Randy Schwartz, 42

Randy Frank Schwartz, age 42, died March 6, 2014, in Sandpoint, ID of complications from diabetes.

Randy was born April 26, 1971, in Grand Rapids, Minn., to Kenneth and Susan (Tardy) Schwartz. His family moved to Idaho soon after he was born. Randy attended Coeur d’Alene schools, and graduated from Coeur d’Alene high school in 1989; he attended North Idaho College, then went to work at McDonald's.

In 1991, Randy married Xanthe Cooper, and they had three daughters: Talia, Alexandria and Ariana. Randy worked his way up to managing two restaurants in Olympia, Wash., and while there he never missed a Seahawks home game. Randy then moved to Minnesota, and his experience led to a position as Chef and Manager at the “Gosh Dam Place,” a popular resort on Lake Winnibigoshish, where he stayed for many years. He moved to Texas to escape the Minnesota winters, and just recently returned to Idaho to be close to his family.

Randy strove to attain the highest level in all his endeavors. As a Boy Scout he worked hard to attain the rank of Eagle in a very short time. He was a self taught Master Chef, as well as a champion caliber poker player. Randy was a gentle soul and made life long friends every place he went - always thinking of others before himself; never saying a bad word about anyone.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Ken Schwartz; grandparents, William and Virginia Schwartz; grandmother, Kathleen Tardy; and uncle, Joe Tardy, Jr.

Randy is survived by his daughters: Talia (Greg) Moering, Alexandria, and Ariana Schwartz; granddaughter, Michaela Moering; mother and stepfather, Susan and Art Sullivan; stepmother, Shelley Schwartz; brother, William “BJ” Schwartz; stepbrother, Ryan Sunny; stepsister, Joy Cook; grandfather, Joe Tardy, and numerous aunts and uncles.

The memorial service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, March 15, at Northstar Baptist Church, 8145 Ramsey Road, Hayden, ID. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Randy’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com