Randolph "Randy" Bernard Mills

Randolph Bernard Mills "Randy", age 83, of Aurora, Colorado passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022. He was born on May 30, 1939 in Hollywood, California at 12:24 PM. To loving parents Gerald Joseph Zilz and Cecelia Teresa (O'Brien) Zilz which later was changed to Mills. Randolph's parents changed their last name from Zilz to Mills on May 7, 1946. The lastname changed was never fully explained to Randolph "Why" by his parents. It was thought to have been due to WWII and the Jewish situation which existed after the War in the United States.

In his early childhood, Randolph could recall was spent growing up in the Los Angeles and Hollywood areas of California. He was to young to remember much of anything before the age of 5. He remembered going to a daycare for a couple of years while his parents worked. His father was in the Army Air Force later to be formally named United States Air Force. Gerald Joseph Mills retired as a Captain and trained numerous officers and enlisted soldiers on how to fly. Randolph remmebered that his father flew most of his life. His mom worked at the USO in Hollywood, California , serving the war effort.

On April 10, 1945 Barbara Mills was born and became the youngest child to Gerald and Cecelia Mills and baby sister to Randolph. He was about 6 years of age and remembered the family had moved to a 3 Unit Apartment Building in Mar Vista, California. When he was 7 years old he was on a slide and stepped on a nail, that was at the bottom of the slide. Needless to say this accident infected his left foot tremendously. He was in and out of Cedars Lebanon Hospital for about a year and confined to a bed, wheelchair or crutches. The wound finally healed and caused no more problems for Randy.

He went to Primary School at Machado in Mar Vista, CA. He recalled very well that his dad liked to build anything! They both would build model airplanesand fly them at Venice High School. They would go to the midget auto races every week. They were about a mile from their home. They often ate at a restaurant called 'Cooper Kitchen". It had sawdust on the floor and the chicken and ribs where delicious. He recalled that they ate out a lot. There was a restarant in Ocean Park called "Teddy's" and their pork were very greasy, but Good. He didn't care for their homemade rice pudding but, his mom and dad thought it was good. Afterwards they would always walk on the pier, rode on the tram or had ice cream before going home. He remembered a delicatessen and movie theatre that he and Barb would often visit when she was 3 and many years after. They both also went to another theatre called the "Hitching Post" which played western movies. Admission was $.10 and $.05 for popcorn and a soda, what an "EXCELLENT" deal.

Randy and barb spent a great deal of time growing up on the beach, while their mom played Bingo.

They never minded, as they enjoyed the Ocean, and watching people pass on by. Their mother always kept tabs on both of them and made sure they never got sunburned. Randy beleived this is why he grew up enjoying swimming. He became a Lifeguard later in life at the beaches and resorts.

Barb and Randy grew very close over the years and as adults had a great relatonship. They both agreed that their parents were great parents that provided guidance and support all their life. When Randy was about 12 they moved across the trolley tracks to a "Real Home". It was also in Mar Vista, CA and he had his very own bedroom. His father built him a playhouse in the backyard. He built a BBQ pit out of bricks, it had an avacado tree, clothes line and a concrete fireplace for burning trash. Back then there was no dryers for clothes or trash collectors. They didn't have a TV either! His father planted lots of Rose bushes at every home they ever lived at.

Randy got involved with the "Soap Box Derby" racing. Unfortunately, he crashed into a fire hydrant the day before a race and smashed the front end up. This made his dad a little mad (one of the very few times) and he lost the race. He had a paper route, and would deliver the Examiner 7 days a week. Once in awhile his mom would take him in her red 1955 Buick convertible. Randy recalled that she was always their for him and Barb.

They had 2 airplanes and over the years his dad would fly them to and back from work as it was more convenient. They lived very close to an airport. They flew to New York in 1951-1952. It was an amazing trip and they had so much fun. They flew over the Statue of Liberty. Randy went to Mark Twain Middle School while he lived in this home. The family camped with extended family and friends, and their dad would deep sea fish atleast once a month. He was an amazing fisherman a skill he learned from his dad. Randy recalled that this was a "Fun" home, he had lots of friends nearby. He participated in the Cub Scouts and his mom participated with him in all his activities.

In 1954 they moved to Arcadia, CA by the San Bernardino Mountains. He was in Boy Scounts and got numerous awards. Randy finished Junior High School and started Arcadia High School thereafter. This house he recalled was really neat! They had a swimming pool, a huge yard and a guest house. randy recalled one time while living in Arcadia he and his mom got into an argument. He told her that he was leaving the home and going to live with a girlfriend named Annie Potter who resided in Downey about 25 miles away. She told him that was fine and allowed him to leave. He recalled getting on his trusty Schwin Bike and started on his journey. About 5 miles into the ride Randy got a flat tire. He phoned his mother and she said "He does not live at home anymore" and he would need to figure out what to do. She finnaly picked him up several hours later. When his dad got home they had a talk about respect for his wife (his mom) and told Randy "If you ever talk back to her again, you willpay the price". This never ever happened again. His father scared him so badly, he learned his lesson about respect for parents that day.

He finished 8th, 9th and 10th grade at Arcadia High School. He trained wired hair terriers and won many ribbons and trophies. This was a great experience, one of the dogs was Bobbie Sue and was deaf. But, she still worked by voice commands. He was very involved with Boy Scouts and was nominated for Scout of the Year in the area. They went to eat at a restaurant called "The Derby", it was owned by Murf and Slugger. Whom was an ex gangster from the East Coast. Randy always had a bacon wrapped filet with a baked potato. This was a real treat for he and his sister, they both enjoyed eating out.

Mr. Mills was an Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineer with a photographic memory. His first love was flying, and he flew out of the local airport several times a month to Palm Springs and various other locations. Randy felt that both of his parents were very hard woprkers and always strived to make their house a home for their family and friends. They had numerous parties around the pool. His father's jobs continued to improve and the family homes got larger. This home had a curved driveway and this is where Randy learned to drive. It had rain bird sprinklers which he drove over all the time. This didn't make his father happy.

The family camped and fished a lot, there were family activities with grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. The extended family was very large and close. The family started a mother's day picnic in the early 70's which usually had about 50-75 family members attend. The BBQ was always good with lots of family activities. The fisrt picnics were held at the Playa Del Rey Fire pits and lasted well into the evening. Later the family would meet at two parks in the Beverly Hills area. This continued almost for 50 years. By then many had passed away and others had moved away. They made it a point to be with the grandparents on Jewish holidays. Randy and Barb were not very good at observing the holidays, but they tried, and always remembered they both were raised to be kind and respectful.

Randy was always participating in activities. His mother trtied to get him involved with paino, tap dancing, guitar and anything she could think of- but I didn't work very well he recalled and wished he would have listened to her. Most of the things he did learn, he learned from his dad. His father was very smart and always eager to teach Randy at anytime. Randy and his sons Jay and Mike learned a lot from Randy and on their own, and are teaching their skills to their children as it may apply.

In 1956 the family moved to Playa Del Rey by the Los Angeles airport. He attended Westchester High School. Their home had a view of the Catalina Islands. He was very active in school and became a member of the swimteam and many other club functions. He lettered in Swimming and swam in the State finals at the I LETTERED IN SWIMMING AND SWAM IN THE STATE FINALS AT THE COLISEUM IN LOS ANGELES. HIGH SCHOOL WAS A MIXTURE OF FUN AND WORK. I MADE MANY FRIENDS AND HAD MY PICTURE ON THE FRONT OF THE 1957 YEARBOOK. I WAS A LANCER (CLASS NAME), AND PROUD OF IT. I GRADUATED IN JUNE OF 1957.

MY MOM AND DAD bought ME A 1949 WILLY'S JEEPSTER FOR my HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION. WHAT A FUN CAR. THE GIRLS AND GUYS LOVED IT. NOT FAST, BUT FUN. The 4 of us, my date BRENDA HORWELL AND friends ANNETTE AND GARY WENT TO RAND'S ROUNDUP FOR DINNER. Then back to the graduation night, and then out for ice cream. What a FUN EVENING, this I will always be remembered.

The SUMMER OF 1957 WAS FUN! LOTS OF BEACH TIME AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES. I EVEN TOOK SOME TIME TO DRIVE TO MONTCLAIR, N.J. WITH A BUDDY TO VISIT SOME OF HIS FAMILY. WE WORKED OUR WAY BACK BY WASHING DISHES AND LISTENING TO "CANADIAN SUNSET'. PASSING THROUGH ARIZONA THE ENGINE ON THE WILLY'S Jeepster GAVE OUT. WE WERE PUSHING THE 4 CYLINDER CAR TO FAST IN THE HEAT OF THE DESSERT. IT WAS MORE THAN THE 4 CYLINDERS COULD HANDLE. THE TRIP WAS AN EXPERIENCE.

SOMETIME LATE IN 1957 MY DAD AND MOM DECIDED TO TAKE A TRIP TO MEXICO CITY. DAD BOUGHT A NEW '57 CHEVROLET STATION WAGON AND 17 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER (NUESTRO SUENO-OUR DREAM). THEY WERE PAINTED MATCHING YELLOW AND WHITE. THIS WAS TO BE A 3 MONTH TRIP. IT TURNED OUT TO BE 9 MONTHS FOR ME AND SEVERAL YEARS FOR THEM. WE DROVE THROUGH LAREDO, TEXAS. THE EXPERIENCE WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF MY GROWING UP. I EVEN LEARNED TO SPEAK SPANISH. I COULDN'T DO THAT IN HIGH SCHOOL AFTER 2 YEARS OF TRYING. I ATTENDED MEXICO CITY COLLEGE AND RAN FOR FRESHMAN CLASS PRESIDENT. I LOST TO A GIRL NAMED NANCY McGREGOR. WE LIVED IN VERY NICE HOMES AND HAD SERVANTS. WE TRAVELED ALL OVER MEXICO ON TRIPS. I REMEMBER MY DAD SAVING A MAN'S LIFE WHO HAD DROWN. HE MADE ME SO PROUD. I WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE NEWMAN CLUB (CATHOLIC). NOT BAD FOR A JEW BOY. THE NINE MONTHS PROVED TO BE A LOT OF FAST LIVING. A FRIEND (ROY) AND I WERE ON THE GO, AND DRINKING AND MEETING THE GIRLS DAILY. WE DROVE TO ACAPULCO ALMOST EVERY WEEKEND TO SWIM. WHAT A LIFE. WE SLEPT ON THE BEACH EVERY NIGHT.

AFTER ABOUT 9 MONTHS I TOLD MY PARENTS I WAS LEAVING FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO BEGIN MY ADULT LIFE. I FIGURED IF I STAYED THERE ANY LONGER IT MIGHT PROVE TO BE TOo MUCH, A SMART MOVE. LOTS OF WOMEN TO LOVE.

I ARRIVED IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF 1958. I GOT AN APARTMENT AND WENT TO WORK FOR MY UNCLE MOREY AND A FRIEND, SAM PERIN, AT A DELICATESSEN. THEN I GOT A JOB AT A PLACE CALLED CALIFORNIA AIR MOTIVE WHICH SPECIALIZED IN TAKING APART AIRPLANE ENGINES. I GOT FIRED AFTER 5 MOTHS FOR WORKING TO FAST. IT WAS A UNION SHOP. I HAD BEEN WARNED NOT TO WORK SO FAST.

IN FEBRUARY OF 1959 I SIGNED UP FOR JUNIOR COLLEGE IN WOODLAND HILLS (PIERCE). IT WAS AN AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL AND I THOUGHT I WANTED TO BE A VETERINARIAN (SMALL ANIMALS). I MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO LIVE IN THE DORMS AND WORK IN THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA TO PAY MY WAY. THIS WORKED OUT VERY WELL.

RIGHT AFTER ENROLLING I MET A GIRL NAMED BONNIE LEONETTI (CATHOLIC). SHE AND I HIT IT OFF RIGHT AWAY AND MY PARENTS THOUGHT WE WOULD GET MARRIED. NOT TO BE. HER PARENTS SAID THEY WOULD DISOWN HER IF SHE MARRIED A JEW. WE PARTED COMPANY SHORTLY THEREAFTER.

LATER IN 1959 I WAS ELECTED FRESHMAN CLASS PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT OF MY FRATERNITY PLEDGE CLASS (ALPHA SIGMA THETA). AT THE FRESHMAN ORIENTATION I WAS GIVING A WELCOME SPEECH WHEN I NOTICED A PRETTY LADY IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM. HER NAME WAS MARY ANN. WE GOT MARRIED IN 1960 AND ULTIMATELY HAD 4 CHILDREN (KATHI, JAY, MIKE AND MATT). COLLEGE WAS A WHIRLWIND OF ACTIVITIES. WE BOTH MAJORED IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY. I RODE A LITTLE RODEO. AT LEAST I TRIED, AND LEARNED TO SHEAR SHEEP AND MILK COWS. THERE WERE LOTS OF ACTIVITIES. I ALSO WAS A CHEER LEADER AT THE FOOTBALL GAMES.

I THINK I ENJOYED WATCHING THE FEMALE CHEER LEADERS MORE. MARY ANN (MY FIRST WIFE), AND I WORKED ON NUMEROUS PROJECTS AND ENJOYED PIERCE COLLEGE. I GOT MY AA DEGREE (TWO YEAR DIPLOMA) IN 1961. MARY ANN WAS PREGNANT WITH KATHI (BORN FEBRUARY 22, 1961-SANTA MONICA, CA). WE WERE LIVING IN A SMALL HOME IN TARZANA AT THE TIME.

IN 1961 WE MOVED TO POMONA, CA. TO START A NEW PHASE OF OUR LIVES. WE LIVED IN A 3 BEDROOM HOME FOR A SHORT TIME AND I GOT A JOB WORKING AT A CATTLE FEED LOT, WITHIN 2 MONTHS I WAS OFFERED A FULL TIME JOB AND HOUSING. IT WAS A TWO BEDROOM RANCH. I ENROLLED AT CAL POLY, POMONA TO FINISH MY 4 YEAR DEGREE. THE JOB AND SCHOOL PROVED TO BE TO MUCH FOR ME. I WORKED 7 DAYS A WEEK FEEDING THE CATTLE, RIDING HERD, CLEANING THE PENS - ALWAYS CLEANING. BETWEEN THAT AND TRYING TO COMPLETE MY EDUCATION PROVED TO BE MORE THAN I COULD HANDLE. I STARTED TO GAMBLE TO GET SOME RELIEF. THIS ONLY BROUGHT MORE PRESSURE ON OUR MARRIAGE. OUR SON JAY (BORN ON MAY 5, 1962) IN POMONA. MIKE FOLLOWED ON JUNE 14, 1964, ALSO BORN IN POMONA.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MARY ANN'S FAMILY WAS VERY DIFFICULT. HER MOM AND DAD WERE DIVORCED AND BOTH WERE HEAVY DRINKERS. THIS BROUGHT A LOT OF PRESSURE ON OUR RELATIONSHIP. IT WAS DURING THIS TIME THAT I PROMISED NEVER TO GET INVOLVED WITH MY KIDS WHEN THEY GOT MARRIED. I LIVED THAT PLEDGE THROUGHOUT MY LIFE. IT DIDN'T MAKE THE KIDS HAPPY, BUT AT LEAST I DIDN'T INTERFERE. MARY ANN HAD 3 STEP SISTERS AND ONE BROTHER.

I LEFT CAL POLY IN 1965. THE PRESSURE WAS TO MUCH TO COMPLETE MY DEGREE. I CAN'T SAY THAT A DEGREE WOULD HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE. AS IT TURNED OUT I NEVER PURSUED THE COURSE OF STUDY. MARY ANN HAD HER HANDS BUSY TAKING CARE OF THE CHILDREN AND OTHER DUTIES. SHE TRIED HARD, BUT I CAN SEE WHERE IT WAS AN OVERWHELMING TASK.

WE MOVED FROM THE CATTLE RANCH IN 1965 AND TRIED OUR HANDS AT RABBIT RANCHING. MY PARENTS GAVE US THE MONEY TO START. THEY WERE ALWAYS TRYING TO HELP. MY MOM WAS QUICK TO GIVE HER OPINION IN HOW TO RUN A HOUSE. THIS DIDN'T HELP MARY ANN AND I. MY GRANDMOTHER DEVERICH WAS ALSO QUICK TO GIVE HER OPINION as well. MY DAD NEVER INTERFERED WITH OUR MARRIAGE.

A YEAR AT THE RABBIT RANCH PROVED TO BE A DISASTER. I WORKED DURING THE DAY TAKING CARE OF 30,000 CHICKENS AND COLLECTING EGGS, AND AT NIGHT I WOULD HELP MARY ANN WITH THE RABBIT FEEDING AND BREEDING. WE SOLD THE RABBITS FOR MEAT. WE NEVER MADE A PROFIT. IN THE SPRING OF 1966 MARY ANN DECIDED TO MOVE BACK TO THE CITY, AND TAKE THE KIDS. PROBABLY THE BEST MOVE FOR ALL OF US.

WE MOVED INTO AN APARTMENT BUILDING IN MAR VISTA. MARY ANN GOT A PART TIME JOB AS A TELEPHONE OPERATOR. I GOT A JOB WITH BEKIN'S (1966) MOVING AND STORAGE IN LOS ANGELES ON FIGUEROA. THIS WAS MY 1ST JOB IN TRANSPORTATION AND I STAYED IN THAT INDUSTRY UNTIL I RETIRED IN 1991 FROM THE NAVY RESALE IN AUBURN, WA.

I WAS STILL MARRIED TO MARY ANN AND WE LIVED IN TORRANCE WHEN MATTHEW WAS BORN ( FEBRUARY 3, 1970)

IN TORRANCE, CA. SHE DECIDED TO LEAVE IN 1971. AND LEFT ME WITH THE CHILDREN. SHE WENT OFF WITH A GIRL FRIEND NAMED VIRGINIA ELDEAN AND DIDN'T RETURN FOR ALMOST A YEAR. WE WERE MARRIED ABOUT 10-11 YEARS BEFORE THE DIVORCE BECAME FINAL. THE HOME IN TORRANCE WAS SOLD AND THE KIDS TAKEN FROM ME. THE REST OF THE STORY REMAINS UNTOL , WHICH IS BEST. A BAD MEMORY.

I ALSO WORKED FOR A COMPANY CALLED ELDON FIBERGLASS MFG AND MATTEL ENGINEERING (FOR MY DAD). THESE TWO JOBS LASTED ABOUT 3 YEARS (1968-1971).

MY NEXT JOB WAS WITH A COMPANY CALLED VERNITRON. I WAS THEIR TRAFFIC MANAGER. THEY LATER BECAME ITL WHICH HAD A PLANT IN SINGAPORE. THIS COMPANY GAVE ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL A LOT IN THE UNITED STATES AND OVERSEAS. I STAYED WITH THEM FROM 1972 UNTIL 1976. I MET MY BEST FRIEND, ATTILA, WHILE AT ITL WHO WORKED FOR 3M IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN. WE STILL REMAIN FRIENDS AND KEEP IN TOUCH.

AND NOW THE BEST PART OF MY LIFE

I MET TERESA IN 1974 AT A PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS DINNER IN REDONDO BEACH, CA. THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF MY REAL LIFE. I FOUND "MY GIRL" - THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. WE WERE TOGETHER FROM 1974 UNTIL 2015 WHEN SHE PASSED FROM DEMENTIA AND PARKINSON'S DISEASES. MY GREATEST LOSS.

I HAVE TOLD THE STORY OF OUR MEETING AND LONG TIME RELATIONSHIP IN A SEPARATE STORY (78 PAGES AND ONGOING). THERE ARE MANY STORIES. THE KIDS WILL SHARE THESE WITH YOU. THIS IS ALSO TERESA'S LIFE, AS BEST I KNEW,

WHEN I MET TERESA SHE HAD A DAUGHTER, JENNIFER (2), BORN IN 1972. THIS MADE MY FAMILY COMPLETE, 2 GIRLS AND 3 BOYS. WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED.

TERESA HELPED ME THROUGH SOME VERY DIFFICULT TIMES AFTER THE DIVORCE FROM MARY ANN. SHE WAS MY ROCK, ALWAYS POSITIVE, NEVER COMPLAINING. THE KIDS LOVED HER AND SHE LOVED THEM UNCONDITIONALLY. SHE ALWAYS PUT FAMILY FIRST.

TERESA WAS A POSTULATE AT THE "SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH IN ORANGE, CA. SHE SERVED FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS BEFORE LEAVING TO HAVE A SECULAR LIFE. SHE MARRIED JIM ARMOUR FROM WHICH CAME JENNIFER. THEY WERE DIVORCED AFTER ABOUT A YEAR. LUCKY FOR ME.

IN 1974 TERESA ASKED ME TO MOVE INTO HER APARTMENT WITH HER AND JENNIFER. SHE LIVED ON AIRPORT BLVD IN WESTCHESTER, NEAR THE L.A. AIRPORT. TERESA WORKED FOR WESTERN (17 YEARS) AND DELTA (14 YEARS) BEFORE RETIRING IN 2001, IN SEATTLE. A TOTAL OF 31 YEARS. A GREAT CAREER WHICH ALLOWED US TO TRAVEL A LOT ALL OVER THE WORLD. THE BENEFITS WERE WONDERFUL. SHE HAD GOTTEN HER DEGREE IN ENGLISH FROM COLLEGE. SHE WAS THE SMARTEST PERSON I HAD EVER MET, AND VERY HONEST WITH EVERYONE.

MY NEXT JOB WAS WITH A COMPANY NAMED TRANSEQUIP. THEY MADE FIBERGLASS GUN SHIELDS. I WAS IN CHARGE OF THEIR LOGISTICS DEPARTMENT. I STAYED ABOUT TWO YEARS FROM 1976-1978. IT WAS A GOOD JOB AND CLOSE TO HOME.

WE PURCHASED A HOME IN 1977 IN WESTCHESTER. IT WAS AN OLDER HOME WITH 2 BEDROOMS. SMALL, BUT COMFORTABLE.

IN 1978 TERESA CAME HOME TO TELL ME THAT WESTERN HAD ABOLISHED SOME SHIFTS AND SHE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSFER ANYWHERE IN THEIR SYSTEM. WE CHOSE SEATTLE AND MOVED WITHIN 30 DAYS. OUR HOME SOLD FAST.

WE BOUGHT A NEW HOME IN FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON. IT SERVED US WELL FOR 12 YEARS (1978-1990). I WORKED FOR THE FEDERAL WAY FIRE DEPARTMENT (AS A VOLUNTEER) FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS SERVING AS A LIEUTENANT. IT WAS THE MOST REWARDING JOB OF MY LIFE. I WORKED FOR RENTON CONCRETE (6 MONTHS) AND ex CORPORATION (2 YEARS) IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES (1978-1981). THEN I WORKED FOR NORDSTROM AS THEIR CORPORATE TRAFFIC MANAGER (1982- 1983). MY FINAL JOB WAS WORKING FOR THE U.S. NAVY AS THEIR LOGISTICS MANAGER (1983-1991) FROM WHERE I RETIRED. WE BOUGHT ANOTHER HOME IN FEDERAL WAY AND LIVED THERE FROM 1990-1993. TERESA HAD BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS ATLANTA, GA IN 1993.

IN 1993 WE MOVED TO GEORGIA WHERE TERESA WAS GIVEN A NEW POSITION WITH WESTERN/DELTA. IN 1997 I HAD A QUADRUPLE BI-PASS AND TERESA WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSON'S. WE TOOK THIS IN STRIDE AND CONTINUED OUR LIVES. WE MADE LOTS OF FRIENDS AND HAD A BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME IN FAYETTEVILLE, GA. I WORKED FOR THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIX GROCERY STORES, PART TIME. TERESA AND I DID BBQ'S OUT FRONT EVERY WEEKEND. WE DID A VETERAN'S BRICK PROJECT WHICH WAS WELL RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNITY. TERESA WAS ALWAYS THERE, BESIDE ME, TO HELP. SHE WAS THE HIGH LIGHT OF MY LIFE, AND A GREAT ORGANIZER, AND SPEAKER. ALWAYS A SMILE AND TWINKLING EYES. ENJOYED BY EVERYONE SHE MET.

TERESA STARTED HER NEW JOB IN 1993 WITH DELTA IN ATLANTA, GA. WE TRAVELED A LOT ON CRUISES AND TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. WE ENJOYED EVERYWHERE WE WENT AND MET LOTS OF NICE PEOPLE. TERESA WAS ALWAYS AT HER BEST. SHE DRESSED BEAUTIFULLY AND ALWAYS MADE ME PROUD TO BE SEEN WITH HER.

AFTER TERESA RETIRED IN 2001 WE WAITED UNTIL 2003 AND MOVED TO DENVER TO BE CLOSER TO THE BOYS. I FIGURED WE WOULD PROBABLY NEED A JOB AND THEY BOTH HAD COMPANIES IN THE DENVER AREA. WE WORKED FOR MIKE ABOUT 8 YEARS, AND JAY ALWAYS SUPPORTED TERESA AND I. OUR BOYS WERE ALWAYS THERE FOR US. TERESA FELL IN 2012 (JUNE 24TH, PM) AND SHATTERED HER LEFT KNEE, (BADLY), IN OUR GARAGE.

IN 2003 WE MOVED TO HERITAGE EAGLE BEND IN AURORA. COLORADO, A SENIOR CITIZEN, GATED COMMUNITY. WE LOVED LIVING THERE. IT WAS A PERFECT LOCATION.

FROM 2003 UNTIL 2012 WE DID WHAT WE WANTED AND LIVED THE SENIOR LIFE. AFTER 2012 TERESA WAS RELEGATED TO AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY. SHE NEVER COMPLAINED. EVER. THIS STORY IS TOLD SEPARATELY/

ON DECEMBER 13, 2015 TERESA PASSED FROM THIS WORLD. I COULD WRITE ABOUT HER FOREVER, BUT SUFFICIENT TO SAY--¬I WAS A VERY LUCKY PERSON TO HAVE HER IN MY LIFE FOR SO MANY YEARS. I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT HER, BUT KNOW IN MY MIND AND HEART. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME, AND I WITH HER.

SINCE 2015 MY LIFE HAS BEEN SAD AND LONELY, BUT I KNOW TERESA IS WITH ME ALL THE TIME. I CHERISH THE YEARS WE HAD TOGETHER. OUR HOME AT HERITAGE IS FILLED WITH MANY HAPPY MEMORIES OF OUR YEARS TOGETHER. SCRAPBOOKS AND PICTURES FILL OUR BOOK SHELVES, AND WALLS, OF THE FAMILY AND OUR TRAVELS. I HOPE THAT OUR CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS KEEP TERESA AND I IN THEIR MINDS AND HEARTS.

I LOOK AT TERESA'S PICTURE ALL THE TIME IN OUR FRONT ROOM, AND HER OFFICE, AND TALK WITH HER EVERY DAY. I MISS HER ..... A LOT ...

A memorial service for Randolph will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM, Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Mills family.