Randy Stoker

Randy John Stoker

September 23, 1950 – January 8, 2018

With the sadness of a short-lived life the family regrets to inform all of our friends and associates of Randy J. Stoker’s death after a long battle with cancer on Monday, January 8, 2018 at the age of 67.  Randy was surrounded with loving family at the time of his passing.

Born in Burley, ID on September 23, 1950 to Gene and Shirley Stoker; he was the first born to the family.  Randy graduated from Minico High School as Salutatorian in 1968.  He was actively involved in debate, Order of DeMolay, National Forensic League, Radio Forensic Club, Student Body, Student Council Senate, House of Representative Speaker, IASC Representative, and a member of the school’s President Cabinet.  Yes … he was an overachiever! Randy’s work ethic and determination were evident at an early age.  He valued hard work, studious energy, and lots and lots of planning.

Post high school, Randy attended Whitman College for a year, transferring to the University of Idaho where he finished his undergraduate degree with a BS in Economics.  He attended Law School at the University of Idaho, where he (of course) did well and was selected for the Law Review.  He graduated in 1975 and passed the Bar that summer.  Little did he know, a prestigious law career awaited him in Twin Falls, Idaho. 

During law school, Randy met and married Patricia Robertson, and they welcomed their daughter Nicole in 1978. After moving to Twin Falls, he continued to build his legal prowess, reputation, and community involvement in an independent practice.  During his 28-year career as an attorney he was in partnership, firms, private practice, and was a public defender.  He married Connie Morgan in 1981 and was lucky to become Dad to two more lively kids Danika and Ryan.  He had a very successful career in law where he was recognized by his peers, a member of the American Inns of Court, and awarded many high-profile cases which he poured himself heart and soul into.  During this time, he met and married his soulmate Karen Etheridge and was lucky enough to have his family grow by two more kids, Scott and Tiffany.

His love of the law and wanting to make a broader impact in the judicial system was next realized in 2003 when he was selected by Twin Falls County to become a Magistrate Judge for the 5th District.  In 2007 he was appointed by the Governor as a District Judge, with re-election in May 2014.  He served with distinction, wisdom, and justice during his tenure. His community involvement included being a Mason and a Shriner. He loved those tiny bikes.  He was a self-professed workaholic who loved the law, loved serving his community and especially loved his family.  He leaves a legacy of discernment, fairness, tough love & creative thinking that will be hard to follow.
 

When not practicing law, or sitting on the bench, Randy loved to travel.  His travels included world-class SCUBA destinations, sunny Mexican beaches, road trips, and cabin getaways to the Stanley Basin.  He had a passion for snowmobiling, riding ATVs, driving fast in his corvette, SCUBA diving, horsing around with the grandkids as well as supporting them at sporting events, and playing in the dirt on his multitude of tractors.  His wife taught him the finer points of cowboying, with results not always to the best of his interests (he has a tall tale of being thrown off Brownie the horse).

On the side, Randy loved to tinker and build.  He took on “small” projects but his philosophy in life, bigger is better, often landing him in hot water with his wife but usually resulting in beautiful remodels, new homes, and a really big barn!

Outwardly confident, Randy was always concerned about doing the right thing, making the right choices, and not compromising his integrity.  He moved with wisdom and conviction not allowing popular opinion or social norm to corner him in his decisions.  He was a marshmallow inside and was generous beyond measure but humble enough that you would never know of his generosity. 

He leaves a legacy of love and a void in our hearts.  Randy is survived by his wife Karen, his parents Gene & Shirley Stoker, his mother-in-law Carla Turner, his sisters Vicki (Gary) Warrick & Sandy (Cliff) Hauptmann, his children Nicole (Matt) Cantrill, Danika (Ted) Severe, Ryan (Christina) Galbraith, Scott (Hillary) Pemberton, & Tiffany Pemberton.  His grandchildren Holden & Sawyer Cantrill; Teagen Severe; Payton, Preston, Braxton, Grady & Gracie Galbraith; Kilee (expecting the first great-grandbaby), Reagan, Abbie, & Bevyn Pemberton, and Aspan Pemberton.  In addition, there is a large extended family including brother & sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and two naughty horses Brownie and Grey.

Family, friends and others whose lives Randy touched are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 20th at the Twin Falls Reformed Church at 11am with a gathering to follow.  The family is requesting casual attire at Randy’s Celebration of Life; University of Idaho and College of Southern Idaho attire is highly encouraged.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City and the College of Southern Idaho Athletic Program.