Obituary of Randolph Kessler

Dr. Randolph M. Kessler passed away March 16, 2017 due to complications from a stroke experienced in March, 2014. While this devastating medical episode stole his ability to care for his patients, he inspired everyone who witnessed his unparalleled effort to regain the ability to perform the simple tasks that others take for granted. Randy was born on October 3, 1950, in Vancouver, Washington and graduated from Columbia River High School in 1968. He received his undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington (Seattle). He joined the staff of his Alma Mater as a Professor of Physical Therapy. He co-authored a preeminent textbook, Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders, which is still used by students and healthcare professionals throughout the country. After graduating from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1983, Randy moved to Salt Lake City to complete his Surgical Residency at the University of Utah Medical Center from 1983-1988. He moved to Albuquerque in 1988 and completed his Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of New Mexico in 1990. He met Dawn Nakamura during his fellowship and they were married in August, 1990 in Corrales, New Mexico. He began his career as a surgeon at the University of New Mexico Hospital and in November 1995 he joined and practiced at Colorado Cardiovascular Surgical Associates, P.C. Randy and Dawn moved to Boulder in early 2012 where he served as Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Boulder Community Hospital until March 2014. Randy specialized in Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery. He was Board Certified in Thoracic Surgery and General Surgery. Randy epitomized a “Renaissance man.” He had many passions including cycling, music, cooking, classic cars, and fine wines. He was an accomplished runner, fly fisherman and back-country skier. Randy was well read and thoroughly enjoyed literature. Although he was an introvert, his quick wit and dry sense of humor often caught the unsuspecting off guard. His commitment to and compassion for his patients inspired his constant quest for knowledge and excellence in his profession. He is survived by his wife Dawn, son David, daughter Tera (Frank) Costanza, his granddaughter Brooklyn, his beloved sister Barbara Simon and brother-in-law Norman Simon, sisters Marlene (Bob) Cohen, Wendy (Roger) Mikota, Rebecca Kessler, and Julie (John)Baxter. He was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Kessler and his parents Max and Theresa (Tess). He is also survived by his in-laws Juanita and Manuel Lourenco, Judith Nakamura, Cathryn Campbell and Steven (Marlene) Nakamura, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Rosemary Powers, his private caregiver, companion and friend. Rosemary Powers was a true blessing and cared for him as she would have a family member. Randy’s family will be forever grateful to the staff at Clermont Skilled Nursing for the kindness, care, compassion and love that they showed Randy the last few years. Randy’s life will be celebrated and honored April 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be held at Temple Sinai, 3509 S. Glencoe Street, Denver. Memorial contributions may be made to the Randy Kessler Memorial Fund at National Jewish Health, www.nationaljewish.org/giving or by calling 303-728-6560. Donations may also be made to https://www.bicyclecolorado.org/join-us/donate/in-memory/ or by mail to Bicycle Colorado, 1525 Market Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202.