William Randall Canada (Randy) passed away on Monday, June 21,2021 in Dallas, Texas. He was born December 19, 1953 in Dallas, Texas to Roscoe and Helen Canada. Randy was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Larry. He is survived by his sisters Sandra Donaldson and husband Larry, Darla Shaffer and husband Tony, and two nephews Clint Shaffer and wife Autumn, and Kyle Shaffer and wife Lauren, and a host of longtime friends.
Randy grew up in Garland, Texas attending Williams Elementary through 2nd grade. The Canada family moved to Dallas where Randy attended Maple Lawn Elementary, Rusk Jr High, and Thomas Jefferson High School. After graduation, Randy enrolled at North Texas State University as a music major but found his passion in radio and television for which he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Radio, TV, and Film. While attending NTSU, Randy worked at the campus radio station (KNTU) holding positions including Announcer, DJ, Production Director, and Program Director while loving every minute of it.
After graduating from NTSU Randy dabbled in his small recording studio. A temporary position at the family business with his parents lead to a full-time job ending with his ownership and eventual retirement and closing the business in 2017 after its 60 years in operation.
Randy developed an interest in music as a young teen where he enjoyed listening to The Beatles, The Ventures, The Monkeys among other groups. He began playing the alto saxophone in 7th grade when he played in the Rusk JH band followed by the TJHS band. Randy got his first standard guitar while in Jr High and soon began playing the electric guitar. He and a group of classmates got together and created a musical group they called Brand X where they played at various talent shows, dances, and parties.
Old television shows were some of Randy’s favorites. He pretty much knew all the episodes from shows such as the 3 Stooges, The Beverly Hillbillies, Leave It to Beaver, the old Batman TV show, Dick Van Dyke, and MASH.
Comedy and fun filled his heart and mind while with his family and friends. Randy loved to laugh and make others laugh. In his high school 10-year reunion biography, Randy stated he was an inventor. When asked what he did after college graduation, he stated he moved back home, but he couldn’t get his parents to move out ending with, “After all, JR Ewing still lives at home.”
Randy had a huge heart. He had a great way of finding a commonality between himself and others, young and old, making it easy to relate and to get along with anyone. He often took the role of mentor, facilitator, and caretaker of the family as they were always at the top of his list. Randy will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the organization of your choice.