Randall Beckner

Randall (Randy) Beckner, of Missoula, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at Providence Hospital. He was 72 years old.

He was born August 25, 1952, in Las Vegas, NM, to Clayton and Margie Beckner, the second of five boys. His lifelong passion for the ocean was informed by a childhood spent fishing and playing in the waves at various naval bases in the Pacific, including Wake Island, Guam, and Honolulu.

In 1971, he and a friend hitchhiked from Stillwater, Oklahoma to Helena, Montana. His friend kept going; Randy stayed. It was in the Queen City of the Rockies where he discovered the wonderful community of artists, craftsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts who would go on to influence many aspects of his life.

Kind and patient by nature, and ever a child at heart, he began teaching at Head Start in Helena while receiving his degree in Pre-K Education from Carroll College. In the mid-seventies, he began bartending at the local community-hub, The Windbag Saloon. He would go on to own and operate The Windbag for thirty years. The number of lively conversations to have taken place under its pressed-tin ceiling is beyond estimation.

In 1991 he met the love of his life, Gail Wallis. They married at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake in September of 1992.

Many knew Randy through his wide-ranging athletic pursuits. Always an avid cyclist, he raced road and mountain bikes for much of his life. In the late eighties, he was introduced to the sport of triathlon. Immediately, he began competing in IronMan races, in which one swims 2.5 miles, cycles 112 miles, and runs a marathon. He qualified for the IronMan World Championships in Kona, HI, numerous times, medaling in his age category several years in a row.

In the winter months, Randy acted as a vital member of the Montana cross country ski community. An experienced groomer and wax technician, he was seen by many as a generous mentor in the sport, always happy to lend a hand and share in his expertise. In 2008, Randy competed in the Masters Cross Country Skiing World Championships in McCall, Idaho, taking the gold medal in the 30 kilometer skate, as well as leading the United States to third place in the relay.

For Randy, home was wherever he could watch the sun rise while sipping some very hot coffee. He was a born traveler. Later in life, he and Gail made many trips in their beloved (at times ill-tempered) tow-along camper to the canyon land around Zion National Park. They once made it all the way down to the deserted sands and the dark blue waters of the Baja Peninsula.

Randy's life, in all its various aspects, was rooted by one innate characteristic: his complete, enduring love of experience. As a father, he took the time and care to enkindle this love within his son, where it lives on. As a husband and as a friend to so many, he carried it into each passing day, and brightened the world with his spark.

Randy is survived by his wife, Gail; his son, Landen (Nico) Beckner; his granddaughter, Maggie Rain Beckner; and his four brothers, Ron, Steve, Mike, and David.

Those who wish to celebrate Randy and trade a story or two may attend the Pattee Canyon Loppet - Randy Beckner Memorial Ski Race on Sunday, February 16. Races will take place from 9:30 to 4. Stories and memories will be shared throughout the day.