George Randell Hoopiiaina

Most are sure that they have never met anyone like him before…a man as rare as the blue moon…the last old-school man of the world…that man who is certainly a favorite memory of all, George Randell Hoopiiaina (known as Randy to most) said to tell everyone that he will meet us all on the flip side. The legendary ancestral bus with his dad and uncles on it, arrived earlier than expected for him on September 16, 2017. A fantastically epic journey began on January 21, 1953, when the Great White Dolphin delivered a son to the original Pineapple Kid Clifford Lincoln Hoopiiaina and his beautiful bride Hazel Ann Sanders Hoopiiaina. Randy was an obvious favorite of fate as he was afforded numerous once in a lifetime opportunities and experiences. He once said that he had experienced every situation in life whether it was directly or through a combination of events. Born and raised in Utah, he took full advantage of the exciting new culture of the 1960’s. The Murray High School Class of 1971 can claim Randy as a graduate and directly after chose to attend the School of Life with his new bride. Randy apprenticed as a tile setter for his hero and mentor – his dad – and became a skilled, legendary tile setter in the Salt Lake Valley and a proud member of the union. Armed with the vital skills that perfected his craft and the values his dad instilled in him, Randy made a brave and bold move with his family to Virginia in 1979. During the 12 years that Randy lived and worked in the shadow of our nation’s capital, his career evolved exponentially from a tile setter to one of the most successful General Contractors in his field. In Virginia, Randy and his family made lifelong friendships and were fortunate to have several unbelievable experiences but the Utah mountains were always in the back of everyone’s mind. Randy finally gave in to the call home and returned his family to Utah in 1991. The mountains proved to be a refuge for the man with a golden heart and personified absolute magic and hope. Randy worked hard to always be a benevolent person and care for the ones around him. His soul is eternal, wise and the few strands of silver in his hair marked the essence of a man breathing in life itself. He had a gift for identifying those in need and would share some of that magic, a beautiful spell for them…something so sweet where an ache used to be. A little country house up in the mountains is where he lived to admire the immeasurable wonder and beauty. It is there, below the moon itself and a million stars in the sky that he said he found a little truth. He devoted his life to sharing that truth with the ones he loved and especially with the ones that were central to his existence – his children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. The love that he possessed for them was limitless. The love and admiration they have for him is beyond compare. His daughters Amy Shaw, Rebecca Smith and Meagan Quintero were the twinkle in his eye and the spring in his step. Two sons, Christian and Zack, were the foundation to his heart and he endeavored to support their journey to being great men. A rare mix of the classic James Dean tough guy and a gentle spirit, it was his grandchildren that tipped the scales and wholly softened and stole his heart. Each and every one deserves mention as he would have wanted this entire obituary to be about them. The loves of his life, the group of people that would swear he’s secretly a super hero and the recipients of the precious prizes he won playing the crane machine are listed from the oldest, his granddaughter Brittany, Dylan, McKelle, Mia, Brianna, Savanna, Aubrey, Hagen, Marissa, Caitlyn, Hayden, Ben, Max, Kade, Junior, Damien, Kash and our sweet little skunk Sasha. The absolute and definitive cherry on top are his three great-grandchildren Bruce Wayne, Niko and Indiana. Randy was always moving so fast, helping anyone and everyone that he nor anyone noticed that his work on this earth was nearing it’s end. His thoughts, they were too big for his size and needed attention that no earthly being could give him. Go rest now Dad, high on that mountain, remember Daddy’s never leave. I know you are content, happy and whole and I have already seen you in the sunshine in my hair, the shadows on the ground and the whisper in the wind. A gathering to honor him, share stories and draw comfort from the love we all share for him will be held at Grant Park, 6150 South Main, Murray, Utah, on Saturday, September 30, 2017 between 1-5. We will honor his final wish on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at the place he considered most sacred, Iosepa, Utah, where he will finally become one with Mother Earth and laid to rest. All that loved and cared for Randy are welcomed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Primary Children’s Hospital in honor of his precious granddaughter Brianna Hoopiiaina.

George Randell Hoopiiaina

January 21, 1953 - September 16, 2017