Mahlon Keith Randall

Mahlon Keith Randall, 70, of Bigfork, MT died September 15, 2015 in Post Falls, ID of complications following cancer surgery. He was born September 5th, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA to Marvin and Vivian (Reed) Randall. When his dad completed his tour of duty in the U. S. Navy, the family moved to Great Falls, MT. Mahlon graduated from Great Falls High School class of 1963, was recipient of the Heisey Award, and was a representative at Boys State. He then went on to receive his B.S. in Industrial Technology at the University of Wisconsin, Stout in Menomonie, WI where he met his future wife Jean Bopp in freshman English class. After graduating with highest honors, they were married the next weekend on June 10, 1967. Mahlon and Jean moved to Rolla, MO while he pursued his Master’s degree. From there, his career started with Univac (Sperry Univac; Unisys) in 1968 in Roseville, MN, and worked there until his retirement in 2000. Other experience included two summer internships for General Motors in Michigan, and two special assignments in Los Angeles, CA in 1970 and 1990. Upon retirement in 2000, he relocated from Stillwater, MN to Bigfork, MT, where he served as President of the Ranch Water Board, and operated M&K Consulting in his retirement. Mahlon enjoyed auto racing, spurred by his family’s participation in Montana dirt track racing starting in the 1950’s, restoring classic cars, and time spent tinkering in his shop. In the 1970’s, he was involved with the Midwest Sprint Association, and continued to follow sprint car racing throughout his life. He was a passionate advocate for the “underdogs of life”, and as a result was constantly engaged in political and social dialogue to spur thought, debate, and engagement from others. His passion and intensity extended to many things in life, including his love of animals, and soft spot for dogs in particular. Mahlon was preceded in death by a son John Mahlon, his father Marvin Randall, and his sister Dana Randall Clapshaw. Survivors include his mother Vivian Randall, Great Falls, MT, his wife Jean Randall, Bigfork, MT, son Donald (Katie) Randall and granddaughter Mary Jean Randall, North Oaks, MN, brother Reed (Linda) Randall, nieces Lorie Lacher and Kerry Randall and nephew Guy (Debbie) Clapshaw all of Great Falls, MT, and nephew Kristopher (Elaine) Randall, Helena, MT, and many great nieces, nephews and extended family and friends he dearly loved. Donations may be directed to Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation to support the A.L.E.R.T. air ambulance service. Donations can be made online at http://www.kalispellregional.org/foundation/make_a_donation/index.cfm or by calling 406-751-6930. Memorial service will be 1:00pm Saturday, September 19, 2015 at First United Methodist Church, 610 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59403. (406) 453-3114. Pastor Nancy Slabaugh Hart officiating. A gathering will also be held at a later date in Bigfork, MT.