Randall (Randy) Ruotsala

Randy was born in Detroit, MI on August 24th, 1958 and lived in Royal Oak, MI, off and on until 8th grade before moving to the Copper Country (his happy place), where he graduated from Jeffers High School in 1977. Randy was a member of the United States National Guard for 10 years, the first 6 in Calumet, MI and the next four in Everett, WA. On September 20th, 1980 Randy married Kathy (Leinonen). In September of 1983 Randy and Kathy moved to the Pacific Northwest and have remained in Snohomish County (WA) since. Randy worked for various construction companies over the years, retiring in August of 2023.

Randy loved being outdoors. Whether he was fishing Washington and Michigan’s many streams, panning for gold along the Skykomish river, or metal detecting jewelry in Washington, and for copper in Michigan, he spent time doing what he loved undeterred by poor weather. He was a member of the Everett Rock & Gem Club, Washington Prospectors Club, and Pilchuck Treasure Hunting Club.

Randy is survived by his wife Kathy, son Isaac, son Derek (Cierra), his mother Dorothy Haapapuro, sister Regina Jarvi, and sister Roxanne (Bernie) Holstine, several nieces & nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a few great-great nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Gloria, and uncle Alan Ollanketo.

He is preceded in death by his son Ian, father Lloyd, stepfather Ken, brothers Roger, Ryan & Rodney, & brother-in-law Bill Jarvi.

Kathy and her family would like to thank the Palliative Care Doctors, Nurses, and Pastor Greg of Swedish Issaquah Hospital for the kind & compassionate care given to Randy.

A memorial is being planned for later this summer in the Copper Country.

“Your mercies are new every morning” -Lamentations 3:22-23

In lieu of flowers, please donate to cancer research in your local area.