Randal Elston Dygert's Obituary
Randal Elston Dygert was born in Raton, NM on March 29, 1953. Raised in Midland, TX, he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1971, and soon after, he graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington in 1986 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Randal began his career in nursing at Midland Memorial hospital in Midland, TX, where he cared for many Emergency Room patients and victims of tragic accidents. He later moved to Dallas, TX to begin his career at Parkland Memorial Hospital, spending the last 33 years dedicating his time to the Parkland Clinic of Internal Medicine. In February 1993, Randal was the sole recipient of the Mary E. Mancini award for Excellence in Nursing. Extremely devoted to his patients, he was described by those who knew him as “caregiver”, “generous”, and having a smile that was “constant and emblematic”; Randal’s life mission was to selflessly care for the needs of others. While Randal enjoyed simple pleasures such as tending to his garden, and keeping up with all current movies, he also spent leisure time traveling the world, from Paris to Giza to St. Petersburg. An avid symphony and opera fan, Randal had a love for music that was unparalleled. He was enamored with the musical “The Wizard of Oz”, a fascination that was apparent as soon as one entered his home, or heard his constant hum of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Randal was unexpectedly taken from this life on January 23, 2015. Loved by all who ever knew him, he will be missed dearly. He was caring and thoughtful; the foundation of loving support for his family, friends and colleagues. He lived his life to be of service to others. Always cautious, Randal deeply cared for those around him, continuously putting their comfort and needs before his own. He had a strength and patience that never wavered. Described by a friend, “He is an inspiration and role model to us all and epitomizes the phrase, ‘Treasure the one in this world who lightens the burden of others’”. This world has truly lost such an honest and selfless man. Preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Elston Dygert, Randal is survived by his mother, Ruth Elizabeth Dygert of Dallas, TX, his partner and best friend of 30 years, Dee Swope of Dallas, TX, two sisters, Ilona and husband Ed Wheeler of Raton, NM, and Dlana and husband Mickey Sanders of Borger, TX. He is also survived by one nephew, Clay Wheeler, and three nieces, Katherine Yocam, Sarah and Samantha Sanders. Let us remember, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose, all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” (Helen Keller) Our son, brother, uncle, partner and friend, Randal will always be with us. The visitation for Randal Dygert will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, January 26, 2015 at Restland Funeral Home. The service for Randal will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 11:00 AM in The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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