Max Baucus: “I want to talk today about a friend, Randy Bellingham, who lived life to the fullest--in his work, in his play, in his…”

“I want to talk today about a friend, Randy Bellingham, who lived life to the fullest--in his work, in his play, in his personal relationships. And because of the way he lived, the sense of loss for those who knew him, is that much greater. He was a decorated combat veteran of Vietnam. He was an avid outdoorsman. He was a superb lawyer. He was a cancer survivor. And he was a dedicated father. But to simply look at these achievements and call Randy a great man would not be doing him justice. Randy will best be remembered for what he gave to those around him. His honesty, strength, courage, and understanding are qualities that brightened the days and lives of those he worked with and loved. Though he was a busy man, he took the time to counsel those who suffered from cancer. Randy used his own experiences combatting the disease to help ease the pain of others. He changed the lives of everyone he knew. And now we are living monuments to his life. We will carry the memory of this great man with us in our hearts and in our minds always. There is no remedy for the pain we feel when we lose a friend in the prime of his life. We search for meaning in such events, and pray that God has some higher purpose. I do not claim to know the answer to such questions. But I do know that Randy made the very most of every day of his life. And to me, that is the greatest achievement one can claim. Sadly, Randy leaves behind a young family, his wife Mary Ann and his daughter Brynn.”