Obituary of Randall W. Dahl

Randall “Randy” Wilson Dahl died in the hands of his family on May 3^rd, 2023.  He was 77.

Randy was born December 11^th, 1945, to parents Clifford W. and Evelyn Rainey Dahl and grandparents Chris and Mary Dahl and Cleve and Anna Rainey.  He graduated Champaign Central High School (IL) in 1964 and the University of Illinois in 1968 with a degree in psychology and as a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.  He went on to obtain master’s degrees and his Doctorate in Education from the University of Kentucky in 1981.

He married Ellen Hartman in 1968 after meeting at the University of Illinois.  Throughout their marriage, they lived in Bloomington IN, Amherst MA, Lexington KY, Tuscaloosa AL, Stillwater OK, Richmond VA, and Al Ain UAE.  In 2012 he retired to Hilton Head, SC.

Randy was a dedicated husband, father, Poppy, and friend.  He was a dad that loved to plan a family vacation as much as going on the vacation, making sure to have the itinerary printed and constantly updating his spreadsheets.  He truly loved his role as Poppy for his two grandchildren, making sure to attend every event possible.

Randy was a rock for his family and all their friends, being supportive and taking on any cause to help.  He enjoyed visiting his nieces and nephews and their children across the country.  His quick wit and humor were well known to all.

He was a true advocate for education, keeping the best interests of students at the forefront of his work.  Students across the globe have benefitted from his work making sure that access to education was available to anyone that wanted to learn.  His intelligence and curiosity led him to be a lifelong connoisseur of NPR and the news, and he was always ready to listen to anyone with a good story.

Randy and Ellen loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and 38 countries.  They loved the opportunity to see new places and cultures wherever they went.

Randall W. Dahl is survived by his daughter and son in law Amanda and Chris Urban; grandchildren Hadley and Nate Urban of Hilton Head, SC; son and daughter in law Andrew and Taryn Dahl of Louisville, KY; brother Dennis Dahl; and sister Diane Parker plus extended family across the country.

Randy will be mourned by family and friends in private.  The family plans to honor him with a celebration of life at a later date, with details to follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate to your local NPR station, the American Cancer Association, or seaturtlepatrolhhi.org.