Obituary of Rolland Randolph Megorden

Rolland Randolph Megorden (“Randy”)

December 25, 1944 – July 27, 2023

 

Randy Megorden passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023, due to effects of exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Vietnam War. Born to Arthur and Mary Megorden in Council, Idaho on December 25, 1944, he grew up in Riggins, Idaho with his parents, grandparents, and sister. 

 

Randy attended elementary school in New Meadows, Idaho and later the family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where he attended junior high. In the late 1950s they moved to Payette, Idaho where he attended high school and was a standout football player. After graduation he received a scholarship to play football for the Treasure Valley Community College and did so until he enlisted in the Navy, serving three years in the U.S. Naval Construction Force (“Seabees”) in Chu Lai and Danang, Vietnam. Upon returning home he went to the Oregon Technical Institute where he received a degree in surveying technology, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University. Later he attended Boise State University and furthered his specialization in electrical engineering. In 1976, Randy was hired by the Idaho Power Company where he enjoyed a career of over 30 years in construction, engineering, and substation design. Highlights of his career at Idaho Power include refurbishment and expansion of the American Falls Dam and Brownlee Power Plant. Randy met his wife Karen, a landscape architect, while the two were assigned to work together on a project at American Falls and fell in love over a summer of water skiing in Randy’s old 1960s fiberglass boat. It has been Randy’s lifelong insistence that Karen married him for his boat. 

 

Randy loved the great outdoors and enjoying all it had to offer, including: fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, rafting, and four-wheeling. His other great passion was “the Ranch,” an 80-acre property in southeast Meridian, Idaho that he and Karen bought in 1991. He loved working with his cattle, horses (especially Buck), irrigating morning and night, and the peace and solace it brought even after long days at work. His love and understanding for ranch life came from formative years working on his uncle Johnny Carrey’s cattle and sheep ranch in Riggins and the Seven Devils Mountains. He spent his childhood summers packing salt to the family’s cattle that grazed in the Seven Devils, leaving before sun rise and returning each night after dark. These were among his best memories.   

 

Randy had many interests over his lifetime but his strong work ethic, self-disciple, dedication to family, respect for his fellow man, gentle humility, and simple acts of kindness were steadfast. His joy in sharing stories, his smiling face, and genuine friendly self were a constant to all who knew him. 

 

His family meant the world to him. His children were his pride and joy and he loved them unconditionally. While busy working and running the Ranch he always found time to be at school events, sport meets, or to haul horses and llamas to 4-H activities. His time, involvement, and enduring encouragement were appreciated by his children. He was a constant companion for his wife of 44 years, enjoying outdoor activities together, ranch life, and helping her with many landscaping projects over the years. Randy was always a good sport with every project, doing the heavy lifting and making each endeavor come to life with his practical skills and many talents.  

 

Randy is survived by his wife Karen; son Brandon; daughter Lacey; and his sister Colina Stanton. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mary Megorden.

 

At his request, there will be no services and he will rest at his favorite childhood location in the Seven Devils Mountains.

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