MOUNT VERNON – Randy H. Ridgeway loved going fast. He loved racing. Whether it was on the drag strip, oval dirt, on a snowmobile or one of his and Bonnie’s Harley Davidsons. Getting out to ride was probably one of the best therapies for Randy’s health.
After over two years of battling cancer; Randy received the checkered flag from our Lord on April 9, 2022 and heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Randy was born on March 31, 1961, to the late Clifford H. Ridgeway and Deanna M. Ridgeway (Brokaw) in Mount Vernon. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School and Knox County JVS in 1979.
Randy was an expert wrench-turner, which was evident years ago in 1979 when he competed in the National Plymouth Trouble-Shooting Competition in 1979 in Indianapolis.
He worked for Cooper Energy Services (Cooper Bessemer) from 1981 - 1999 in Sales and finally as an Instructor at the Mount Vernon Training Center. He then founded Engine Room International where he, as CEO, continued in the Natural Gas Compressor Industry as Consultant and Instructor; traveling both internationally and domestically. His skills were pivotal in the updates and repairs on the Country of Poland’s pipeline.
He wasn’t scared or worried when he chose to rescue an old fishing shack on Chautauqua Lake. With the help of neighbors, family and friends; he created a cozy home for himself, Bonnie and rescue poodles, Tron, Simon, Barbie and Gizmo. The cottage was lovingly named, “The Love Shack.”
Randy encouraged, assisted and helped wife, Bonnie, start Top Shop Designs & Apparel Creations in Lakewood, New York. He was always looking for new ideas and graphic techniques. He was definitely “N2Dtail”
Randy was a member of Owl Creek Baptist Church where he and wife, Bonnie Ridgeway (Beightol) grew up. In the most recent years, Randy has excitedly watched the growth of their current church, The Rock Church in Lakewood, NY.
Randy was a member of The Aladdin Shrine as well as Baldwin Local Shrine. He was also a member of Colonial City Moose - Mount Vernon, Ohio; Lakewood American Legion Post 1286 - Lakewood, NY; Lakewood Rod and Gun Club - Lakewood, NY; Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association - Celoron, NY; Lake Effect Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club - Sinclairville, NY; Southern Tier Riders Motorcycle Club - Kennedy, NY.
Randy loved riding snowmobiles with Bonnie, family and friends in the Winter and when the weather turned warm; he could be found enjoying the family boat or riding one of their Harleys.
Randy is proceeded in death by his Father, Clifford H. Ridgeway and Brother, Rusty Ridgeway.
He is survived by his Wife, Bonnie Ridgeway (Beightol); Mother, Deanna M. Ridgeway (Brokaw); Brother, Rick Ridgeway (Tammy) and Family; Five Step-children and their families.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Hospice of Chautauqua County and Roswell Cancer Institute for the care given to Randy for the past few years.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Owl Creek Baptist Church, 4044 Owl Creek Church Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
A Memorial Service and Graveside Service will be Friday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at Owl Creek Baptist Church.
Memorial Contributions may be made to any of the Clubs and Organizations that Randy loved or his Church - The Rock Church, Lakewood, NY.
Submitted by Bonnie Ridgeway.
