Recollections of Randall
By Lt. Tracy L. Daniel

I first met Randall in the autumn of 1981 when I hired on with the Department and was assigned to Oklahoma County. There was a very tough District Chief-that "rode herd" over the boys of the 5th District at that time and Randall was one of the senior rangers in the district. Needless to say, myself and James Champeau who hired on at the same time in Logan County often looked to, and sought Randalls' advice on how to get along and avoid conflict with our Chief. During my three year tenure there I got along very well and much of the credit is due to the man known as Ranger 502 at that time.

I was fortunate to go on numerous hunting and fishing adventures throughout Oklahoma, and other states with Randall and others. They are certainly some of the most pleasant memories of my life and I hope his as well. I remember the very first one was a pheasant hunt to Texas County and we camped out below Optima Dam. Boy, was it ever cold camping out in December on the high plains of Oklahoma! It was my first time to chase ringnecks in the Oklahoma panhandle and I've been hooked on it ever since. The first day myself, Randall, James Champeau, and another friend by the name of Mike Devlin all limited by mid-morning. At that time, you could legally go to Kansas and take a limit of roosters up there. James and Mike decided that they would give the "Sunflower State" birds a go, but Randall and I were a little to "tight and broke" to buy a non-resident license, so we chose to hunt quail and rabbits on Optima WMA. We had a great day and almost got our limit of "bobs and bunnys" that afternoon. However, the thing I remember the most that day is the pleasant conversation we had. There just seems to be something about a hunting trip that often allows a man to open up, and bare his soul somewhat. I didn't have any children at that time and had never really given it much thought up to that point. I can still recall Randall talking about his son Marshall who would have only been one or two years old at the time. I soon detected a slight sense of homesickness on his part as he continued to talk about that little boy. He couldn't wait for him to get a little older so he could take him hunting and fishing! Now that I have had children of my own, and a son that really enjoys the outdoors, I certainly understand the homesick feelings you get when your away, and the excitement and anticipation you share with your wife in watching them grow and mature. Marshall and Riley rest assured you made your Dad very proud!

Reflecting back, probably the most important thing I learned from Randall Reigh in the 23 years I knew him was the value of cultivating and maintaining friendships. He was truly dedicated to taking the time to pick up the phone and call you to meet for lunch, have a coke, or just meet and visit. Up in the north-central part of Oklahoma, Randall was not only the Chief of the 5th District, but also the Chief of the 9th District. Now I know some of you Wardens are probably wondering what I'm talking about, but yes, there is another District. I won't tell you who belongs to it, but we meet pretty regular to eat and fellowship with one another and our families. Randall was the glue that kept us together by taking the time to organize our fish fry's and cookouts, and letting us all know about it. Gary, Are you ready to be the new Chief?

Randall Reigh was a loyal and true friend who I was blessed and privileged to know, and to share my life with for more than 23 years. My friend, I will miss your ready smile, and your loud booming voice, but every time I get to work with Marshall I see a whole lot of you in him, so it's
almost like you haven't departed from us.          God Bless!