Joseph Randall O'Reilly
June 26, 1954 - July 12, 2012
Joseph Randall O’Reilly
Joseph Randall O’Reilly, son, father, brother and friend, rode into the sunset on July 12, 2012. Randy was the second son of four boys born in 3 ½ years to William and Gloria O’Reilly on June 26, 1954. He was educated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary, Judge Memorial Catholic High School and a graduate of Highland High School in 1972. Randy was a long time employee of Union Pacific Railroad.
He married Banya Brunyer. Together they had 3 beautiful children, Nicole Lyn, Joseph Randall Jr. and John Paul. He married Lisa Pritchett. Together they had a loving son Jacob Anthony.
He shared the past 18 years with the love of his life and soul-mate Charlotte. Together they fostered a loving relationship. They loved each other deeply.
Randy had a special passion for his parents, brothers, his children, grandchildren, horses, hunting, fast cars and shopping on EBay. He was tough, fearless, hard-headed and soft hearted. His humor was contagious. The pain of our loss will be embedded deep within our souls for this man we loved so very much.
He is survived by his parents, his brothers Rick (Louise), Steve (Amy) and Brian (Cory); his children Nicole Moore (Jason), J.R. (Stephanie), J. P.(Kara) and Jake; his grandchildren Anthony, Destinee, Alexis, Mersadeez, Brynn, Jaxton and Parker.
A family Mass was celebrated in his honor on Saturday evening at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church. A private service, with Reverend John Norman officiating, will be held on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (OCD) at www.ocfoundation.org . If you have a loved one that suffers from this terrible disease, encourage them to get help. It may save their life.
Please join us for a wake and celebration of his life on Monday, July 16th from 6 to 9 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.
In Loving Memory
Joey, Andi and I are so sorry to hear about Randy passing...Our prayers and sympathy go out to the family...I remember all the good times we had in the old days and know in my heart he is at peace.
Kathy Holman Laird
Tempe, Az
We all loved hearing about Randy and his incredible family from Amy. She would laugh and giggle when she talked about the fun they all had together and how Randy reminded her of her witty brothers. She said it always made her think of us in Colorado. So whenever she needed a good shot of laughter or missed us, she would look for him. Our love from one family to another is with you. Peace and Love Mike
The Bell Family
Grand Junction, Co
So sorry to read about Randy's passing. My heart goes out to his loved ones.
Terry Langton
slc, Ut
I want the O'Reilly's to know that I have told my dad to welcome Randy to his beautiful place. I know they are together because I've gotten the sign. It rained a beautiful shower 2 days ago. All is well. We all thought highly of Randy and his gifts of car creating with Steve and hunting successes. I loved hearing the stories from Amy. She was very proud of her brother-in-laws and loved to brag them up to me and my family. From one loving family to another, we wish you peace and acceptance, and lots of love. Tom Bell
Tom Bell
Grand Jct, co
My condolences from The Gelpi 's. We know it's a hard time but will bring you closer together through your love as a big family. Remember his spirit and love will carry you to tomorrow and will NEVER leave your side. He is an angel in heaven that we are so blessed to have watching out for us now. Have faith and patience. My sincerest wishes for peace to be sent to your family. God Bless Nick and Estee
Nick Gelpi
New York, NY
My prayers are with you J.P, J.R & Nikki at this time. I am sooooo sorry to hear that pops had passed and my heart goes out to you. Love you guys and may the many wonderful memories you've shared ease your pain. Much Alofas
Alberta Jackson Fuailema'aTupuola
Eagle Mountain, ut
I want you to know how sorry I am about your brother. He was a truly lucky man to have you in his life, just as you were lucky to have him in yours. He is in a better peacefull place and will be with you forever.
Diane Nouri
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Charlotte, Uncle Bill, Aunt Gloria, Steve, Rick, Brian, JR, JP, Nikki, and Jacob--Please know of my sincere understanding of the sadness of your loss. I, as well, have lost a very dear Cousin. I will miss him terribly. Please find comfort in knowing the impact that Randy had in our world and on so many of us that were honored to have had him in our lives. We all are surrounded by so much in our lives, that it is comforting and safe to know that there was someone like Randy that was one of the pure elements, a compassionate thread of gold--that was so decent and kind to to all of our hearts and lives. Randy reinforced our belief in humankind and friendship. And, what a friend he was! We, and the world that he lived in, are all better for having him on our lives. My love to all--
Kim Madalene Russo
salt lake city, ut
We are so sad to hear of Randy's passing. Our sympathy and prayers go to each one of you as you will all miss him in different ways. Randy was always such fun to talk to and I will miss his humor when he came in to the credit union.
John & Rose Kocinski
Spanish Fork, UT
May the family of Randy O'Reilly find comfort in your loving memories, and in knowing that God is "near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34;18) While grief at the loss of Randy is great, joy at welcoming him back in the resurrection will be greater. (Mark 5;42) With deepest sympathy,
v. thompson
nan, nan
Thank you for allowing us to share in the celebration os Randy's life last night. Being there, surrounded by the love and support the OReilly family recieved was amazing. I was in awe by the support that was given not only by those that knew Randy, but those that came to support Steve, Brian, Rick and family. To the ENTIRE OReilly family, last night was a true tribute to all of you!! Your entire family has touched so many lives and it was truely an honor to be apart of Randy's celebration! The tribute that you gave Randy is one that will always be remembered! All our love and prayers!! Chris and Lianna
Chris and Lianna Madsen
Taylorsville, UT
As the title may show, I have become about 100,000X more sitrpiual than I used to be. I became ordained on a lark; however, I do realise how serious it is to be a minister.I have not had the unfortunate occasion to officiate a funeral as of yet, but I have lost many, many people in physical (death) and sitrpiual (friendships and other relationships severed) ways.Our memories is all that we have left. We should be thankful for the scant amount of time we have with each other. As hard as it is to take the death of a friend or loved one is, each second we have is a gift. Thusly we should not take each other for granted!!!
Alex
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It's a pleasure to find someone who can ideintfy the issues so clearly
Darvin
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A bit unconventional, but a taste of the coinmuitmes' love for Greg:Dan Heims Greg Speichert an icon in the horticulture and water gardening industry passed away today in Pennsylvania. So sad. November 5 at 9:40ama0b7a032 Commentsa0b7a0Likea0b7a0RemoveJimmy Turner Does anyone have any news?November 5 at 9:43am��?��Like��?��DeleteC.L. Fornari Oh, no. One of the great spirits in gardening.November 5 at 9:54am��?��Like��?��DeleteLaura Summerhill Deeter I can't find anything online at this point.November 5 at 9:59am��?��Like��?��DeleteDiane Blazek Very sad news. Horticulture has lost another good one.November 5 at 10:08am��?��Like��?��DeleteKathleen Grube Holly cow. He was so young. What happened?November 5 at 10:30am��?��Like��?��DeleteShirley Bovshow Sorry to hear about Greg's passing.November 5 at 10:31am��?��Like��?��DeleteDenise Wiles Adams I am so sorry. This is shocking news.November 5 at 11:14am��?��Like��?��DeleteDoreen Howard OMGosh! I was to call him Monday for an interview. He was a true giant in the industry and a good person.November 5 at 11:15am��?��Like��?��DeleteJames Waddick Dan any details? This sounds too odd. Accidental or ? What happened?November 5 at 11:48am��?��Like��?��DeleteDebbie Lonnee I just saw it on Chris Beytes blogged and I am stunned. First Jack Williams and now Greg. Who is at the breeder conference and can you fill us in? This is so sad . . . .November 5 at 1:03pm��?��Like��?��DeletePam Potts Camp Total Shock!November 5 at 2:07pm��?��Like��?��DeleteDan Heims Greg was attending the conference here, felt sick and went back to the Fairfield Inn and died last evening. He had plants in his car that were recovered by Longwood for his wife Sue. I will miss his startling smile and his grasp of horticulture. We had a moment of silence at the meeting today.November 5 at 2:53pm��?��Like��?��DeleteBarry Yinger Amazing. He was here Tuesday, stayed over, and Wednesday morning he loaded up plants and went to the conference. No sign that anything at all was wrong.November 5 at 3:11pm��?��Like��?��DeleteDebbie Lonnee Thank you Dan for the explanation, it is appreciated. Glad thatGreg spent time surrounded by fellow plant geeks before he was gone . . .November 5 at 3:15pm��?��Like��?��2 people��?��DeleteRobyn Brown I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace.November 5 at 4:37pm��?��Like��?��DeleteLaura Summerhill Deeter I'm still in shock! Man time to go tell everyone I care!November 5 at 5:14pm��?��Like��?��DeleteKaren Padgett I've heard him speak, a very nice guy and down to earth.November 5 at 5:42pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen I have known him for many years. He stayed at my home the last time he spoke in Pa. He was 48. Those of you who planted Persicaria Red Dragon'-this was his plant. He was a member ofPPA, a graduate horticulturist, a lecturer, and garden writer. My condolences to his wife. we shall miss him.November 5 at 6:28pm��?��Like��?��1 person��?��DeleteC. Dale Hendricks Good God!!! Greg was a fine and gentle man- unbelievable!!!! My very best to Sue .November 5 at 7:45pm��?��Like��?��DeleteTim Wood I cannot believe this. I was just catching up with him at the conference. I left the conference this morning and just found out. I am so sad right now. Greg was such a special person, besides being on the the best plantsman I've ever met. A Genuine person. I'm in shock.November 5 at 8:01pm��?��Like��?��DeleteRob Cardillo Hard to believe what a bright and vigorous plantsman. I visited his water plant nursery some years ago and he and Sue were so hospitable.November 5 at 8:57pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Me too!StephNovember 5 at 9:39pm��?��Like��?��DeleteKelly Norris So sad to hear about this. It was good to finally connect with him for a length of time this summer at PPA. Terrible loss Saturday at 1:52am��?��Like��?��DeleteMary Walters OMG- Greg was a kind & giving person, knowledgeable plantsman, and good friend. Both he & Sue had been through some tough times but he always had a good attitude.He truly loved plants & was a very sharing individual. Sympathies to the family. What a loss to this industrySaturday at 2:51am��?��Like��?��DeleteChrista Hanson I only recently met him a year or two ago. Actually I didn't know he was a big deal in horticulture, I just met Greg and his wife when I returned home to visit the children's garden program from my childhood, of which he was now director. A great chat with a very good man, who was obviously well-liked by everyone in the hort world. My heart goes out to his wife, family, and friends.Saturday at 5:11am��?��Like��?��DeleteBrent Horvath Greg and I talked about Clematis and Asclepias at the meeting on Wednesday evening. I would love to name a plant in his honor.Saturday at 7:05am��?��Like��?��DeleteJanet Draper i am utterly speachless. My heart goes out to Sue.i originally met greg at plum creek nursery about 1992, and our paths have crossed many times since even in tough times, greg was always positive and upbeat, and always so enthralled with anything possessing chlorophyll. what a loss.Saturday at 7:48am��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Dear Brent,What a super idea! You are a caring and generous person.StephSaturday at 8:14am��?��Like��?��DeleteCharles Thomas Greg and Sue are well known and admired in the water garden community. They were especially helpful with two International Waterlily and Water Garden Society meetings in Chicago. Bless them!Sunday at 9:07am��?��Like��?��DeleteSteve Aitken Greg was one of the nicest guys I have come across. Very patient with a novice editor on his first shoot.Sunday at 9:09am��?��Like��?��DeleteJo Ellen Meyers Sharp This is so very sad. Greg was on the local organizing committee for the 2011 GWA symposium meeting in Indianapolis. He loved his job at Hilltop and was so enthusiastic about the potential of the garden there. I've known him for many years and will miss his wonderful, generous spirit and that great smile. My column in The Indianapolis Star Nov. 20 will be about Greg.Sunday at 7:58pm��?��Like��?��DeleteStephanie Cohen Dear Jo Ellen,Could I have a copy? Greg and I were friends somewhere between 15 and 20years. He died on my birthday. I would ppreciate it if you could.StephanieYesterday at 12:00pm��?��Like��?��Delete
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