In loving memory of
Donald Croftan Randall Jr.
May 27, 1936 - September 9, 2022
Dr. Donald Croftan Randall Jr
Donald Randall, Jr, age 86, passed away on September 9, 2022, at Maui Memorial Medical Center in Maui, Hawaii. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, May 27, 1936 and spent most of his youth at the Outdoor Education Center (Clear Lake Camp) where his father was director. Being taller than his father, Donald's friends lovingly nick-named him "Lil Don." Donald graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1954 where he played in the marching band, and orchestra. He attended Michigan State University and was accepted into the School of Veterinarian Medicine as a junior. While at MSU he was active in the Chorale program and the Square/Folk Dance group. He graduated from MSU with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1960.
Donald spent most of his career in Ames, Iowa with Veterinary Services becoming the Inspection and Compliance Director at the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics. He was instrumental in establishing much of the structure and functions of the federal veterinary biologics program and received a Superior Service Award for his work in biologics. After his retirement in 1998, he started a second career as a consultant to animal vaccine manufacturers seeking certification, traveling the United States and to countries around the world. In Ames, Donald was on the board of the Ames International Orchestra Association and prominent in Ames community theater ACTORS, Inc.
Donald and his life partner and companion, Carmon Slater, celebrated their 50th anniversary together in May 2022. After his retirement, Donald and Carmon moved to Colorado, built a home in Evergreen, then moved to Wheat Ridge and Maui. His love for the outdoors, and for all animals, large and small, was acquired in his youth. Throughout his life he loved to hike and camp and was an active volunteer at the Evergreen Audubon Nature Center and the Denver Zoo. Donald, along with Carmon, was an active "Birder" and could often be seen checking his list and one of many bird identification guides on his phone. Birding trips to exotic locations were regular travel destinations, the latest being a birding trip to Panama just 6 weeks ago.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Donald C. Randall, Sr, and Alice (Furlong) Randall. He is survived by his partner, Dr. Carmon Slater, his brother, David M. Randall (Laurie), his nephews, Tom Gibb-Randall (Shannan), Mike Randall (Ann), and five grand nephews and niece. His life was a gift to us all and his example of love and compassion will be a constant in our ever changing lives.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022, starting at 2:30 pm at the ACTORS Studio, 120 Abraham Drive in Ames, IA. Family and friends are invited to gather and visit.
Memorials may be directed to,
Evergreen Audubon Nature Center - https://evergreenaudubon.org/get-involved/support-us/ donations/ Please email president@evergreenaudubon.org to notify them of your donation in Donald's honor.
Denver Zoo - https://denverzoo.org/support/donate/
Actors Inc - Mail donations to ACTORS, Inc. PO Box 1548, Ames, IA 50014, note on the check or in a letter that the donation is in memory of Donald.