Randall S. Estness, 65, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away after a difficult journey with pancreatic cancer while surrounded by family at Riverside Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Randall (Randy) grew up in Duluth, Minnesota where he married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Laurie Estness. His service in the Air Force moved him and his wife to Virginia where they raised 2 children they couldn’t be more proud of. Randy later worked for the City of Newport News and spent the last 20 + years with York County; recently retired as the Stormwater Division Superintendent.
Randy loved life, known for his infectious laugh and kindness. He enjoyed golfing with friends, freshwater fishing and was an avid pool player with his daughter, Samantha Gilliland (Estness), for the past 25 years. Randy was also a member of the American Pool Association. He cherished the friendships he made over the years and always enjoyed the moments shared amongst family and friends. While he was looking forward to doing “Grandpa” things this summer with his grandchildren, we are grateful for the time we had.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laurie Estness; daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Travis Gilliland; grandchildren, Kylie Estness and Harley Gilland; son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Lauren Estness; grandchildren, Wyatt, Jaxsen and Rebecca Estness; brother, Gordon Estness of Fondulac, MN and sister, Judith Kelley of Duluth, MN.
Randy was cremated with no formal services, per his wishes. Instead, the family will be planting a tree in his memory and spending time together doing the things he enjoyed most, reliving memories made and making new ones.
Thank you to family and friends, as well as Jessica Cockrell, N.P. from Riverside Cancer Center, Dr. Yousef and the staff from the 5th floor Oncology Unit at Riverside Regional Medical Center for the care and support over the past 9 months.
