrell, and Cannon Randall, who will forever miss his quick laugh and love of life. There are eight grand-children, all of whom have been influenced by their
Grandfather's example and council ... which will forever provide them a guide; and five great
grandchildren. This was a life well lived ... by a man who steadfastly believed that it was his responsibility and obligation to contribute ... "if you can make a difference you must" ... who cherished his bride and enjoyed every friendship they made along their way together who felt every day is a blessing.
Pete Randall now leaves his friends and family ... and you may trust, he is leaving with a smile ... a thank you to all those who touched his life ... and no regrets.
Pete felt the Sunshine Terrace provided a much needed service to the community of Logan, to which he provided generous assistance for many years. Our family requests that in lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Sunshine Terrace be made in your own names.
Dad said many times, “When I die I don’t want any long faces; no sorrowful stuff. Don’t you dare wear black.” So we will celebrate his amazing life Saturday, June 1st at 6:00 P.M. at the Logan Golf and Country Club.
Dad said many times, “When I die I don’t want any long faces; no sorrowful stuff. Don’t you dare wear black.” So we will celebrate his amazing life Saturday, June 1st at 6:00 P.M. at the Logan Golf and Country Club.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net