Randall Effner

Jamestown turns out to remember

The immediate family of Randall Effner in front of his photo are, from right, daughter Sara Effner, wife Dianna Effner, son Ivan Hobbs, and daughter Lela Street. Randall and Dianna have 12 grandchildren.
The immediate family of Randall Effner in front of his photo are, from right, daughter Sara Effner, wife Dianna Effner, son Ivan Hobbs, and daughter Lela Street. Randall and Dianna have 12 grandchildren.

The event held to celebrate the life of Randall Effner, who died Oct. 6, at the age of 67, saw a very good turnout of the Jamestown community, as well as friends and family from near and far. The event was at the Jamestown Community Building, with the gathering beginning at 6 p.m., and the program at 7. With a variety of food and desserts to suit everyone, those present visited, considered the photo displays and dined before the program began.

The program began with a video done several years ago of family members singing and performing on several instruments. Following the video, Dianna Effner spoke on "Life with Randy." Daughters Sara Effner and Lela Street also spoke."

"Thank you all for joining us this evening at this special gathering to remember, honor and consider the life accomplishments of Mr. Randall Effner, our dear husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor, " Dianna said. "Whatever the relationship you had to this quiet, humble man you have probably experienced his kind-hearted, fair-minded, calm, direct attention that was his usual manner. If you didn't know him personally I wish you could have."

She went on to talk of first meeting Randy when they were in college in their early 20s, his health problems, keeping in touch after graduation.

After he followed her suggestion of the macrobiotic diet, Randy not only changed his diet, and avoided pharmaceuticals and alcohol, he also changed his way of thinking. Studying the philosophy of George Ohsawa, he accepted challenges and trials with joy and gratitude and taking full responsibility for your own health and happiness. She said Randy entered a quest for health and wholeness (physical, mental and spiritual health), became careful of his diet, activities and personal habits, and continued to study and live life based on high ideals and principals. Eventually, he became a licensed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"He found it necessary to live his life in a righteous manner and stay on the narrow path," Dianna said. "In his book he makes this statement, "I will never know for sure why I got sick but I do know this. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Without getting sick I would never have learned the great spiritual principles that have so profoundly enriched my life.'"

Dianna reported that Randy lived a long and adventurous life, from a low point at age 23, become a husband, father, mechanic, business man, carpenter, musician, mold maker, herbalist and grandfather. His book, "The Road To True Health," also made him an author. Dianna said she was proud to participate in much of this adventure of life. They moved in 1980 from suburban Illinois to Moniteau Farm, a rural homestead community near Jamestown, where he built a log house and began the family's mold business.

She shared a selection of songs he wrote. He wrote both poetry and songs, receiving awards entered in the Great American Song contest. As the recordings were played, a selection of photos from Moniteau Farms were on the screen.

Daughter Sara related how her father's way of life influenced and encouraged her to live her life "doing what's right without expecting others to notice." Intrigued by Falun Gong, a peaceful meditation group that caused alarm for the Chinese government, he thought that if the Communist regime was against it, it must be good. He supported the group, edited a website reporting the persecutions of the people and wrote and performed songs at rallies around the U.S. At one point, Sara traveled to China to protest the persecutions.

Following Sara's remarks, the song "Plum Blossoms in the Snow" was played. It was inspired by an Effner friend who died upholding his belief in Falun Gong. Plum blossoms represent perseverance, hope and renewal for Chinese. "This is also one of the many deep impressions my Dad's life has given me" said Sara. "I am truly grateful for these precious gifts that will remain in my heart forever."

"We all miss him dreadfully," said Dianna. "Thank goodness for all the wonderful memories."