Engel, Randall Clair (1957-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 Jun 16 p. 30

Birth date: 1957 Aug 12

text of obituary:

RANDALL CLAIR ENGEL

Randi came to join the Engel family and to bless their home on August 12, 1957. Since he arrived on the scene somewhat early, he was of special concern to his parents. They realized by what a slender thread even a baby's life can be suspended and so showered their love upon him and accepted him as loaned by the Lord.

The house of the Lord was to play an important part in his life. He made his first appearance there at just over one month of age. The following Mother's Day he was presented to the Lord in dedication.

His early childhood was quite normal and happy. Whether accompaning his parents on various trips or moves or enduring childhood diseases, he accepted them all with little complaint. It became rather obvious that Randi made friends easily and it was clear that he would thoroughly enjoy himself regardless of the situation.

Very early in life Randi understood the Word of God sufficiently well to realize his goodness was not sufficient to meet the demands of God. Thus it came as no surprise at West Bank Bible Camp when at the age of seven he responded eagerly when the invitation to salvation was given. This was the experience he had questioned his dad about earlier and now the decision was made. His dad had the privilege of pointing out Christ's sacrifice and Randi was gloriously born again into the family of God, Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" became very real and precious to him.

To Randi this now became a way of life. He enjoyed fellowship with the Lord - prayer and reading of the Word of, God. Several years later, at age eleven, he followed the Lord in baptism. Even before this the two brothers took an active interest in missions and pledged a specific amount in support of a missionary they learned to know, a promise they kept to the time of his passing.

Loving the Lord, however, didn't stifle the activities of this normal young man. At home he was a great friend to sisters Peggi and Kathy as well as to brother Rick. He didn't mind work either but gladly helped on the farm in various ways. At school too he was an active sports enthusiast with interests ranging from hockey to football. He further found time for piano and later took special interest in singing and band, being a member of the Assiniboia band for quite some time.

Letters and notes record he loved his parents dearly and didn't mind expressing it.

Although he enjoyed life thoroughly, he was bothered with sinus and frequent headaches. Still none of these things disturbed him greatly, especially spiritually. This became evident in the songs he loved such as 'One Of These Days' and in his deep concern for others.

The young people of the Woodrow Church had a great time together on Saturday night, April 15, as seven individuals made decisions for the Lord. Then on Sunday after the worship service, Randi was with the group praying for others who did not know the Lord.

However, his work was almost done. While on his way home from church, the automobile in which he was riding left the road and he was fatally injured. Although he was rushed to hospital in Gravelbourg and later air ambulance to Regina, his time had run out and Randi went to be with the Lord he loved and served on the afternoon of April 16.

He leaves to mourn his passing his parents Allen and Joyce Engel; his brother, Rick; and his sisters, Peggi and Kathy; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Baumback of Lodi, California and Mr. and Mrs. Emil Engel of Medicine Hat, Alberta; and a host of other relatives as well as numerous friends.