Randall Gerrard of Torrington, Conn., and Oak Bluffs died on August 17 in Torrington after a very long battle with esophageal cancer. He was 88 years old. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Solveig. For 32 summers, they were the king and queen of the porch at 1 Bayliss avenue in the Camp Ground. Randy’s favorite spot was sitting in his rocker on the end of the porch so he could direct traffic (often reminding drivers that they were going the wrong way!), greeting both neighbors and visitors, listening to emergency calls on his CB radio, reading every book in the Oak Bluffs library, sharing his favorite stories with those passing by, watching the birds on his feeders, and cuddling with grandchildren and then great-grandchildren. He always kept maps on the table next to his rocker to hand out to passersby, especially when he wasn’t able to work in the information booth any longer. This spot was the unofficial Oak Bluffs information booth annex!

Randy loved everything about the Vineyard and enjoyed it completely. From golfing at Edgartown Country Club, fishing at Wasque, clamming in Sengekontacket Pond, playing cards at the Senior Center, serving on the MVCMA board of directors, working in the information booth, he truly embraced everything the Island had to offer.

After retiring from Anaconda American Brass in Waterbury, Conn., Randy enjoyed teaching at Waterbury State Technical College for over a decade. He served his country with the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and then with the Army Reserves for many years.

In addition to his wife, Randy was loved by a son, Randall Gerrard Jr. and daughter in law, Pamela (Newth), and two daughters, Cinda Gerrard Hoyt and son in law, the late William Hoyt Jr. of San Jose, Calif. and Lorna Gerrard Sauter and son in law Harold Sauter of Nashua, N.H. He will also be missed by seven grandchildren: Emily Gerrard, James Gerrard, William Hoyt 3rd, Timothy Hoyt, Christopher Sauter, Katherine Sauter Fitzwater, and Elizabeth Sauter Henderson. In addition, he leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Mason and Samantha Hoyt, Lillie and Sadie Sauter, Abigail and Luke Fitzwater, and Piper and Maysie Henderson as well as a lifelong friend, Allyn Sedgwick.

Memorial contributions can be made to the The Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association: The Tabernacle Fund, P.O. Box 1176, Oak Bluffs.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit gleesonservices.com.

A memorial service to celebrate Randy’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the First United Methodist Church, 21 Fern Drive in Torrington, Conn.

How proud Randy was to share the cottage with his family and how grateful they are to have so many wonderful memories: family reunions, three grandchildren’s weddings, and countless more happy times. What a wonderful gift! Everyone will always remember him in his favorite spot, his rocker on the porch.