Randolph Kimberly Monroe

Randolph Kimberly Monroe, 85, passed away on September 21, 2025 at his long-time residence in Vail, AZ after a surprisingly strong 1.5 years on home hospice. He was born in South Haven, Michigan on November 8, 1939 to parents Randolph B. and Ruth A. Monroe. He left this life the way he lived it: with strength, courage and persistence.  

Randy survived many things: the premature deaths of his parents just 8 months apart when he was 21, a horrific motorcycle accident, recurrent melanoma, atrial fibrillation, a carbon fiber aortic valve replacement and a pacemaker/defibrillator insertion. He was inspired by all things mechanical.   

Randy was an avid reader and life-long learner. After retiring from a long-standing career as an automotive and transmission repair technician (also a water company operator and structural aircraft repair tech), he volunteered his time with his wife at a local hospital and enjoyed taking early morning walks with the dog. One of his most beloved pets, Elmer the Maine Coon cat, brought him much joy and comfort. 

He had innumerable impressive accomplishments: graduating high school at the age of 15, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, scoring a Mensa-level 179 IQ at the University of Arizona, serving in the Army at Ft. Huachuca while participating on the pistol team and then in the Army Reserve, 8th Battalion 40th Armor (tanks), opening the first Do-It-Yourself Garage in the country then A Randy’s Transmission and completing multiple El Tours de Tucson. But none were greater than his 54 years of marriage to his surviving spouse, Barbara “Bara” Monroe and raising his two daughters, Kimberly “Treacle” Lipko and Barbara (Bobbie) “Barbara Helen McSnit” Monroe, in whom he instilled a great sense of responsibility and excellence. 

Randy is also survived by his younger brother George Monroe and sister-in-law Cathy and two nephews, Stephen and Gary, and younger sister Cynthia Kirk and late brother-in-law Gary, one niece, Alisa and one nephew, Randy.   

Interment will be at Southern Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ.