In Memory

Randall Pike VIEW PROFILE

Information provided by Tonya Luck Lewis

Survived By: He is survived by two daughters, Amanda Pike of Rochester and Monica Pike of Eyota; a son, Tanner of Rochester; his mother, Donna Kramer of Rochester; a sister, Susan Pike of Rochester; and three brothers, Roger (Barbara) of Eyota, Jeff of Waseca, Minn., and Jerry (Carrie) of Eyota. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald, and a sister.

Randall Steven Pike was born Jan. 8, 1959, in Rochester, and was a 1977 graduate of John Marshall High School. He began performing music at age 15 and continued until his death. He performed with numerous bands, including "Jerry's Silver Kings," and most recently with "Smokin' Coyotes." He also coached youth hockey and enjoyed fishing, hunting and watching sports.

By Christina Killion Valdez Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN:  Although it was short, no one could say Randy Pike's life wasn't full. The longtime Rochester musician poured his heart into all that he did, as seen each time he got behind the drums. There, he'd let loose, keeping the beat with his long hair flying and his head banging. Then on June 27, less than a month after his last performance with the Smokin' Coyotes, Pike, who had suffered a heart attack, died at Saint Mary's Hospital. He was 49. "He wasn't just a great musician, he taught us a lot about being a good guy," said Ron Bublitz, singer and guitarist for the Coyotes. Beginning at age 15, Pike played in a variety of bands, including Jerry's Silver Kings, which he took over after his father died. Yet even while on stage, Pike kept his eye to the crowd. "He would be so happy to see you come he'd tap his cymbal and point a stick at you," said Pike's brother Jerry Pike of Eyota. Pike also brought audience members up on stage for their birthdays, Bublitz said. At home, birthdays were a big deal, too, said Pike's daughter Amanda. Even for her 26th birthday this year, Pike threw her a big party. "He always wanted to get people together," agreed Pike's daughter Monica Pike, 24, recalling cookouts and pool parties hosted by her dad. "He always made our childhood so much fun." Having a dad with long hair also made their childhood unique. "We learned to French braid on his hair," Monica said. "Amanda would get one side, and I'd get the other." Then there was Pike's one-of-a-kind laugh and off-the-wall humor. "He was a big kid," said Pike's son, Tanner Pike, 17. When he'd set up the Crocodile Mile "slip-and-slide," he'd be the first one to try it out, Amanda remembered. He was also the best story and joke teller, said Pike's brother, Jeff Pike of Waseca. He could imitate anyone, including Scooby Doo and Donald Duck, he said. Sometimes Pike pretended to be the pool boy; other times he could be found creating "art on the lake," which consisted of lighters and gas. "He was the life of the party, and he was sober," Jeff Pike added. "He had been sober for 25 years." And while his life took some serious turns, Pike always kept going, holding close to his heart his love for his family and friends, music, sports and the outdoors, said family members, who also include his mother Donna Kramer of Rochester, sister Sue Pike of Rochester and brother Roger Pike of Eyota. "Like anyone, he had his downs," Monica agreed. "But there were so many more positives and ups." Plus, if anyone else was down, he could make them feel better, she said. "His smile could light up a room."





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